Dining out with friends or family often raises the question of how to split the check fairly. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, unnecessary expenses, and even strained relationships. The challenge lies in balancing fairness with convenience, especially when everyone’s orders vary significantly.

Whether it’s a casual dinner or a celebratory meal, having a plan can make splitting the check straightforward and drama-free.

Tips for Splitting a Check

Fairly splitting the check is rarely perfect, but these strategies can help make the process smoother:

Ask for Separate Checks

• Ask the server for separate checks before placing your order. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate this request, which sets the expectation for others that you’ll pay for your share.

Discuss Before the Meal

• Decide how the bill will be handled before the food arrives. Clarify whether drinkers will cover their alcoholic beverages and if shared appetizers will be split evenly. Don’t forget to account for tax and tips.

Be Subtle but Proactive

• If you haven’t discussed splitting the check beforehand, wait until the bill arrives to bring it up subtly. For example, ask how everyone prefers to pay (cash or card) to start the conversation.

Take Turns Paying

• Consider taking turns covering the entire bill for groups that dine out together frequently. Over time, this approach can balance out individual spending.

Split the Bill Evenly

• If everyone agrees, divide the total evenly. To address disparities, anyone who ordered significantly more—such as drinks or additional appetizers—can pay extra for their items.

Avoiding Awkward Situations

Sometimes, certain individuals consistently avoid paying their fair share. Here’s how to handle these situations tactfully:

• Set Expectations Early: Discuss how the bill will be split before heading out. This sets clear boundaries and avoids surprises.
• Subtle Reminders: If it’s a new acquaintance, suggest stopping at an ATM before the meal, signaling that everyone will cover their portion.
• Choose Alternatives: If someone repeatedly dodges paying, consider planning activities other than dining out to avoid the issue entirely.

Apps That Simplify Splitting Checks

Using apps designed for bill splitting can make the process seamless, especially for frequent diners. Here are some great tools to consider:

Plates by Splitwise

• This versatile app is perfect for splitting expenses, from restaurant bills to groceries. It’s free for both Android and iOS devices.

Tab

• With Tab, take a photo of the bill and assign items to each person. The app calculates each individual’s total, including their share of tax and tip.

Billr

• Billr works similarly to Tab, allowing you to quickly calculate each diner’s share of food, drinks, and tips.

Divvy

• Divvy uses optical character recognition (OCR) to scan the bill and assign line items to each person. It’s currently available for iOS devices.

Venmo

• A popular app for splitting costs, Venmo lets you transfer money between friends quickly and easily. It’s beneficial for sharing costs after the bill is paid.

Final Thoughts

Splitting a check doesn’t have to be stressful or awkward. By setting expectations upfront, using tools to simplify the process, and considering everyone’s comfort, you can make dining out an enjoyable experience for all. Clear communication and thoughtful planning ensure that relationships remain intact while everyone enjoys a great meal together.

Next time you head out, bring these strategies to the table—literally—and transform a potentially uncomfortable moment into a smooth and collaborative effort.