Logging in to Xero &
connecting your bank feed

Hi, I'm Bernie - 4cast's friendly guide. Xero is where your numbers live, and connecting your bank feed is what keeps them up to date all on their own. I'll show you how to log in and link your bank - it takes a few minutes, and you only do it once. You've got this.

Log in to Xero

A few quick steps and you’re in.

1

Look out for an invitation email from Xero - it’ll say we’ve invited you to use Xero. Open it, click the link inside, and follow the prompts to set yourself a password.

2

Go to login.xero.com and sign in with your email and the password you just set. Pop it in your bookmarks while you’re there - it’s where you’ll come back to.

3

Xero will ask you to set up an extra security step the first time - a quick check that proves it’s really you (Xero calls it multi-factor authentication). The easiest way is the free Xero Verify app on your phone; follow the prompts and it’ll walk you through it.

4

Once you’re in, you’ll land on your dashboard - your home screen in Xero. Lovely! From now on, signing in is just your email, password, and a tap to confirm it’s you.

On the go? There’s a free Xero Accounting app for iPhone and Android - same login as the website.

Is connecting my bank safe?

Letting your bank share transactions with Xero is a big step, and you’re right to check. Here’s exactly how the bank connection works - and, just as importantly, what it can’t do.

We can look, but never touch

It’s read-only - no one can move your money

Connecting your bank only lets your transactions be read, never moved. Nobody at 4cast - or anyone else - can make a payment or take money out. It’s a window onto your account, not a key to it.

You’re always in control

Switch it off whenever you like

This is Open Banking - the same regulated system banks across the UK use. You can switch the connection off any time from your online banking, and it refreshes every 90 days as a built-in security check.

We never see your password

You log in on your bank’s own site

You sign in on your bank’s own website, never inside Xero - so neither we nor Xero ever see your banking password. You’re simply giving permission for your transactions to be shared.

Connect your bank feed

This is what makes your transactions come through on their own, every day. A quick run-through and you’re done.

1

From your dashboard, open the Accounting menu at the top and choose Bank accounts. (You can also click Add Bank Account straight from the dashboard if you see it there.)

2

Click Add Bank Account and start typing your bank’s name. Pick it from the list when it appears.

3

Choose Connect and Xero will send you over to your bank’s own login page. Sign in there exactly as you normally would for online banking.

4

Your bank will ask you to confirm you’re happy to share your transactions with Xero, and which account to share. Say yes to the account we’re looking after, and you’ll be brought back to Xero.

5

Last thing - tell Xero the date to pull transactions from. We’ll usually let you know the right start date so it lines up neatly with your books. Pop that in, and you’re connected. Lovely!

From here your transactions flow in automatically, usually overnight. You don’t need to do anything with them - that’s our job. The feed just makes sure we’re always working with the latest picture.

Bernie's tips

Once you’re set up, leave the connection with us. Bank feeds need an occasional security refresh - but that’s not something for you to watch for. We keep an eye on your feed, and on the rare occasion it needs a quick re-connect from your end, we’ll tell you exactly what to do. Mostly, you won’t have to think about it at all.
Can’t find your bank, or it won’t connect? Some smaller banks don’t offer a live feed yet. No drama - you can send us statements instead, or we’ll talk you through the options. Just ask.
You don’t reconcile - we do. Once the feed is on, you can leave the rest to us. The connection is the only bit that needs your login, and that’s now done.
Keep your security app handy. Xero will ask you to confirm it’s you when you sign in - the Xero Verify app makes that a single tap. If you get a new phone, set it up again there.

That’s it - you’ve got it!

You’re logged in to Xero and your bank is linked, so your numbers will stay current all on their own. Anything you’re not sure of, the team at 4cast is here for you - just reply to your usual email and we’ll walk you through it.

Catch you next time!

Bernie x

Want to dig a bit deeper? Xero has its own help centre with short guides for everything above.

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Logging in to Xero & connecting your bank feed