Splitting the check at a meal is an incredibly divisive topic. Approaching the topic — and making your way gracefully through the experience — is a special art form all on its own.
Once you get it down, you might even go out to eat more with a group now that you’ve mastered navigating the awkwardness. Here are some key dos and don’ts to employ.
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1. Do talk to the server before ordering
If you know you’re splitting the check up front, give your server a heads-up before ordering. That will help them track who’s ordering.
It will also allow them to let you know about any additional fees or gratuities that might be applied, as well as the best option for paying, as some restaurants have a maximum number of cards they’ll run for one bill.
Setting expectations early is helpful and less overwhelming.
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2. Do keep celebrations in mind
Out for an anniversary, birthday, or other special occasion? Keep that in mind when determining how to split the bill.
Someone in your party might want to pay for a meal or drink, or the group might want to split the guest of honor’s meal equally.
If you’re trying to surprise someone in the party, consider discussing the check with others before you even get to your dining location.
3. Do determine the type of check split
Things can get wild if you don’t establish how the bill is being divided, especially among bigger groups.
Is everyone splitting the bill evenly, or will some be offended if they only ordered an appetizer? Will everyone order things in a similar price range?
Keep these questions in mind when determining how the check is being split.
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4. Don’t forget to add in tax and tip
When calculating the amount everyone owes on a check, keep tax and tip in mind. There’s nothing worse than people throwing in money based on the list price of their item, pre-fees.
That leaves people in the lurch, making up for discrepancies from their peers or awkwardly pointing it out at the end. You also want to mitigate the chances that your serving staff isn’t tipped properly.
5. Do agree on how everyone will pay someone back if they put down their credit card
Often, in larger groups, one or two people will be willing to put down credit cards and have everyone else pay them back.
Before the check comes, you’ll want to chat about how exactly that’ll happen: Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or cash so the money goes through right away and no one’s left awkwardly waiting days later.
6. Don’t be afraid to bring it up
Not able to be at the function on time and afraid you missed the discussion about splitting the bill? Chances are it hasn’t happened yet.
Feel free to ask upfront as you smile, say “Hi,” and slide into your seat. Or, lean into your neighbor and ask if the subject has been mentioned.
No harm, no foul – especially if things have been ordered and people are already sipping on beverages.
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7. Do speak up if there’s a disparity
Despite your best efforts, there can still be disparities with the check at the end of the meal.
Perhaps the price on the receipt doesn’t match what was on the menu, or maybe you didn’t get your hands on a serving of the pitcher of margaritas delivered to the table.
If you’re being charged unfairly and it’s more than a few dollars, it’s fair to bring it up — especially if you’re on a budget.
8. Don’t take the pen
Carry a pen. And if you don’t have one, don’t steal your waiter’s pen. They make it a joke because they deal with it every day.
If you’re passing the pen around to collect multiple signatures on a bill, make sure someone in your party tracks the pen and gives it back to the wait staff.
Bottom line
How you handle a split check helps keep everyone’s nerves at bay when dining out. It also helps your server feel less overwhelmed and leave a lasting impression on fellow diners.
Make it easy by taking care of it early. And don’t forget to earn points and rewards on special nights out when you use your best rewards credit cards.
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