CSV Import for Recipients

Overview

Instead of adding recipients one at a time, you can import multiple recipients from a CSV file. This is useful when onboarding a large list of employees, vendors, or other payees.

Accessing CSV Import

1. Navigate to ACH Drafter → Setup tab → Step 3: Recipients.
2. Click the Import CSV button.
3. The import modal opens with a drag-and-drop upload zone.

CSV Template

To ensure your file is formatted correctly, download the provided template:

1. In the import modal, click Download CSV Template.
2. Open the template in your spreadsheet application.
3. Fill in your recipient data following the column format.

Required Columns

Optional Columns

Uploading Your File

1. Drag and drop your CSV file onto the upload zone, or click to browse for the file.
2. The system parses the file and displays a preview.

Reviewing the Preview

The preview shows each row from your CSV classified as:

Error rows display a description of the issue (e.g., "Invalid routing number", "Name is required") so you can correct the data and re-upload.

If a Skipped row matches a recipient you previously archived, the details column tells you so by name and reminds you that you can unarchive them from the Recipients list (Show archived) instead of leaving them out.

Confirming the Import

1. Review the preview summary showing the count of valid, skipped, and error rows.
2. Click Import to add all valid rows as new recipients.
3. A success message confirms how many recipients were imported.

Skipped and error rows are not imported. You can fix any errors in your CSV and re-upload to add the remaining recipients.

Tips

• Save your CSV file with UTF-8 encoding to avoid character issues.
• Routing numbers must be exactly 9 digits. The system validates the check digit.
• Duplicate detection is based on the combination of routing number and account number.
• You can import recipients in multiple batches — new imports are added to your existing recipient list.

Importing a Batch of Payments from CSV

You can also use a spreadsheet to build an entire batch of payments in one step, without adding recipients first. From an open draft, click Add Batch → Import from CSV. FiSTWorks reads your file, matches each row to someone already in your recipient list, and lets you review everything before anything is created.

Payments Always Use the Saved Bank Details

When a row in your spreadsheet matches someone in your recipient list, FiSTWorks pays using the bank account already saved for that person — not the account number typed in the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet's name and account columns are only used to find the right match. Uploading a CSV never changes anyone's saved bank details.

When the Spreadsheet Doesn't Match What's Saved

Sometimes a row matches a recipient by name, but the routing number, account number, or account type in the spreadsheet is different from what's on file. When that happens, the row shows a warning listing exactly what's different.

You choose what happens for that payment:

• Do nothing — the payment uses the recipient's saved details (this is the default).
• Use the spreadsheet's details for this one batch — FiSTWorks pays this one transaction using the numbers from your file, but the saved recipient is never changed. You can undo this and go back to the saved details at any time before you confirm the import.

When Two Recipients Share a Name

If you have two saved recipients with the same name — for example, one company paid into two different accounts — a matching row can't tell which one you mean. The row will ask you to choose an account, showing you the account for each matching recipient (masked, for safety) so you can pick the right one.

Tip: Give recipients with the same name a distinct nickname, such as "Acme Co — Payroll" and "Acme Co — Operating." Nicknames show up everywhere recipients are listed, making them easy to tell apart.

When a Row Matches Someone You've Archived

If a row's bank details exactly match a recipient you previously archived, the review page flags it and asks what you'd like to do: Unarchive & use brings that recipient back and pays them as part of this import, Skip row leaves them archived and leaves that payment out, or you can link the row to a different recipient or create a new one instead.

Fine-Tuning After You Import

After the batch is created, you can still adjust any individual payment from the draft. Click the pencil icon on a payment line to:

• Change the payment amount.
• Make a one-time change to the name or bank details used for just that payment, without touching the recipient's saved information.