What’s the difference between API and CSV?
ZenLedger offers two options to import your transactions, learn more about what they mean.
Written by Morgan
API and CSV are the two ways to import your cryptocurrency transaction history into ZenLedger. You can read on to learn more about what these two types of import methods mean.
API, which stands for Application Programming Interface, is an automated way that ZenLedger can pull in read-only data using exchange keys or public wallet addresses.
What you provide: You only need to give us the wallet address or exchange keys. The rest happens automatically!
Does it refresh? Yes, you can manually refresh at any time in your ZenLedger account to pull in the most recent data.
Pros: Easy to refresh, minimizes import errors (duplicates, missing records, etc).
Cons: Some privacy-oriented users prefer to use CSV files so there is no record of which account numbers and wallet addresses belong to them. Additionally, not all wallets and exchanges support API.
CSV, which stands for Comma Separated Values, is a data file (similar to a spreadsheet) that you download from the exchange/wallet and manually import into ZenLedger.
What you provide: You'll need to download the CSV records from your exchange/wallet and make sure that it's properly formatted.
Does it refresh? No. Each year, you'll need to import the latest CSV file.
Pros: Possible to edit before importing; can be a custom CSV which allows import of coins, wallets, and exchanges that do not support API; ideal for privacy-oriented users.
Cons: Sometimes requires troubleshooting to get it imported if the format does not match our template; the possibility of errors (duplicates, missing records, etc.); needs manual updating each year
In general, we recommend using an API connection whenever possible! In some cases, an exchange may require an API connection and a CSV to paint a complete picture of the transaction record.
For Exchanges:
As one of the most comprehensive cryptocurrency tax software options on the market, we have import instructions for over 300+ domestic and foreign exchanges. Within ZenLedger, select the exchange you wish to import on the Import page. You'll then see a table that outlines the possible import options with detailed instructions that we recommend following step-by-step.
If you don't see the exchange you are trying to import listed, we are not currently integrated with that exchange. In this case, you must import those transactions as a Custom CSV. Instructions on how to do this can be found in our Custom CSV article.
For Wallets:
Wallet imports are simple; if the blockchain the coin is on is supported for automatic import and you can find a public wallet address, then the wallet can be imported using API. Check out our Wallet Import article for instructions on how to add a wallet address to ZenLedger!
API-Supported coins include: Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH) / Altcoins (ERC-20), Dogecoin (DOGE), Ontology (ONT), Ethereum Classic (ETC), Ripple (XRP), Dash (DASH), Litecoin (LTC), NEO, EOS, and others are added every month! Check out this article for a complete list of the wallets we support.
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