Two genuine purchases can have the same date and amount. Keep both when the source evidence shows two separate movements, even if the import marks one as a possible duplicate.
- Count the separate transaction lines in the original bank statement or export.
- Compare references, merchant details, times if available, and supporting receipts.
- Use the individual Import or Skip decision for each candidate based on that comparison.
The sample statement guidance specifically calls attention to separate coffee charges so you can practice this distinction. A date-and-amount match is useful for finding candidates, but it cannot establish that only one purchase happened.
Avoid rewriting the evidence
Do not change a date, amount or merchant spelling simply to make two real purchases look different. Preserve the source values and record the correct duplicate decision.
If the bank source itself contains one transaction repeated by an export error, keep only the genuine movement. If it contains two legitimate entries, retain both. When uncertainty remains, obtain the bank references or receipts before approving the batch, and keep the unresolved row separate from decisions you can already support.
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