Splitwise Review: Is it the Best Bill Splitting App?

Author

Reads 5.7K

A cheerful group of friends enjoying a conversation and using smartphones outside during fall.
Credit: pexels.com, A cheerful group of friends enjoying a conversation and using smartphones outside during fall.

Splitwise is a popular bill splitting app that helps friends and family divide expenses. It's free to download and use.

With over 10 million users worldwide, Splitwise is a go-to choice for many people. The app allows you to split bills with friends, track expenses, and even send reminders.

One of the key features of Splitwise is its simplicity. It's easy to use and navigate, even for those who aren't tech-savvy.

If this caught your attention, see: How to Link Venmo to Splitwise

What is Splitwise?

Splitwise is an app that helps you track shared expenses and split bills when traveling with a group of people.

It was founded in 2011 by three friends who initially created it for roommates and couples to share household expenses.

The app became a big hit among travelers because it made it easier and less awkward to divvy up trip expenses.

Splitwise is available for both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

There is both a web and mobile version of the app, giving you the flexibility to use it wherever you are.

You can use it to avoid sharing cold glances, breaking into arguments, or emptying your wallet on behalf of your friends.

Key Features

Credit: youtube.com, What Is Splitwise? - Be App Savvy

Splitwise is an amazing app for managing expenses with friends. It offers a range of features that make it easy to keep track of who owes what.

You can choose how to split bills among members, which is super convenient. Options include splitting equally, by percentage, or by specific amounts.

One of the standout features of Splitwise is its ability to handle multiple currencies. You can select from over 100 currencies when recording expenses, which is perfect for travelers.

Payment integration with PayPal and Venmo makes it easy to settle debts. You can even use the app to record cash payments.

The "Simplify debts" feature helps resolve debt triangles by minimizing the number of transactions. This can save you a lot of time and hassle.

Here are the main features of Splitwise at a glance:

  1. Choose how to split bills among members
  2. Select from over 100 currencies when recording expenses
  3. Payment integration with PayPal and Venmo
  4. "Simplify debts" feature to resolve debt triangles

The Pro version of Splitwise includes additional features like currency conversion, receipt scanning, and charts and graphs.

Fees and Fairness

Credit: youtube.com, Splitwise - My Experience

Splitwise is a fantastic tool for splitting bills and expenses with friends and roommates. It's free to use, with no fees from Splitwise itself for transactions with PayPal, Venmo, or Paytm.

However, some partners may charge service fees, so it's worth being aware of those. I've had friends who've gotten caught out by unexpected fees, so it's always good to double-check.

Splitwise offers a range of fairness calculators to help you divide expenses fairly among your group. The rent calculator is particularly useful for roommates with different living arrangements, taking into account factors like room size, window count, and closet space.

Here are some of the fairness calculators available on Splitwise:

  • Split the rent calculator
  • Travel calculator
  • Noise calculator
  • Guest calculator

These calculators can help you figure out how much each person should contribute, whether you're splitting a beach house or dealing with a noisy roommate. The guest calculator is particularly useful for longer-term couch stays, rather than a quick visit.

Pros and Cons

Credit: youtube.com, Splitwise Vs Tricount Review 2025 | Pros and Cons | Which is Better Today? [HONEST GUIDE]

Splitwise is a great tool for managing group expenses, but like any app, it has its pros and cons.

One of the biggest advantages of Splitwise is its simplicity. It's easy to use and requires minimal setup, making it a great option for casual group expenses.

Splitwise also offers a high level of accuracy, automatically calculating the exact amount each person owes based on shared expenses. This feature is especially useful for large groups or complex expenses.

However, one potential drawback is that Splitwise can be less suitable for small, informal groups where expenses are minimal. In these cases, the fees charged by Splitwise might outweigh the benefits of using the app.

You might enjoy: Accrued Expenses 会計

What We Like

Splitwise is a great app for managing shared expenses, especially for people who travel in groups. It minimizes the chance for disputes and eases stress.

The free version offers all the main features, making it a must-try for those who need to track contributions.

You can use Splitwise for trips or family events, making it a convenient tool for various group settings.

However, it's worth noting that Splitwise used to be even better in the past.

What We Dislike

Man Sitting at the Desk and Counting Money while Using a Calculator
Credit: pexels.com, Man Sitting at the Desk and Counting Money while Using a Calculator

Splitwise has its downsides, and it's essential to consider them before deciding if it's the right tool for you.

One major drawback is the lack of an in-app payment facility. This means you can't pay your friends directly within the app, which can be a hassle.

If you have PayPal or Venmo installed, you'll be redirected to the app to make the payment, but if your country doesn't support either, you'll have to resort to cash. This can lead to unnecessary record-keeping, as users have to document every payment made via cash or other methods.

Another issue is that Splitwise may not be the best choice for groups with older members who are hesitant to adapt to digital methods. These individuals may not be familiar with the app, and it can take time for everyone to get on board.

In some cases, excessive emails can be annoying, especially if users are not tech-savvy. It's essential to weigh the benefits of using Splitwise against the potential drawbacks before deciding to use it.

What Could Improve?

Credit: youtube.com, 🤑 How does Splitwise work? How to Use the App (Full Review + Step by Step Guide)

Splitwise's app is already quite user-friendly, but there are a few areas where it could improve.

Itemizing receipts is one feature that could be more accessible. Currently, users can't upload a receipt and auto-create individual expenses from each line item, which can make group expense tracking a nightmare.

Splitwise does offer this feature, but only as a pro feature on their website.

Financial Benefits

Splitwise offers a convenient way to split bills with friends, and it also provides some financial benefits.

The app generates revenue from ads on its free version.

Subscription fees from its Pro version also contribute to Splitwise's income.

For another approach, see: D365 F&o Version Release Dates

Travel and Expenses

Splitwise makes traveling with others incredibly easy. It's perfect for group trips, and one user even used it with two other couples and loved how it sent messages to keep everyone informed.

The app is great for tracking expenses, especially when you're splitting costs with a group. One user was amazed at how much easier it made following group expenses.

With features like percentage-based splitting, you can easily divide costs among your travel companions, saving you time and trouble.

Adding Expenses

Credit: youtube.com, E-Expenses - Adding a travel expense

Adding Expenses to Your Travel Group is a Breeze!

You can add expenses to your group with just a few clicks. Click your group, then click the "Add bill" button to get started.

You'll be asked to fill in some details about your expense, like the total cost, who paid, and how much each person should owe. This makes it easy to keep track of who's paid what.

You can also include a picture or additional notes to help explain the expense. And if you're adding an earlier expense, you can even change the date.

Here's a step-by-step guide to adding expenses:

  1. Click your group and then click the "Add bill" button.
  2. Fill in the total cost, who paid, and how much each person should owe.
  3. Include a picture or additional notes if needed.
  4. Change the date if you're adding an earlier expense.

Makes Traveling Easy

Splitwise is a game-changer for traveling with others. It makes tracking expenses a breeze, as evident in the experience of one group of friends who used it to split expenses on a trip with two other couples.

The app's ease of use is a major advantage, allowing users to figure out percentages for each person on certain expenses, as one group discovered. This feature saved them a ton of time and trouble.

Credit: youtube.com, Business Travel Expenses - Travelling for work this summer? Expend makes it easy & saves you money!

Splitwise also sends users messages to keep them informed about their spending, making it easy to stay on top of expenses. This feature is a must-have for anyone traveling with friends or family.

The app's expense tracking capabilities are so good that one user was willing to pay for it, citing its ability to make following group expenses much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Splitwise no longer free?

Splitwise remains free to use, but a paid subscription called "Splitwise Pro" is available with varying pricing depending on your location. You can continue using the app without a paid subscription.

Alfred Blanda

Senior Writer

Alfred Blanda has carved out a niche for himself in the realm of banking information, offering readers clear, concise, and comprehensive insights into the financial sector. His articles are known for their depth and clarity, making complex financial concepts accessible to a wide audience. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for educating, Blanda continues to be a trusted voice in financial journalism.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.