Many businesses use Lili as their operating account while managing their accounting in Xero by either connecting Lili from within Xero or by using a third‑party connector. This lets you keep using Lili for business banking while relying on Xero for detailed accounting and reconciliation.

Connection options for Lili and Xero

You can use Lili and Xero together in the following ways:

• Connect your Lili account from within Xero so Xero can bring in your Lili transactions on a regular basis, when available in your region.
• Download transactions from Lili and import them into Xero in a Xero‑friendly format.
• Use a third‑party connector that securely links your Lili account to Xero and automates more of the flow.

Option 1: Connect Lili from within Xero

If Xero supports a direct bank connection for Lili in your region, you may be able to connect your Lili account from the Xero side so Xero can regularly bring in your Lili transactions.

General flow in Xero:

1. Sign in to Xero.
2. Go to Accounting > Bank accounts.
3. Select Add bank account.
4. Start typing Lili and choose the Lili option if it appears for your region.
5. Select Login & Connect account.
6. Enter your Lili login credentials in the secure window.
7. Choose the Lili account you want to connect and complete the setup.

Once connected, Xero will automatically bring in new transaction lines from your Lili account according to Xero’s update schedule (generally—on a daily basis).

Option 2: Download transactions from Lili and import into Xero

If a direct bank feed for Lili is not available in Xero for your region, you can still keep Xero up to date by downloading Lili transactions and importing them into Xero:

1. In the Lili app, download your transaction data for the period you want (for example, as a CSV file).
2. In Xero, go to the bank account that represents your Lili account.
3. Use Xero’s Import option for bank transactions and upload your downloaded file.
4. Follow Xero’s prompts to map the fields (such as date, description, and amount) and complete the import.

After the import, review and reconcile those transactions within Xero so your Lili activity and Xero records stay aligned.

Reconciliation in Xero can be done under 'Accounting-> Bank Accounts -> Reconcile' and the various dashboard widgets as well.

Option 3: Use a third‑party connector

Some businesses choose to use a third‑party integration tool that connects Lili and Xero:

• These tools often rely on secure bank data aggregation to pull your Lili transactions into an integration platform and then push them to Xero.
• Depending on the connector, you can sometimes automate more of the categorization and syncing.

Because these tools are provided by external companies, review each provider’s security, pricing, and support carefully and coordinate with your accountant before turning them on.

Best practices when using Lili with Xero

To keep your books clean when using Lili and Xero together:

• Connect the correct Lili account to the correct Xero organization, especially if you operate more than one business.
• Avoid duplicate transaction flows (for example, don’t connect a direct feed and also import the same transactions via another tool for the same date range).
• Reconcile regularly in Xero so your Lili bank balance and Xero bank account stay aligned over time.
• Align your chart of accounts with how you use your Lili account (e.g., separate income streams, expense categories) and decide with your accountant how Lili activity should be coded in Xero.

Working with your accountant or bookkeeper

If you work with an accountant or bookkeeper, involve them when setting up Lili and Xero:

• They can advise whether to use a direct connection, transaction downloads/imports, or a specific connector.
• They can configure reconciliations and rules in Xero that reflect how your business uses Lili.
• They can help prevent duplicates and ensure your tax and financial reporting stay accurate.

Need help?

If you have questions about downloading Lili transactions or connecting your Lili account to Xero, contact the Lili team (see options listed in How do I contact the Lili team?).

Lili is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Sunrise Banks, N.A., Member FDIC. The Lili Visa® Debit Card is issued by Sunrise Banks, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. The Card may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. 

Wire Transfer services are provided by Column Bank N.A., Member FDIC. All wires are subject to acceptance criteria and risk-based review and may be rejected at the sole discretion of Column Bank N. A. or Lili App Inc.