FreeAgent is used by UK sole traders and small business owners. A PDF statement is source evidence rather than a structured transaction-import file, so you may need a reviewed CSV or OFX working file.
Check before importing: accepted formats, bank-feed coverage and available history can change. Confirm the current FreeAgent requirements for your account, then preserve the original statement.
Step-by-Step: Import a CSV Bank Statement into FreeAgent
- Go to Banking → Bank Accounts
- Select the bank account you want to import transactions into
- Click Upload Bank Statement (near the top of the transaction list)
- Click Choose File and select your CSV
- FreeAgent will show a preview — confirm the column mapping
- Click Upload Statement
FreeAgent may suggest categories or flag possible duplicates. Review every imported row and avoid overlapping dates with an existing feed.
Converting PDF Bank Statements for FreeAgent
Since FreeAgent won't accept PDFs, you need to convert your bank statement first:
- Manual copy-paste: Gives you control but becomes repetitive and is vulnerable to missed or shifted rows.
- CSV from the bank: If your bank offers a suitable export, check it against the statement and FreeAgent's current column requirements.
- AI-assisted PDF-to-CSV conversion: BankScan AI can prepare a working file from supported formats. Review every row against the PDF and adjust it to FreeAgent's current import rules.
FreeAgent Import Tips for UK Sole Traders
- Column format: FreeAgent expects Date, Description, and Amount columns. If your bank uses separate Debit/Credit columns (like Barclays), combine them into a single Amount column before importing.
- Date format: FreeAgent expects DD/MM/YYYY. Some banks use DD MMM YY — convert these before importing.
- Duplicate detection: FreeAgent checks for duplicate transactions by amount and date. If you're re-importing historical data, be aware it may flag legitimate similar transactions as duplicates.
- Bank feed vs CSV import: If you've already connected a bank feed, FreeAgent may show imported transactions alongside fed transactions. Review carefully to avoid duplicates.
Convert Your Own Business Statements
The £3.99/month Sole Trader plan is for one UK sole trader or owner-operated small business that keeps sole-trader records. AI usage follows the monthly allowance shown in the app.
Start 7-day trial →Last updated: 8 May 2026. FreeAgent is a trademark of FreeAgent Central Ltd.