Glossary
Software & Integrations

Bank Feed

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 16, 2025

DEFINITION:

A bank feed is a direct, automated connection that imports bank transactions into accounting software in real time.
A bank feed is a software integration that automatically imports transactions from a bank account directly into accounting or financial management software. This connection enables real-time or daily syncing of deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, eliminating the need for manual data entry. Bank feeds support improved accuracy, speed up reconciliation processes, and provide up-to-date financial information. They typically require secure authentication with the bank and ensure that sensitive information is protected during data transfer. By leveraging bank feeds, organizations can reduce the risk of errors, detect discrepancies quickly, and maintain a clear view of their current financial position, all of which are essential for effective financial management.

Key Takeaways

  • Automates importing of bank transactions
  • Improves reconciliation accuracy and speed
  • Reduces manual data entry and errors
  • Enhances real-time financial visibility

Why It Matters

Bank feeds save time, reduce data-entry errors, and provide up-to-date financial data.

Real World Example

A small nonprofit manages multiple grants and donation accounts. Before using a bank feed, the treasurer manually downloaded monthly bank statements and entered each transaction into their accounting software, often leading to delays and errors. After enabling the bank feed feature in Aplos, transactions are imported daily and matched to the appropriate accounts. This not only saves several hours each month, but also improves the accuracy of their financial reports, making it easier to update the board and meet compliance requirements.

How Aplos Helps

In Aplos, bank feeds allow users to securely connect their bank accounts and automatically import transactions into their accounting records. This streamlines the reconciliation process, ensures data accuracy, and gives nonprofits and churches a clear, real-time understanding of their cash flow. Setting up a bank feed in Aplos is straightforward, making financial management more efficient for organizations of all sizes.
launch trading trade finance startup icon

Try it yourself. Start your 15 day free trial

No commitment or credit card required.

Try it For Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bank feed?

A bank feed is a secure connection that automatically imports transactions from your bank account into your accounting software.

How does a bank feed help with reconciliation?

Bank feeds import transactions automatically, making it easier to match them during bank reconciliation and reduce errors.

Is it safe to use a bank feed in Aplos?

Yes, Aplos uses secure authentication and encryption to protect your bank account information during data transfers.

Can I connect multiple bank accounts in Aplos?

Yes, you can set up bank feeds for multiple accounts to import transactions from each directly into Aplos.

Does a bank feed import historical transactions?

Most bank feeds will import recent transactions, and you may be able to specify a date range for historical data when first connecting.

Related Terms

Love Offering
Financial Ratio
State Franchise Tax
UBIT (Unrelated Business Income Tax)
Expense Allocation
Workers’ Compensation

Aplos has everything you need in one place for streamlined nonprofit and church management.

Start A Free Trial

Copyright © 2025 Aplos Software, LLC. All rights reserved.

Aplos partners with Stripe Payments Company for money transmission services and account services with funds held at Fifth Third Bank N.A., Member FDIC.

Aplos

Our StoryTeam AplosCareersReviewsContact UsSecurity

Resources

AcademyAPIPartnershipsReferral PartnersAplos StatusAplos Glossary

Products & Features

Nonprofit SoftwareChurch SoftwareNonprofit AccountingChurch AccountingDonor ManagementNonprofit CRMOnline DonationsFundraising SoftwareText to GiveBill PayPayrollPrepaid Cards

For Customers

Support CenterTraining CenterFind An Aplos Advisor

Compare Us

Compare Quickbooks® For NonprofitsCompare Quickbooks® For ChurchesCompare Sage Intacct For Nonprofits

Services

Nonprofit Bookkeeping ServicesChurch Bookkeeping ServicesImplementation Services
Start A Free Trial

Copyright © 2024 Aplos Software, LLC. All rights reserved.

Aplos partners with Stripe Payments Company for money transmission services and account services with funds held at Fifth Third Bank N.A., Member FDIC.

Legal StuffPrivacy Policy
California Consumer Privacy Act NoticeDo Not Share My Personal Information