When you’re out with your friends, splitting the check can get complicated. Do you divide the cost evenly or itemize everyone’s drinks and entrées? How much should each person chip in for the tip? And splitting larger bills—like rent, utilities, and keeping your apartment stocked with toilet paper—can add even more complexity.
Well, I’ve got some good news: There are a bunch of great apps that do the calculating—and in some cases even the communicating—for you. Take your pick and download them for less than $1 each (a small price to pay for not having to ask your roommate for her share of the electric every month).
1. Splitwise: For Easy Transfers
This free app, available for iPhone and Android, is ideal if you’re frequently sharing expenses with someone, like a roommate. Splitwise keeps a running total of who owes who what—from the last three grocery runs you made to the Friday happy hour that your roommate sprung for. When you’re ready to pay up, a simple PayPal transfer is all it takes to settle your debts.
2. Billr: To Share Costs and Itemize in One
If you have an iPhone and love to eat out with friends, you need this 99 cent app. Billr will calculate what everyone owes for their own entrées (since you know you don’t want to pay for someone else’s lobster when you enjoyed a salad) and split shared items, like appetizers and wine. The app will also add in the tax and tip and even send a copy of the split bill to the rest of the group as a text or email.
3. Divvy: To Snap and Split
With Divvy on your iPhone, you don’t even have to type anything into your phone. Simply snap a picture of your receipt, drag each item to the person who’ll be paying for it, and you’re done! The app will automatically add the appropriate tax and tip to each person’s portion. Download it for 99 cents.
4. Venmo: To Remind Your Friends They Owe You
Did you pay for a group birthday gift or vacation with plans to have everyone pay you back later? Remind your friends who owes what with this free app that lets you send money requests at any time. You can also pay your friends back if they request you.
5. Bank of Me: To Track More Than Money
Sure, sometimes you spot a friend $20, but more often you might say you’ll pay for the next lunch if she gets this one. This 99 cent app lets you make up your own currencies, so you can track the returned favors, meals, or drinks your bestie has promised you. Bank of Me will also keep a running balance of who owes who what and integrate with your contacts to send receipts and reminders to your friends.
Have you tried these apps? Do you have another favorite for splitting the bill with friends and roommates? Tell us about it in the comments!