ABA File Generator
Build a valid ABA file from scratch — no spreadsheet required. Enter payment rows directly, fill in your bank details, and download. Everything happens in your browser; your data never leaves your device.
Payments
No rows yet.
ABA file details
ABA file details
Advanced settings
How to use
- 1
Add payment rows
Use 'Add row' to enter each payment: BSB, account number, account name, amount, and description.
- 2
Fill bank details
Enter your bank, BSB, account number, file description, and processing date.
- 3
Generate and download
Click Generate to download a valid ABA file. Totals and record count are computed automatically.
Why use ABA File Converter's ABA Generator
- Build a valid ABA file without a spreadsheet — enter payments directly.
- Totals computed automatically; balancing record one click away.
- Real-time validation — every row checked against the ABA spec before download.
- Works on Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile.
- Free, no signup, browser-only.
When to use the ABA Generator
Use the ABA Generator when you do not have a spreadsheet to convert:
- One-off payments — a handful of supplier invoices, reimbursements, or ad-hoc payments that do not warrant a full payroll export.
- Testing— build a sample ABA file to test your bank's upload portal before processing a real batch.
- Replacing a lost file — if the original source data is unavailable, re-enter the payments and generate a new file.
If you have a CSV or Excel export from Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, or another accounting platform, the CSV to ABA Converter or Excel to ABA Converter is faster — you do not need to re-enter the data manually.
What you need to generate an ABA file
For each payment you need:
- BSB (NNN-NNN format) and account number of the recipient.
- Account name— the payee's name as registered with their bank (up to 32 characters).
- Amount — in dollars (e.g. 1500.00).
- Description— up to 18 characters; appears on the recipient's bank statement.
For the file itself you need:
- Your business name as it appears on your bank account.
- Your BSB and account number — the account funds will be drawn from.
- Your bank — select from 147 Australian financial institutions.
- A file description (e.g. PAYROLL) and processing date.
About the ABA file format
The ABA file (sometimes called Direct Entry or Cemtex) is the fixed-width 120-character text format Australian banks accept for batch payments. Every record is exactly 120 characters; a file has one Type 0 descriptive header, one or more Type 1 detail records, and one Type 7 totals record. Read the full ABA file format spec.
Frequently asked questions
When would I use the Generator instead of the CSV to ABA Converter?
Use the Generator when you do not have a spreadsheet — for one-off payments, a handful of rows, or when you want to build a file from scratch. If you have a CSV or Excel export from Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks, the CSV to ABA or Excel to ABA Converter is faster.
Does the generator handle balancing records?
Yes. Tick 'Add a balancing record' in Advanced Settings. BOQ requires a balancing record; most other banks leave it off.
Is the file uploaded to a server?
No. Everything runs in your browser; the file is generated locally and downloaded directly to your device.
How many payment rows can I add?
There is no limit. The generator uses the same virtual-scroll payment table as the converter tools, so hundreds of rows display without any performance issues.
Can I duplicate rows to save time?
Yes. Click the duplicate icon (⎘) on any row to copy it — then change just the fields that differ. Useful for recurring payments to the same payee.
What is a processing date?
The date you want the bank to process the payments. Most banks accept today's date or a future business day. Some banks reject past dates — check with your bank if unsure.