How to Ask for the Bill and Pay Politely

When dining out at a restaurant or café, knowing how to politely ask for the bill in English is an important skill. It is one of the final steps of your dining experience, and doing it gracefully leaves a positive impression on the staff. Whether you are traveling, studying abroad, or simply practicing English in your home country, learning these expressions will help you feel confident in real-life situations.

This guide will cover common phrases, cultural tips, polite payment expressions, and example dialogues so you can handle the process naturally.

Why Politeness Matters

In English-speaking countries, service staff appreciate customers who show courtesy and respect. Saying “please” and “thank you” goes a long way. Unlike in some cultures where raising your hand or calling out loudly might be common, English-speaking environments often value discretion and polite requests. Asking for the bill in a friendly way not only shows good manners but also ensures smoother communication.

Common Phrases to Ask for the Bill

Here are some standard ways to request the bill in English:

• “Could we have the bill, please?”

• “May I have the check, please?” (U.S. English: “check” is used instead of “bill.”)

• “Can we settle the bill, please?”

• “We’d like to pay, please.”

• “Could you bring the check, please?”

These expressions are polite, short, and easy to remember. Always add “please” at the end, which makes the request sound softer and more respectful.

British vs. American English: “Bill” vs. “Check”

• In British English, people usually say “bill.” Example: “Can I have the bill, please?”

• In American English, people usually say “check.” Example: “Can I get the check, please?”

Both words are widely understood, but it’s good to be aware of the difference if you are traveling in the UK or the US.

Gestures That Help

Sometimes words are not enough, especially in noisy restaurants. You can use polite gestures along with your request:

• Making eye contact with your server and raising your hand slightly.

• Mimicking the act of signing a paper (universal gesture for “check”).

• Smiling while speaking to soften the interaction.

Avoid shouting across the room or snapping your fingers, as these are considered rude in English-speaking cultures.

Polite Phrases for Payment

Once the bill arrives, here are phrases you can use to pay politely:

• “Do you take credit cards?”

• “Can I pay by cash?”

• “Could I pay by card, please?”

• “Do you accept contactless payment?”

• “Can I split the bill?” (if you want to share costs with friends)

• “Let’s go Dutch.” (informal way to say each person pays for their own meal)

If you are paying for the whole group, you can say:

• “I’ll take care of the bill.”

• “This one’s on me.” (informal, friendly way to say you will pay)

Cultural Tips When Paying

1. Tipping in the U.S.
   In American restaurants, it is common to leave a tip of around 15–20% of the bill. You can say:

   • “I’ll add the tip to the card.”

   • “Here’s the cash, and the rest is the tip.”

2. Tipping in the U.K.
   In the UK, a service charge may already be included. If not, leaving 10–12% is appreciated.

3. No tipping cultures
   In some countries, tipping is not expected. When speaking English abroad, always check local customs before you pay.

4. Politeness with staff
   After paying, it’s polite to say:

   • “Thank you very much.”

   • “Everything was lovely.”

   • “Have a good evening.”

A smile and a kind word are remembered by staff and make your visit more enjoyable.

Example Dialogues

Example 1: At a café

Customer: Excuse me, could I have the bill, please?
Waiter: Of course. I’ll bring it right over.
Customer: Thank you. Do you take credit cards?
Waiter: Yes, we do.
Customer: Great, I’ll pay by card, please.

Example 2: In an American restaurant

Customer: Could we get the check, please?
Server: Sure, I’ll be right back with it.
Customer: Thanks. Could we split the bill evenly?
Server: No problem. I’ll separate it for you.

Example 3: With friends

Friend A: Should we split the bill?
Friend B: Yes, let’s go Dutch.
Friend C: Don’t worry, this one’s on me.

How to Sound More Natural

If you want to sound natural like a native speaker, try these tips:

1. Softening phrases

   • Instead of “Give me the bill,” say “Could I have the bill, please?”

   • Adding “please” makes it sound friendly.

2. Using polite tone
   Even if your words are correct, tone matters. Smile and use a calm voice.

3. Practice variations
   Don’t memorize just one phrase. Learn several so you can adapt:

   • “Can we pay, please?”

   • “Could you bring us the check?”

   • “I think we’re ready to settle up.” (casual but polite)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting “please” → makes you sound demanding.

• Saying only “Bill!” loudly → might seem rude.

• Snapping fingers or whistling → considered impolite.

• Using the wrong currency or card without asking → always check first if they accept it.

Practicing in Real Life

If you want to practice before traveling:

• Role-play with a friend in a restaurant scenario.

• Practice saying: “Could we have the bill, please?” with a polite smile.

• Record yourself to check pronunciation.

• Use the phrases at local cafés in your own country, even if English is not the main language.

The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.

Quick Phrase Bank

• Asking for the bill:

  • “Can I have the bill, please?”

  • “Could we get the check, please?”

  • “We’d like to pay, please.”

• Paying:

  • “Do you take credit cards?”

  • “Can I pay in cash?”

  • “Can we split the bill?”

  • “This one’s on me.”

• Ending politely:

  • “Thank you very much.”

  • “We had a great meal.”

  • “Have a good evening.”

Conclusion

Asking for the bill and paying politely in English is more than just language—it’s about showing respect and friendliness. By using simple phrases like “Could I have the bill, please?” or “Can I pay by card, please?” and adding a smile, you create a positive dining experience. Remember the small differences between British and American English, practice with friends, and always be aware of local tipping customs.

With these skills, you’ll feel confident no matter where you eat.

FAQ:How to Ask for the Bill and Pay Politely

What is the most polite way to ask for the bill?

The safest, most universally polite phrasing is: “Could we have the bill, please?” or “May I have the bill, please?” In the United States, replace “bill” with “check.” These forms use softening language (“could,” “may,” and “please”) that reduces the chance of sounding demanding. Smile, make brief eye contact with your server, and speak at a normal volume. Politeness in wording, tone, and body language all work together.

Should I say “bill” or “check”?

Use “bill” in most Commonwealth countries (UK, Ireland, Australia, etc.) and “check” in the United States. Both words are widely understood, so don’t worry if you mix them up. You can also say, “We’re ready to pay, please.” This avoids the vocabulary issue entirely while remaining clear and polite.

How do I get the server’s attention without being rude?

Avoid shouting, whistling, or snapping fingers. Instead, use one or more of these polite methods:

• Make brief eye contact and raise your hand slightly.
• Give a small nod and a friendly smile.
• Say “Excuse me” when the server is nearby.

If the restaurant is noisy, the universal “signing” gesture (pretend to write on your palm) can help, but pair it with a verbal request when possible.

When is the right moment to ask for the bill?

Ask after you’ve finished eating and drinking, and your table looks “closed”—cutlery laid down, napkin folded, and no ongoing conversation about dessert. If you plan to order coffee or dessert, do so before asking for the bill. In some places, servers won’t bring the bill until you ask, as doing so too early can be seen as rushing the guest. A natural lead-in is, “We’re finished. Could we have the bill, please?”

What if I want to pay at the counter instead of the table?

Simply ask, “Do I pay here or at the counter?” or “Shall I pay at the register?” Some cafés and casual restaurants expect guests to pay up front or at a cashier station. Clarifying this avoids confusion and keeps the process smooth.

How can I split the bill politely?

Use clear language so the server knows how to divide the total:

• “Could we split the bill evenly among four?”
• “Can we pay separately, please—each of us on a different card?”
• “We’ll do separate checks: I’ll pay for the pasta and wine, and she’ll pay for the salad.”

If your group is large, tell the server in advance; some venues have policies limiting separate payments during busy hours.

How do I say I’m paying for everyone?

To treat the table, say “I’ll take care of the bill.”, “This one’s on me.”, or “Please put everything on one check.” If you’d like discretion, you can quietly hand your card to the server and say, “Please charge the full amount to this card.” Thank the staff after they process it to close the interaction warmly.

How do I ask about payment methods (cash, card, contactless)?

Check first to avoid delays: “Do you take credit cards?”, “Do you accept contactless?”, or “Can I pay in cash?” If you’re unsure about a specific card brand, ask, “Do you accept AmEx/Visa/Mastercard?” For mobile wallets, try “Is Apple Pay/Google Pay okay?” Asking politely prevents awkwardness at the till.

What if the bill is incorrect?

Stay calm and specific. Try: “Excuse me, I think there’s a mistake on the bill. We didn’t have the second dessert.” or “Could you check this item? I believe it should be the lunch price.” Use neutral language that focuses on the issue, not the person. Thank the server for checking, and confirm the updated total before paying.

How do I ask for a receipt or an itemized bill?

Say “Could I have a receipt, please?” or “May I have an itemized bill?” An itemized bill lists each dish and drink separately—helpful for splitting costs or claiming expenses. For business use, ask “Could you issue a receipt with the company name?” or “May I have a receipt showing tax separately?” These requests are standard and not considered rude.

How should I tip politely, and how do I talk about it?

Tipping customs vary by country and venue. Where tipping is customary, you can say, “I’ll add the tip to the card.” or “Here’s cash; the rest is for you.” If you aren’t sure, ask, “Is service included?” or “Do you add a service charge?” Keep language matter-of-fact and appreciative. If tipping isn’t expected locally, simply thank the staff warmly.

What should I say if the bill is taking too long?

After a reasonable wait, try a gentle follow-up: “Excuse me, sorry to bother you—could we get the bill when you have a moment?” This phrasing acknowledges that the server may be busy, while clearly restating your request. If you’ve already asked once, it’s fine to ask again with a friendly tone: “Just a reminder about the bill, please.”

How do I handle a fixed service charge or minimum spend?

If the bill includes a service charge or you see a minimum-spend note on the menu, you can clarify politely: “I noticed a 12.5% service charge—does that mean I shouldn’t add a tip?” or “We’re under the minimum spend; what’s the best way to settle the difference?” Neutral, specific questions help you understand the policy without sounding confrontational.

What phrases help me sound natural and friendly?

In addition to “please” and “thank you,” try:

• “Whenever you have a moment, could we have the bill?”
• “I think we’re ready to settle up.” (casual but polite)
• “Everything was lovely—thank you.”

These small touches create a positive final impression and invite a warm farewell from the staff.

How do I politely decline additional items (dessert, coffee) before paying?

If offered more, respond graciously: “Everything was great, thank you, but we’ll pass this time. Could we have the bill, please?” This acknowledges the offer, expresses appreciation, and transitions smoothly to payment. Keeping the tone appreciative ensures you’re not perceived as rushing or dismissive.

What should I do if my card is declined?

Stay calm and keep it simple: “That’s strange—let me try another card.” or “Could we try the chip instead of contactless?” If the problem persists, say “I’ll pay in cash” or “Can I make a quick transfer and come back with cash?” Most staff understand occasional technical issues; a polite, solution-focused response resolves it quickly.

How can I round up or ask the server to keep the change?

With cash, you can hand over a note and say, “Please keep the change, thank you.” If you want a specific total, say, “Could you make the total 50, please?” When paying by card in tipping cultures, you can say, “I’ll add ten for the tip, thank you.” Always end with thanks; it signals goodwill and closes the interaction politely.

How do I end the interaction on a positive note?

After the payment is processed, smile and say, “Thank you very much. We enjoyed everything.” or “Have a great evening.” If you genuinely liked something, mention it: “The risotto was excellent.” Positive feedback is appreciated and memorable. A warm closing line is the final step in polite payment etiquette.

Travel English Guide for Beginners