Roommates • Apps • Money Systems
7 Best Apps to Split Rent With Roommates (2025)
Looking for the best apps to split rent with roommates so you can stop chasing payments? This guide compares top bill-splitting apps, shows how to choose the right one for your house, and gives you plug‑and‑play steps and message templates to roll it out today.
Tweetable: “Use one app, set reminders, and never chase rent again.”
TL;DR
Pick one app and stick to it. Best overall: Splitwise. Best for quick payments: Venmo (US) or your local instant-pay app. Best for travel/multi‑currency: Settle Up or Tricount. Follow the 5‑step rollout below, paste our message templates, and stop chasing rent.
One-line comparison (quick snapshot)
| App | Best for | Platforms | Key features | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Splitwise | Best overall for roommates and recurring bills | iOS • Android • Web | Recurring expenses, reminders, unequal splits, receipt photos, CSV/PDF (Pro), payment links | Pro adds itemization and exports |
| Tricount | Flexible group splits and travel | iOS • Android • Web | Equal/unequal splits, notes, photos, multi-user editing, export | Limited direct payments |
| Settle Up | Multi‑currency and offline entries | iOS • Android | Itemization, multi‑currency, offline mode, CSV/PDF export | Some features in paid plan |
| Splid | Simplest tracker for tech‑shy roommates | iOS • Android | Equal/unequal splits, categories, photos, export | No built‑in P2P payments |
| Venmo (US) | Fast payments once totals are known | iOS • Android | Requests/split, notes, instant transfer (fees may apply) | Not a ledger; US‑only |
| Google Pay | Group requests in supported regions | iOS • Android | Send/receive, group splits (varies by country) | Feature availability varies by region |
| PayPal / Zelle / Cash App | Quick settle‑up rails | iOS • Android | Fast transfers, notes, instant options | Not full expense trackers |
Primary keyword target: best apps to split rent with roommates
Top apps to split bills among roommates
Splitwise
What it is: A popular group expense tracker that keeps running tabs and simplifies who owes whom.
Best for: Ongoing roommates and recurring bills.
Platforms: iOS • Android • Web
Core features: Equal/unequal splits; recurring expenses; reminders; receipt photos; currency conversion; export (CSV/PDF often in paid tiers); settlement links (e.g., Venmo/PayPal in supported regions).
- Clear running balance by person and group
- Supports recurring bills and detailed notes
- Links to payment apps for quick settle‑up
- In‑app payments aren’t universal
- Some features (itemization/export) require Pro
Quick setup tip: Make a “House Bills” group and add rent, internet, and utilities as recurring expenses.
Shareable highlight: “Splitwise tracks it all so you never do rent math in a group chat again.”
Tricount
What it is: A flexible group expense app that shines for shared trips and house costs.
Best for: Groups that split lots of small, changing expenses.
Platforms: iOS • Android • Web
Core features: Equal/unequal splits; per‑expense notes; photo receipts; multi‑user editing; export options; works across countries.
- Simple interface for quick adds
- Great for mixed groups (roommates + guests)
- Good cross‑platform and web access
- Limited direct payment options
- Reports are basic
Quick setup tip: Create one “Apartment 203” tricount and pin it in your house chat.
Shareable highlight: “Tricount makes any group split painless, from power bills to pizza nights.”
Settle Up
What it is: A feature‑rich expense splitter with strong multi‑currency and offline support.
Best for: International houses or roommates with frequent travel.
Platforms: iOS • Android
Core features: Equal/unequal splits; itemization; multi‑currency; offline entry; PDF/CSV export; simplified settlements; receipt photos.
- Offline‑friendly for spotty Wi‑Fi
- Handles multiple currencies cleanly
- Detailed export for records
- Fewer social‑payment links than US‑focused apps
- Some features require a paid plan
Quick setup tip: Set your default split (equal, percentages, room size) in group settings before adding expenses.
Shareable highlight: “Settle Up keeps perfect tabs—even when your Wi‑Fi doesn’t.”
Splid
What it is: A simple, clean split app that focuses on clarity over clutter.
Best for: Tech‑shy roommates who want a minimal, reliable tracker.
Platforms: iOS • Android
Core features: Equal/unequal splits; receipt photos; multi‑currency; expense categories; export to CSV/PDF.
- Very easy to learn
- Clear summaries by person and category
- Solid export for backups
- No built‑in P2P payments
- Fewer automation features than bigger apps
Quick setup tip: Add tags like “rent,” “power,” and “internet” to keep everything tidy.
Shareable highlight: “Splid is the calm, simple way to split bills without drama.”
Venmo (US)
What it is: A popular US peer‑to‑peer payment app with basic split and request tools.
Best for: Fast paybacks once you know the amounts.
Platforms: iOS • Android
Core features: Request/split within the app; payments from balance/bank/card; notes and emojis; instant transfers (fees may apply).
- Instant peer payments in the US
- Ubiquitous among US roommates
- Easy to nudge with friendly requests
- Not a full expense ledger
- Fees may apply for card funding or instant transfer
Quick setup tip: Use a tracker (like Splitwise) for the math, then settle via Venmo links.
Shareable highlight: “Do the math elsewhere, then Venmo it—done.”
Google Pay
What it is: A payment app with group/expense features in some regions.
Best for: Everyday splits where a simple group request is enough.
Platforms: iOS • Android
Core features: Send/receive money; split and request in groups (availability varies by country); notifications; linked bank accounts/cards.
Important: Google has changed features by region over time. In some countries, the standalone Google Pay app has been sunset or migrated to Google Wallet and the web. Check the latest for your country in Google’s Help Center (source).
Quick setup tip: Create a “Roommates” group (if available in your region) and split your next bill with one tap.
Shareable highlight: “Tap, split, and done—Google Pay keeps it moving.”
PayPal / Zelle / Cash App
What it is: Quick‑payment rails to move money fast.
Best for: Settling up after you track expenses elsewhere.
Platforms: iOS • Android
Core features: Direct bank‑to‑bank (Zelle), wallet‑based (PayPal), and US/UK P2P (Cash App); notes; instant transfer options.
- Fast payments to people you know
- Widely available (PayPal is global)
- Bank‑backed transfers (Zelle via participating banks)
- Not designed as full expense trackers
- Region and bank availability limits
Quick setup tip: Agree on one preferred payment rail for your house to avoid “How should I pay you?” messages.
Shareable highlight: “Pick a payment rail and keep settle‑ups frictionless.”
Bonus: If your landlord uses a rent portal (e.g., Apartments.com, Avail, RentRedi), pay rent there and use one of the apps above for utilities and shared items.
How to choose the right roommate expense tracker
- Split complexity: Equal only, or do you need percentages, room‑size splits, or itemized receipts?
- Frequency: Recurring rent/utilities vs. ad‑hoc groceries and supplies.
- Payment method: In‑app requests vs. separate payment rails (e.g., Zelle, PayPal).
- Countries/currencies: Any roommates abroad or using different currencies?
- Privacy/security: Need exports/receipts for records and move‑out proof?
- Tech comfort: Will everyone actually use the app you pick?
Decision shortcuts:
- Recurring rent + long‑term house: Splitwise.
- One‑off or simple splits with fast pay: Venmo (US) or your local P2P app.
- Travel or multi‑currency: Settle Up or Tricount (Splid also works).
- Tech‑shy roommates: Splid for clarity.
- Landlord portal for rent: Use the portal for rent; use an app here for the rest.
5‑step rollout plan (15 minutes)
1) Agree on one app and simple rules
Summary: Pick one app and write down the house rules to avoid confusion.
Explain: A single source of truth stops “I thought we used X.” Decide due dates, how to split (equal, by room size, or percent), and what counts as a shared expense. Keep it simple so everyone follows through.
Example: “We use Splitwise. Equal split for internet and power. Due by the 3rd. Late after the 5th.”
Micro‑case: Four roommates save 20 minutes each monthly by not arguing about who owes what—that’s 16 hours/year back.
2) Create the group and set defaults
Summary: Build your “House Bills” group and lock in default splits.
Explain: Add all roommates, set equal or percentage splits, and turn on reminders. Add your address in the group name for clarity. Clear defaults reduce mistakes later.
Exercise: Create the group, add all names, and set a default “equal” split. Note: “Rent due the 1st; utilities posted by the 10th.”
Micro‑case: One house increased on‑time payments to 100% just by turning on reminders.
3) Enter recurring bills with receipts
Summary: Add rent, internet, and power as recurring items and attach proof.
Explain: Recurring prevents “Oops, forgot rent.” Photo receipts or PDFs end arguments. Notes like “New router shared cost” add context later.
Example: Add rent as a monthly recurring charge. Attach the lease page that shows total rent.
Micro‑case: Having the bill photo handy defused a “Who used extra data?” fight in minutes.
4) Settle on a schedule
Summary: Choose one day to settle everything and stick to it.
Explain: A monthly “settle‑up day” cleans the slate so debt doesn’t snowball. Agree on one payment method (e.g., Zelle) to avoid friction.
Exercise: Put “Settle Up Day—last Friday of the month” on the calendar and house chat.
Micro‑case: “I stopped dreading reminders once we picked a settle day. It’s just routine now.”
5) Handle exceptions gracefully
Summary: Plan for late payments, disputes, and move‑outs before they happen.
Explain: Agree on a friendly late policy, keep receipts, and document changes (like a roommate leaving). Export records before anyone moves out.
Example: “Late after the 5th = gentle reminder; after the 10th = direct message + plan.”
Micro‑case: A quick CSV export settled a move‑out balance in 5 minutes—no drama.
Message templates (copy/paste)
- Proposal: “Hey team! Let’s use Splitwise so we don’t chase payments. I’ll create ‘House Bills’ and add rent/internet. Due by the 3rd, settle by Zelle. Cool?”
- Monthly reminder: “Friendly ping: House bills updated. Please settle by Friday. Thanks!”
- Late follow‑up: “Hi! Looks like your balance is still open. Can you settle by tonight? If needed, let’s set a plan—no stress.”
House rules & tips to keep things fair
- Agree on split method (equal, room size, or percent).
- Set due dates and turn on reminders.
- Keep receipts and use notes for context.
- Small groups: settle monthly. Big groups: settle per event.
- When someone moves out: export CSV, reconcile, then close the group.
Troubleshooting common problems
- Someone refuses the app: Offer the simplest option (Splid) and a two‑week trial. If they still refuse, one person can log expenses and send monthly totals to pay via Zelle/PayPal.
- Partial payments: Note partials in app comments and keep the balance visible until fully paid.
- Disputes about who paid: Use photo receipts and timestamps; the app log becomes your neutral record.
- Backups: Export CSV/PDF monthly and save to a shared folder titled “Apartment Bills YYYY‑MM”.
Safety, fees, and region notes (read this)
- P2P safety: Peer‑to‑peer payments can be hard to reverse. Only pay people you know and double‑check usernames. See guidance from the CFPB and FTC (sources).
- FDIC insurance: Money held in some non‑bank payment app balances may not be FDIC‑insured like a bank deposit unless certain conditions are met (source: FDIC).
- Fees: Instant transfers and card‑funded payments can incur fees on some services, e.g., Venmo and PayPal (sources).
- MFA: Turn on multi‑factor authentication to reduce account‑takeover risk (source: CISA).
- Google Pay features vary: Group split features depend on country; in some regions the app has moved functionality to Google Wallet and the web. Check the Help Center for current availability (source: Google).
FAQ
Are these apps safe?
Most use standard encryption and app‑store security. However, P2P payments may be difficult to reverse and app balances may not have the same protections as deposits at an insured bank. Use strong passwords, enable 2FA/MFA, and verify recipients (sources: CFPB, FDIC, CISA).
Do I need everyone to install the app?
Yes for full features. If not, one person can track and send monthly totals to pay via Zelle/PayPal—but you lose transparency and automated reminders.
Can apps handle rent to a landlord?
Many landlords use portals (e.g., Apartments.com, Avail, RentRedi). Pay rent there, and use a split app for shared utilities and purchases.
What if a roommate never pays?
Keep records, follow your late policy, and escalate in writing. Your roommate agreement should outline next steps. Consider local tenant/landlord resources for guidance.
How do I export records for move‑out?
Use each app’s CSV/PDF export (often in Settings → Export) and save to a shared drive.
Reader poll
References
- CFPB: What to know about P2P payment services (source) — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
- FTC: Tips to avoid money transfer scams (source) — https://consumer.ftc.gov/
- FDIC Consumer News: Deposit insurance and payment app balances (source) — https://www.fdic.gov/resources/consumers/consumer-news/
- CISA: Multi‑Factor Authentication (source) — https://www.cisa.gov/mfa
- Venmo: Fees (source) — https://help.venmo.com/hc/en-us/articles/221078888-Fees
- PayPal: Fees (source) — https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/paypal-fees
- Zelle: How Zelle works and safety tips (source) — https://www.zellepay.com/how-it-works
- Google Pay Help Center: Country/feature availability (source) — https://support.google.com/pay/
- Splitwise Help Center (features and plans) (source) — https://support.splitwise.com/
- Settle Up Support (features) (source) — https://settleup.io/
- Tricount Help (features) (source) — https://www.tricount.com/
- Splid App (features) (source) — https://splid.app/
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