Auto-Categorize Bank Transactions in Google Sheets
Transactions arrive with sensible categories out of the box. Customize rules in BSA_Categories so every import matches how you actually budget.
BudgetSheet maps Plaid's transaction taxonomy into a simplified category list that works well for personal budgeting. Every imported row gets a Category column value automatically. When the defaults are not quite right, edit the BSA_Categories sheet: add MatchPatterns to catch merchants by name, MapToCategory to rename or remap groups, and re-run rules across all existing transactions anytime.
Categories that fit your budget
Closed budgeting apps pick categories for you with no escape hatch. BudgetSheet starts with smart defaults and gives you a spreadsheet tab to override them permanently.
- Automatic categorization on every Plaid import and CSV import
- BSA_Categories sheet for MatchPatterns and MapToCategory rules
- Re-run category rules across all transactions with one click
- Simplified category taxonomy that is easier to pivot and chart than raw Plaid labels
- Combine with your own budget templates for category-level spending targets
Rules persist across imports
Define a rule once, for example mapping every Starbucks transaction to Coffee, and it applies to future imports automatically. Run Category Rules from the sidebar to retroactively update older rows when you add or change a pattern.
How It Works
- Step 1: Run Setup to create the BSA_Categories sheet alongside BSA_Transactions.
- Step 2: Import transactions. Each row arrives with an auto-assigned category.
- Step 3: Edit BSA_Categories to add MatchPatterns (merchant matching) or MapToCategory (rename/remap).
- Step 4: Run Category Rules from the sidebar to apply your changes to existing rows.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are categories applied automatically on import?
- Yes. Every transaction imported via Plaid or CSV (with auto-categorize enabled) gets a Category value when it lands in BSA_Transactions. Your custom rules in BSA_Categories are applied during import.
- Can I create my own category names?
- Yes. Use MapToCategory in BSA_Categories to rename Plaid categories or assign custom labels. MatchPatterns let you override categories for specific merchants regardless of what Plaid returns.
- Do category rules update old transactions?
- New rules apply to future imports automatically. To update existing rows, run Category Rules from the BudgetSheet sidebar, which re-processes all transactions against your current BSA_Categories rules.
- Does CSV import use the same category rules?
- Yes. When you import a CSV with auto-categorize or CSV-category modes, MatchPatterns and MapToCategory rules from BSA_Categories are applied the same way as Plaid imports.
Related Resources
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