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How To Convert Credit Card Statements To JSON? A Step-by-Step Guide

In an era where financial data needs to be fast, flexible, and highly integrable, converting bank and credit card statements into JSON has become essential for developers, accountants, business analysts, and fintech startups. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) offers a lightweight and structured format that machines and applications love.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to convert bank statements to JSON using AI-driven platforms.

Why Convert Bank Statements To JSON?

Bank statements are traditionally available in PDF, Excel, or CSV formats. However, these aren’t ideal when it comes to:

  • Automating financial tasks
  • Integrating with APIs or databases
  • Feeding data into accounting/analytics platforms

JSON offers a solution that’s both machine-readable and developer-friendly.

Methods To Convert Into JSON

You can convert bank statements to JSON in three major ways:

1. Using Software Tools

These are the easiest options for non-developers or quick one-time tasks.

a. Caelum AI

Caelum AI offers a document parsing solution that uses AI/ML to extract data from bank or credit card statements and convert it into a structured JSON format.

Key Features:

  • Upload PDF/CSV/Excel bank statements
  • AI-powered table detection and data extraction
  • JSON, CSV, and API output formats

b. ConvertCSV.com

Simple web-based CSV to JSON converter. Upload a CSV and instantly download JSON. Good for quick manual conversions.

c. Nanonets, Docparser, Tabula

These tools offer OCR and structured extraction from scanned PDFs, perfect for converting image-based bank statements.

2. Using Code (Python/JavaScript)

If you’re a developer or want to automate the process, coding gives you the most control.

a. Python Method

Using pandas to read CSV and convert it into JSON:

import pandas as pd

# Load CSV
df = pd.read_csv('bank_statement.csv')

# Convert to JSON
json_output = df.to_json(orient='records')

# Save the JSON
with open('output.json', 'w') as file:
    file.write(json_output)

print("Bank statement successfully converted to JSON.")

Libraries Required:

pip install pandas

b. Node.js Method

For JavaScript developers:

const fs = require('fs');
const csv = require('csv-parser');

const results = [];

fs.createReadStream('bank_statement.csv')
  .pipe(csv())
  .on('data', (data) => results.push(data))
  .on('end', () => {
    fs.writeFileSync('output.json', JSON.stringify(results, null, 2));
    console.log("JSON saved successfully.");
  });

Install dependencies:

npm install csv-parser

3. Hybrid/AI Platforms

If you’re managing high volumes of bank data or need real-time processing, combining AI tools like Caelum AI with API-based coding ensures speed, accuracy, and flexibility.

Example Workflow:

  1. Upload a PDF bank statement to Caelum AI
  2. The extracted JSON is returned via the API
  3. Feed JSON into your accounting system or database

Credit Card Statements To JSON

Credit card statements often have a more detailed and varied structure than regular bank statements. They include:

  • Transaction date
  • Merchant name
  • Category/type (e.g., travel, dining)
  • Amount (including international charges)
  • Rewards or cashback details (optional)

Why JSON Matters for Credit Cards:

  • Track expenses by category programmatically
  • Detect unusual spending patterns
  • Build finance/budgeting apps
  • Feed into tax software or personal finance dashboards

Tools are especially helpful in parsing credit card statements with non-standard formats and turning them into usable JSON data.

Sample JSON Output from a Credit Card Statement:

[
  {
    "Date": "2025-03-02",
    "Merchant": "Uber Eats",
    "Category": "Food Delivery",
    "Amount": -23.99,
    "Currency": "USD"
  },
  {
    "Date": "2025-03-05",
    "Merchant": "Amazon",
    "Category": "Shopping",
    "Amount": -150.00,
    "Currency": "USD"
  }
]

Tips For Accurate Conversion

  • Use CSV or Excel formats for easier parsing.
  • Validate JSON using tools.
  • Secure your files – bank statements contain sensitive information.
  • Standardize date and currency formats before conversion.

Conclusion

Converting bank statements to JSON doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a non-technical user looking for a quick software solution or a developer automating the pipeline with code, there are multiple reliable paths.

Whether you’re feeding data into your accounting software, building a fintech app, or running reports, JSON makes financial data easier to manage and automate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Tool To Convert PDFs Of Bank Statements To JSON?

Caelum AI is ideal for this task, using AI/ML to extract data from PDFs and export it as JSON, even from scanned documents.

Can I Convert Scanned Bank Statements To JSON?

Yes, using OCR tools like Tabula, Docparser, or AI tools like Caelum AI, you can extract tabular data and convert it into JSON.

Which Format Is Easiest To Convert To JSON: PDF, CSV, or Excel?

CSV is the easiest to convert, followed by Excel. PDFs require OCR or advanced parsing tools for structured extraction.

Is It Safe To Use Online Converters For Bank Statements?

Be cautious, Use trusted, secure platforms and avoid uploading sensitive data to unknown sites without encryption or data policies.

Can I Automate The Process Of Converting Bank Statements To JSON?

Yes! Use a combination of API and Python/Node.js scripts to automate bulk conversions with secure workflows.