Migration guide

How to switch from Xero to QuickBooks Online

A step-by-step playbook for migrating your invoicing data, team, and workflows from Xero ($20/mo) to QuickBooks Online ($30/mo).

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Why teams switch from Xero to QuickBooks Online

Xero is strong on unlimited users on every plan and clean bank reconciliation, but teams often hit limits on fewer us accountants know it than quickbooks. QuickBooks Online addresses this — it's best for growing service businesses that want bookkeeper-friendly accounting.

From

Xero

$20/mo

To

QuickBooks Online

$30/mo

7-step migration plan

  1. 1

    Export your data from Xero (contacts, jobs, invoices, payments) as CSV files.

  2. 2

    Sign up for QuickBooks Online — most teams use the free trial to test the migration safely.

  3. 3

    Clean your CSVs: dedupe contacts, standardize phone numbers, fix date formats.

  4. 4

    Import customers and historical jobs into QuickBooks Online. Match custom fields carefully.

  5. 5

    Run Xero and QuickBooks Online in parallel for 1–2 weeks so your team can validate data.

  6. 6

    Train your office staff and field crews on the new QuickBooks Online workflows.

  7. 7

    Cancel Xero once you've confirmed all reporting and integrations work.

What you'll gain with QuickBooks Online

  • Industry standard with every accountant
  • Deep reporting
  • Massive integration network

Ready to switch?

Start a free trial of QuickBooks Online — most teams run it alongside Xero for 1–2 weeks before fully cutting over.

Try QuickBooks Online

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to switch from Xero to QuickBooks Online?+

Most teams complete migration in 1–3 weeks: data export, import/cleanup, team training, and a parallel-run period. Larger teams (10+ users) typically need 4–6 weeks.

Can I import my Xero data into QuickBooks Online?+

QuickBooks Online accepts CSV imports for contacts, jobs, and invoices. Export from Xero, clean the file, then import. Custom field mappings may require their support team for accounts >5,000 records.

Why switch from Xero to QuickBooks Online?+

Common reasons: growing service businesses that want bookkeeper-friendly accounting. Plus better pricing fit ($30/mo vs $20/mo) and feature differences in invoicing.

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