19 Expressions for Paying and Handling Money
Whether you’re shopping, dining out, or splitting a bill with friends, knowing the right phrases makes handling money in English smooth and stress-free. These 19 expressions for paying and handling money cover everything from asking how much something costs to leaving a tip or paying by card. Use them confidently in real-life situations anywhere in the English-speaking world.
Common Ways to Talk About Paying
Asking About Cost
- How much is this? The most common and direct way to ask a price. How much is this jacket?
- What’s the total? Ask this after shopping or at a restaurant. “I’ll take these three items.” — “What’s the total?”
- Do you take credit cards? Essential before pulling out your wallet. Do you take credit cards? I don’t have cash.
- Is tax included? Common in the U.S., where sales tax is often added at checkout. Is tax included in the price?
Paying the Bill
- I’d like to pay, please. Polite and universally understood. “I’d like to pay, please.”
- Can I get the check? Standard in U.S. restaurants (say “bill” in the UK). Can I get the check? We’re ready.
- I’ll cover it. Friendly way to say you’ll pay for someone else. “Don’t worry—I’ll pay!” — “I’ll cover it.”
- Let’s split the bill. Used when sharing costs evenly with friends. Let’s split the bill—it’s only fair!
- Can I pay by card? Quick and clear for contactless or chip transactions. Can I pay by card? I don’t have exact change.
Tipping & Gratitude
- Do you accept tips? Polite to ask in service situations (e.g., food delivery). Do you accept tips? You’ve been so helpful!
- Keep the change. A casual way to leave a tip with cash. Bill is $18—hand over $20 and say, “Keep the change.”
- How much should I tip? Common among travelers or new diners. How much should I tip in this city?
Making Change & Receipts
- Do you have change for a $20? Needed when paying with large bills. Do you have change for a $20? I need smaller bills.
- Can I get a receipt? Important for expenses, returns, or reimbursement. Can I get a receipt, please?
- Do you take mobile pay? Ask about Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc. Do you take mobile pay? I left my wallet at home.
Everyday Money Talk
- I’m short on cash right now. Honest way to explain you can’t pay. I’m short on cash right now—can I Venmo you later?
- I’ll send you the money. Common for digital transfers (PayPal, Zelle, etc.). I’ll send you the money as soon as I get home.
- It’s on me! Enthusiastic way to treat someone. “Who’s paying?” — “It’s on me!”
Real-Life Dialogues
Customer: How much is this sweater?
Clerk: $45.
Customer: Do you take credit cards?
Clerk: Yes! Would you like a receipt?
Customer: Yes, please—can I get a receipt?
Friend A: Dinner was amazing! Can I get the check?
Waiter: Of course.
Friend B: Let’s split the bill.
Friend A: Actually, it’s on me—you helped me move last weekend!
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| At a U.S. restaurant | Can I get the check? | Standard, natural, and expected. |
| Offering to pay for a friend | It’s on me! | Warm, generous, and culturally common. |
| Needing proof of purchase | Can I get a receipt? | Polite and essential for returns or records. |
| Paying with phone | Do you take mobile pay? | Modern, practical, and increasingly relevant. |
Practice Tip
Next time you buy something—even a coffee—try using two phrases from this list: one to ask (e.g., “Do you take card?”) and one to pay (e.g., “I’ll pay by card, please”). It builds real fluency!
Why This Matters
- Using these 19 expressions for paying and handling money helps you navigate daily transactions with confidence—anywhere in the English-speaking world.
- It prevents misunderstandings at checkout, in restaurants, or when splitting costs with friends.
- These phrases are some of the most frequently used in real-life English—mastering them boosts your practical fluency instantly.
Now you’re ready to handle money like a local! Try using one or two of these 19 expressions for paying and handling money on your next outing. You’ll sound natural, polite, and in control. Happy learning! 😊
