You can set up bank import rules to explain similar transactions in bulk on either imported or re-created bank statements via the Bank Explain screen.


The Bank Explain screen overview


Import Rules


You will need to create import rules with the details of the transactions you want to explain. Each import rule will require a 'search criteria', this search term will be cross-referenced with the descriptions of your transactions and determines whether the rule is applicable.  


Import rules are created automatically each time you explain a transaction on the Bank Explain screen. You can disable this automation on the Settings > Configure system > Toggle features > VAT & Bank import tool menu.


There are 2 ways to create import rules:

i. Money > Bank statements > Bank import rules


Click on the 'Create import rule' button.


You can create, edit and delete import rules manually from the Money > Bank import rules menu.


ii. Settings > Configure system > Toggle features > Tax & Bank Import Tool > Tick on Automatic rule creation. You can also enable Customise Import Rule creation. 



Search Criteria

Search type


Contains will use the generic search term you enter to bulk explain any transactions containing this search term. For example, below, the system will bulk explain all transactions containing 'Sales invoice' in the description.



Exact match (using * for wildcard) is to match transactions with the exact search term and any text in place of the *.


For example, a bank statement has the following description:


DDR 2024-12-01 AMAZON.CO.UK


There is a date in the description which is likely to change, so you can set up a rule to exclude the date text as: 


DDR * AMAZON.CO.UK


Note: In cases where the description of a transaction includes *. To prevent * from matching wildcards (any text), please input \*


For example, a bank statement has the following description:


DDR 2024-12-01 AMAZON*CO*UK


You will use the following rule with '\*' to dismiss the function of the * from being used as a wildcard: 

DDR * AMAZON\*CO\*UK



The search term field is case sensitive.


Action


The action can be set as either a transaction, transfer or refund. 



If 'Transaction' is selected, the transactions generated by the import rule will be prefixed REC for receipts and PAY for payments. 


If 'Refund' is selected, the transactions generated by the mass update will be prefixed SRF for receipts and PRF for payments. 


If 'Transfer' is selected, you will need to enter the bank you will be transferring money to or from.


Bulk explain transactions with import rule


Once you have created you import rules, you will be able to see when the rule is applicable to a transaction on the Bank Explain screen. The 'Save all matches' will appear to the right of the applicable rule. If you click on this button it will explain all transactions where the rule is applicable. 


The Mass update will only explain transactions on the statement you are viewing