How to split a bill at a restaurant without stressing

Picture this — you and three of your friends are at your favorite restaurant celebrating the end of the school year. You’re eating, laughing, and having a great time, and then the check comes. Yikes — should you have gotten separate checks? Should you split it evenly four ways? Who’s going to do the math?

Don’t worry! You can avoid that deer-in-the-headlights fear when it comes time to split a bill at a restaurant with a few simple tips and a little preparation. Let’s dive in. 

1. Talk about it ahead of time 

The time to start thinking about splitting the bill is when you and your friends are texting back and forth, making plans. Once you have the time and place figured out, it’s time to turn the conversation to how you’ll pay. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation, though. It can be as simple as, “Let’s plan to do separate checks, ok?”

Be a financially smart family!

Be a financially smart family!

From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight.

Try Greenlight today

2. Tell the server

One of the biggest reasons you’ll want to figure it out ahead of time is so you can tell your server. For example, if you decide to do separate checks for everyone at the table, your server needs to know that in advance to avoid splitting one check into four at the end of your meal. 

3. Don't overcomplicate it

There can come a point where splitting a check becomes a bit too complicated. Let’s say there are 10 of you just sharing a few appetizers. It’s likely too much to ask your server to split a relatively small check 10 different ways, especially when it’s not clear who ordered what. Consider what will be the quickest and easiest way to split payments up, not only you and your friends but also for the restaurant.

4. Don't forget the tip and tax

A common challenge when splitting a bill at a restaurant is not factoring in the additional costs shared by everyone at the table, and that’s typically the tax and a tip for the server. If you’re splitting the bill evenly yourself, you’ll want to figure out what the tax and tip are before breaking down the numbers into even amounts. If you get separate checks, each one will include tax, and you can figure out the tip for your portion (typically between 15 to 20% of your bill).

5. Make someone the "bank" 

When you’re figuring out how to split a check into four while factoring in tax and tip, it can be a lot of math. This is why it makes sense if you’re splitting the bill yourself to have someone good at math in charge of figuring out the numbers, telling everyone else the amounts they owe, and collecting money. It makes it a lot easier than everyone weighing in with potentially different numbers!

6. Always round up

Are you the person responsible for doing the math? Here’s a tip that will serve you well every time: don’t work in change. Round everything up to the nearest dollar. And if there’s a dollar or two left extra at the end, leave it for the server as part of their tip.

How to handle awkward moments when splitting a bill 

There may be situations that pop up that you didn’t see coming. Here are some of the most common last-minute challenges you might face when splitting a restaurant bill with your friends — plus what to do to prevent awkwardness.

"I forgot my wallet.”

If a friend forgets their wallet, you have two choices. One friend can cover their share, and the other can reimburse them later, or you can include their portion in the total and split it three ways, with them paying everyone back later. 

“The math isn’t right.”

If the math doesn't seem right, ask someone else to verify it. Also, remember that you don’t have to do calculations mentally; use your phone's calculator to minimize mistakes. Plus, it’s a lot faster!

“I don't have enough money.”

What should you do if someone is short on cash? Handle it as you would if someone forgot their wallet. One option is for someone to cover the person lacking funds, or alternatively, everyone can contribute to that total, allowing the individual who couldn’t pay to reimburse the group later.

“I'm paying with cash." "Well, I’m not.”

When one person pays with cash, and another uses their Greenlight debit card or a different payment method, it's best to request separate checks from the server. If you’ve already finished your meal, and then realize some are paying in cash while others are using a debit card, you can ask the server if different payment methods are accepted. Or, the debit card payer can cover the cash payments and take the cash as reimbursement. 

Splitting a bill at a restaurant doesn’t have to feel like untangling a pair of headphones in a rush. With a little planning, clear communication, and just a touch of teamwork, you can make paying the check stress-free. The goal is to keep the good vibes going and enjoy your time with friends without getting caught up in payment drama. Next time you’re out grabbing food with your crew, use these tips to nail the whole bill-splitting thing like a total boss!

Your app. Your money. Manage money, save up, and stay safe with our all-in-one app. Show your parents how Greenlight can help. Try Greenlight. One month, risk free.†

†Valid for new customers only. Subject to identity verification and minimum load requirements. Your first monthly fee will be billed to your parent wallet seven days after successful registration. To receive a refund of your first monthly fee, you must request to close your account on or before the day immediately preceding your first Monthly Billing Date. See the ‘Account’ tab of Settings by tapping the gear icon on the Greenlight app home page to confirm when your risk-free trial ends. See Terms for details.