Is a debit always a negative bank transaction?

Not in every document or accounting context. Determine the statement perspective and confirm how the amount changes the running balance.

Can I combine debit and credit into one amount column?

Yes, when the destination expects signed amounts, but define and test the sign convention before combining the columns.

What is the safest way to apply this guide?

Start with an authorised, unlocked digital statement and a small representative period. Confirm the source layout, preserve the original file, review the resulting rows against the PDF and complete identify the account type, test a known deposit, test a known payment, confirm balance direction before relying on the output.

Can this bank statement workflow be completely automatic?

Automation can reduce initial data entry, but it cannot remove source and review risk. Debit and credit labels can mean different things in a bank statement, ledger or card statement. Keep a human review step for important financial use.

Which records should be retained after using this workflow?

Retain the original statement, a reviewed master export, correction or mapping notes, control totals and the destination-specific file under your authorised retention policy. These records explain how the source became an Excel, CSV or QBO transaction model.

Debit, Credit and Balance Columns Explained

Understand debit, credit, withdrawal, deposit and running-balance columns so converted bank transactions keep the correct sign and meaning.