Short answer
You can add receipts to Xero with Xero's own capture (Hubdoc, included in Xero plans), by attaching a file to a transaction, by importing bills from Xero's CSV template, or by organising receipts in a receipt app and importing its export. NexaLink Scanner exports CSV today; its direct Xero connection is in development.
Key takeaways
- Hubdoc is included in Xero plans and publishes documents to Xero with the original attached.[1]
- Xero can import bills from its CSV template; imported bills arrive as drafts to approve.[2]
- NexaLink Scanner's CSV export is free; its Xero connection (bills with the image attached) is first on the roadmap, V1.1.
- Pick the route your accountant prefers — consistency beats cleverness.
Four ways to get receipts into Xero
| Route | How it works | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xero's own capture (Hubdoc) | Photograph, upload or email documents; data is extracted and published to Xero with the original attached[1] | Most Xero users; included in plans | You review the result in Hubdoc/Xero |
| Attach to a transaction | Open the transaction in Xero and attach the receipt file | Occasional receipts | Slow for volume; no extraction |
| Import bills from CSV | Fill Xero's CSV template and import; bills arrive as drafts[2] | A month of receipts at once | Approve drafts; attach images separately |
| Receipt app + export | Capture and check receipts in an app, then bring the export into Xero | People who want their own organised record first | Direct connection not live yet for NexaLink |
Route 1: Xero's own capture
Xero's app listing says Hubdoc is included in its plans. You upload bills and receipts by mobile, email or scanner; Hubdoc extracts the details and publishes them to Xero with the original document attached, ready to match to your bank feed.[1] If your accountant works in Xero and you are happy reviewing documents there, this is the obvious default — and it costs nothing extra.
For a fair comparison with alternatives, see Hubdoc alternative and Dext vs Hubdoc.
Route 3: importing bills from a CSV
Xero's help centre describes a bill import: download Xero's CSV template, copy your information into it, then import. Bills and credit notes come in as drafts, which you approve.[2]
- In NexaLink Scanner, filter the month and export CSV (free).
- Open Xero's bill import template and map the columns: supplier (contact) name, date, description, quantity, unit amount, account code and tax type.
- Paste NexaLink's merchant into the contact column, its date, its category's matching account code, and the total and tax.
- Import the file into Xero and review the draft bills before approving.
- Attach receipt images to the bills that need them, or keep them with your records.
The NexaLink Xero connection (in development)
The Xero connection is the first one NexaLink is building (V1.1). It is designed to send a confirmed receipt to Xero as a bill with the image attached, coded to your accounts and tracking categories, with duplicates checked first. It will be a Premium feature ($7.99/month or $59.99/year). It is not connectable today — join the Xero early access to hear when it is.
Which route should you use?
- Your accountant does the books in Xero: ask them. Most will say Hubdoc or Xero's capture.
- You do your own books and want to check each receipt first: capture in NexaLink, import monthly via CSV.
- You have projects or jobs: use NexaLink projects (Pro) and map them to Xero tracking categories when you import.
- A handful of receipts a year: attach them to the transactions directly.
Key facts about NexaLink Scanner
- What it is: NexaLink Scanner is a private receipt and expense organiser for iOS and Android, built for freelancers, sole traders, contractors and small businesses. It is not accounting software and does not file tax returns.
- How it reads receipts: text is read on the phone (on-device OCR) and capture works offline. Merchant, date, total and tax are filled in; any value it is unsure of is flagged, and a low-confidence total cannot be saved until you confirm it.
- Where data lives: receipts are stored on your phone and do not sync to the web. Data leaves only when you export it.
- Free plan: 50 receipts, on-device reading, search, 5 default categories and CSV export. CSV export is free on every plan, always.
- Pro: $4.99 a month or $39.99 a year — unlimited receipts, custom categories, projects and tags, a PDF expense report in the app, tax and multi-currency reports. Image ZIP export and Xero / QuickBooks import files are coming soon.
- Accounting connections (none live yet): Xero — First · V1.1 · QuickBooks Online — Next · V1.2 · FreeAgent — Planned · Sage Accounting — Planned · Zoho Books — Planned · TallyPrime — Import file first. CSV export works with any accounting tool today. Status as of 2026-11-10; see accounting integrations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hubdoc free with Xero?
Xero's app listing says Hubdoc is included in its plans.[1]
Can I import receipts into Xero from a CSV?
Yes, as bills, using Xero's CSV template. Imported bills arrive as drafts to approve.[2]
Does NexaLink Scanner connect to Xero?
Not yet. The Xero connection is the first in development (V1.1). Use the free CSV export today.
Will the Xero connection attach the receipt image?
That is the design: a confirmed receipt becomes a bill with the image attached. Field mapping will be confirmed with Xero before launch.
Which NexaLink plan will include the Xero connection?
Premium ($7.99 a month or $59.99 a year). A Xero-shaped import file is coming to Pro. CSV is free on every plan.
Can I use NexaLink and Hubdoc together?
Yes. Some people keep their own organised record in NexaLink and let Hubdoc feed the books.
Sources
- Xero App Store — Hubdoc — checked on 2026-11-10
- Xero Central — Import bills and credit notes — checked on 2026-11-10