Intermediate · B1 / B2 · Finance

Paying & Splitting Bills

Your goal: split a bill, transfer money, and sort out a payment that didn't go through.

1

Survival Phrases

Splitting

  • Could we split it four ways?
  • I'll transfer you my share now — what's your account?
  • Let me scan the QR code to pay you back.

Transferring

  • How long does a transfer take?
  • What's the reference I should use?
  • I've sent it — it should land today.

Failed payments

  • My card was declined — could I try another?
  • The payment's showing as pending — has it gone through?
  • I've been charged twice — could you refund one?

Recurring

  • Could I set up a direct debit for the rent?
  • How do I cancel a standing order?
2

Model Dialogue

Read the dialogue aloud twice — once for each speaker. Notice how B picks up A's words and adds something.

Marina: So that's £48 each. I'll transfer you my share now — what's your account?

Diego: Use the app — scan my QR. Quicker.

Marina: Done. Should land today, right?

Diego: Yeah, instant. Oh — my card was declined earlier, by the way.

Marina: Declined? Anything wrong?

Diego: No, the machine just didn't read it. I tried another card and it went through.

Marina: Good. Could I set up a direct debit for next month so we don't chase each other?

Diego: Smart. I'll send you the details; set it for the 1st.

Marina: Perfect. Cheers.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationMore formalMore informal / natural
SplittingCould we split it four ways? I'll transfer my share now.Let's go four ways — I'll send mine.
TransferringHow long does a transfer usually take, and what reference should I use?How long's a transfer?
DeclinedMy card was declined — could I try another?My card got declined.
RecurringCould I set up a direct debit so it's automatic?Can I set up a direct debit?
At B1/B2 the line between formal and informal is often tone and softeners (just, a bit, possibly), not different words. Soften requests when the stakes are higher.
4

Typical Mistakes (B1/B2 & Portuguese interference)

  • Let's divide the bill. → Could we split the bill? ((split, não divide))
  • I will transfer you. → I'll transfer you my share now. ((transfer + share))
  • My card was refused. → My card was declined. ((declined é o termo))
  • The payment is pending. → The payment's showing as pending — has it gone through? ((showing as))
  • I want to put a direct debit. → I'd like to set up a direct debit. ((set up))
  • Put it for the 1st. → Set it for the 1st. ((set it))
5

Culture Note

  • QR and instant transfer apps (bank-to-bank) have made splitting bills near-instant in many countries.
  • 'Declined' (not 'refused') is the standard word; a decline is often the machine, not your funds.
  • A direct debit is variable (the amount can change, e.g. a bill); a standing order is fixed.
  • Always use a reference on transfers — without it, money can sit unidentified.
6

Practical Task

  1. Rebuild the dialogue with a declined card and a pending payment.
  2. Record both roles, casual but clear.
  3. Write the steps to set up a direct debit in your own words.
  4. Real-life mission: read a real bank's help page on failed payments and note three terms (pending, declined, chargeback).

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐suggest splitting and transfer your share?
  • ☐ask how long a transfer takes and what reference?
  • ☐handle a declined card calmly?
  • ☐ask to set up a direct debit?
Bring your dialogue — the teacher plays a friend whose transfer 'didn't arrive' and you must follow up.