How to switch to Okidoky
Switching doesn't have to be a hassle. Practical step-by-step plans for the three most common situations — including what stays the same, what changes, and help with questions along the way.
The familiar switching concerns
Before you start — these are the questions almost everyone has. We answer them below per path and in the personal support section.
Will I lose my historical data?
No. You can keep your old app saved/exported. In Okidoky you start either with an import, or with a clean slate.
What about recurring transactions?
You set these up again in Okidoky — usually 5-15 min of work. We show you which are most common.
What about categories and structure?
Okidoky has its own categories. You can adjust them to your habits or use our suggestions.
Do my reports still work in Okidoky?
Charts and overviews look different. Most users notice after 2 weeks that they prefer Okidoky's version — often clearer.
Which app are you coming from?
Each path has its own step-by-step plan, time estimate and tips. Click your current app to see the detailed plan.
From Excel to Okidoky
Most common switch — you already have structure, just not automated
You've probably built your own system — maybe a tab per month and a formula here and there. This plan keeps that thinking but removes the hassle: receipt scanning, importing your bank, and overviews without formulas.
This stays the same
- Your thinking: what's income, what's a cost, which categories you use
- Historical data (stays in your Excel file as backup/reference)
- Ownership: you remain fully in control of your data
This changes
- No more formulas — reports are automatic
- Receipt scanning now works, no more saving PDFs in folders
- Mobile entry becomes realistic — Excel on phone is a nightmare
Step-by-step migration
- 1
Export your current Excel as CSV (backup)
Open your ledger Excel, go to File > Save As > CSV. Save this file in a safe place. If anything goes wrong somewhere, this is your lifeline.
- 2
Create a free Okidoky account
Use the same email address you normally use for bookkeeping. Choose a strong password and turn on extra login security (recommended).
- 3
Review the default categories
Go to Settings > Categories. Adjust them to your Excel habits or leave them if they make sense. You can always change them later.
- 4
Import your CSV (optional)
If your Excel is a simple table (date, description, amount, category), you can import it. For more complex Excels (multiple tabs, formulas), starting manually is often faster.
- 5
Add your recurring costs
Subscriptions, rent, insurance — everything that goes out fixed every month. This is the most important step and takes ~15 min. From now on Okidoky does this automatically.
- 6
Import your bank (optional)
Download a file from your bank and import it into Okidoky. Not required — manual entry also works. ING and Knab are recognized automatically. See /banken for more info.
- 7
Scan your first receipt
Open the mobile app, tap the camera icon, take a photo of a receipt. Okidoky reads the date, amount and store from it automatically. This is where Okidoky really saves time.
- 8
Compare your first Okidoky month with your Excel
After 2-3 weeks: open your report in Okidoky and your old Excel side by side. Most people then notice: I don't need that Excel anymore. Still keep it for 3 months as backup.
Coming from another app or a physical ledger?
No problem. If your current solution can export CSV or Excel, we can import it. For physical ledgers, manual entry is usually the fastest route — and a nice moment to clean things up.
- Import a file from virtually any banking app or accounting program
- Manual entry with smart suggestions (time: 15-30 min for 3 months history)
- Start with a clean slate — many users do this deliberately to make a fresh start
Personal help with your switch
Stuck? Not sure which step suits you? Email us and we'll think along with you. Help with switching is free for all accounts (including free ones) — we believe you should start off well from day one.
- Response within 24 hours on business days
- For more complex situations we can look along via your screen
- Help getting your file properly into Okidoky
- Tips for categories and structure
Ready to switch?
Start free, import your data, then decide if Premium or Lifetime fits. No credit card, no rush.