Cybooks

Connect a bank account

This guide explains how to connect your bank account to Cybooks for automatic transaction imports.

Cybooks uses GoCardless to securely connect to your bank and import transactions automatically. Once connected, new transactions flow into Cybooks daily, ready for reconciliation. You can connect multiple bank accounts, credit cards, or payment providers.

Connect a bank account via GoCardless

  1. In the sidebar, click Reconcile to open the Bank Accounts page.

  2. Click Add Bank Account.

  3. On the Add Bank Accounts page, use the Search by bank name or BIC field to find your bank.

  4. Select your bank from the search results. Each bank displays its name and BIC code.

  5. A Steps to Connect to GoCardless modal appears, showing the four-step process:

    • Accept the Terms of GoCardless
    • Login to Your Account
    • Verify your Bank Account
    • Provide Permissions to GoCardless

  6. Tick the checkbox to agree to GoCardless's end user terms of service.

  7. Click Connect now. You are redirected to your bank's website.

  8. Follow your bank's login and authorisation steps to grant Cybooks access to your account data.

  9. After authorisation, you are returned to Cybooks to finalise the connection in a three-step wizard:

    Step 1 -- Select an account (only shown if your bank has multiple accounts):

    • Select the bank account you want to connect. Each account shows its name, last four digits, and current balance.
    • Click Next.

    Step 2 -- Choose an import start date:

    • From the Import starting from dropdown, choose how far back to import transactions. Options include Today, 7 days ago, 30 days ago, 90 days ago (default), or Custom.
    • If you select Custom, a date picker appears. You can go back up to the maximum number of days your bank allows.
    • Click Next.

    Step 3 -- Name your bank:

    • Enter a display name for this bank account in Cybooks. The bank's name is pre-filled, but you can change it.
    • Click Finish & connect.

  10. Cybooks connects to your bank and begins importing transactions. Once complete, a success message confirms the connection.

  11. Click Go to your Accounts page to view the connected account, or click Connect another Bank to add more accounts.

Add a bank account without a bank feed

If your bank does not support a live bank feed, you can add a manual account and import transactions from a CSV file.

  1. In the sidebar, click Reconcile to open the Bank Accounts page.

  2. Click Add Bank Account.

  3. On the Add Bank Accounts page, click Add without bank feed in the top-right corner.

  4. A confirmation modal explains when a manual account is useful (for example, if your bank does not support a bank feed, or you need a petty cash account). Click Continue.

  5. Fill in the account details:

    • Bank name -- The name of your bank.
    • Account name -- A unique name for this account (for example, "business account").
    • Account type -- Select the type of account (Bank, Credit Card, or Cash).
    • Account number or Credit card number -- Depending on the account type, enter the account number or the last four digits of the credit card.
    • Currency -- Select the currency for this account.

  6. Click Add Account.

The account is created and you are taken to its detail page. You can now import transactions manually using a CSV file.

Reconnect an expired bank connection

GoCardless connections expire periodically and need to be renewed. When a connection expires, a warning banner appears on the bank account card on the Bank Accounts page.

  1. In the sidebar, click Reconcile to open the Bank Accounts page.

  2. On the affected bank account card, look for the warning message: "Your connection with GoCardless has expired."

  3. Click Connect now next to the warning.

  4. You are redirected to your bank's website to re-authorise the connection.

  5. After authorisation, Cybooks reconnects the account and resumes importing transactions from where it left off.

Frequently asked questions

How far back can I import transactions? The maximum depends on your bank. During the connection setup, Cybooks shows the maximum number of days available. The default is 90 days.

Can I connect multiple bank accounts? Yes. After connecting one account, click Connect another Bank on the success page, or return to the Bank Accounts page and click Add Bank Account again.

What happens if my bank connection expires? A warning banner appears on the bank account card. Click Connect now to re-authorise with your bank. Cybooks will resume importing transactions automatically.

Is my bank data secure? Cybooks connects through GoCardless, which is authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA reference 597190). Cybooks is a PSD2 Agent of GoCardless and never stores your bank login credentials.

What if I cannot find my bank in the search? If your bank is not listed, click Add without bank feed to create a manual account. You can then import transactions using CSV files downloaded from your online banking.

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