Going out to eat with friends is one of life’s simple pleasures. There’s nothing like delicious food, great company, and lots of laughs to make your day. That is, until the bill arrives and one of your friends forgets to pay their share.
Whether it was an honest mistake or they conveniently snuck off to the restroom once the bill hit the table, here’s how to handle it without spoiling the outing.
Figure out the check beforehand
The best way to avoid any awkwardness when the check arrives is to plan ahead.
Before you even start ordering those appetizers, talk to your friends about how you’ll split the bill. You can:
- Go Dutch (everyone pays for their own),
- split it evenly,
- or take turns paying.
Having a quick upfront conversation can prevent any misunderstandings and help everyone stay on the same page.
For a larger group, splitting the check evenly is probably the easiest option, but you may run into issues if some people order alcohol or a more expensive meal than others in the group.
Avoid this option if you’re eating at a place that has a wide price range. Instead, you can ask the server to split checks early on so everyone is responsible for their own meal.
What to do when friends skip the check
Let’s say you’re only getting one bill and the check comes, but your friend is suddenly more interested in their phone than in paying up. Or maybe they tell you they’ll send the money later but never do. What now?
Ask friends for money after the fact
It’s totally fine to ask for the money they owe you. You could send a casual text like, “Hey, can you send me the $25 from tacos last week? My electric bill is due tomorrow.” This approach keeps it light and gives them a gentle nudge to pay you back.
Hold them accountable
Sometimes, you have to be a bit more direct. If this becomes a habit, have a friendly but firm conversation.
Let the person know it’s important for everyone to pay their share. True friends will understand and respect your honesty, and it’s hard to dodge a direct request.
Who pays in special situations?
Special situations call for special rules.
- If it’s someone’s birthday, usually the group chips in for the guest of honor.
- Inviting someone out as your guest? Then it’s your treat. But always clarify: assumptions can lead to misunderstandings faster than you can say, “Check, please!”
- For large gatherings, consider nominating one person to handle the bill and collect everyone’s payment.
When in doubt, always ask how the group would like to split the bill or handle the check beforehand. That way there are no surprises.
Make it easy to pay
In this digital age, splitting the bill has never been easier. Some restaurants even allow you to split the bill right at the table.
If you’re the one collecting payments, make it easy for your friends to pay you back. Using apps or features like Pay Anyone makes it easy to send money to anyone, no matter where their bank account is. With Pay Anyone, all they need is a valid debit card! Plus, there are no instant cash-out fees.
So next time you’re out with the crew, you’ll know exactly what to do if someone tries to ghost the check. Happy dining!