How to Create and Manage a Group in FairSplitter
Learn how to set up a group for a trip, apartment, couple, or event in FairSplitter — including how to add members, set a default currency, and simplify debts.
Groups in FairSplitter let you track all expenses for a shared context — a trip, an apartment, a couple, a project — in one place. Everyone in the group can add expenses, and FairSplitter keeps a running balance for each member.
How to Create a Group
- Tap the Groups tab in the bottom tab bar.
- Tap the + icon in the top-right corner of the "My Groups" header.
- The "Create Group" form opens.
Fill in the group details
Group Name Give the group a clear name. Examples:
- "Bali Trip 2025"
- "Apartment 4B"
- "Ski Weekend – March"
- "Jamie & Sam"
Group Type Choose the type that matches your situation:
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Home | Roommates splitting rent, utilities, groceries |
| Trip | One-off travel with a group of friends |
| Couple | Ongoing shared expenses between two partners |
| Event | A single event like a birthday party, dinner, or bachelor weekend |
| Project | Team expenses, work reimbursements |
| General | Anything that doesn't fit the above |
The type doesn't change the app's behavior — it's an organizational label that helps you keep multiple groups clear.
Default Currency Set the currency you'll use most often for expenses in this group. You can still add individual expenses in a different currency — this just sets the default to save time.
Description (optional) A short note about what the group is for. Useful when you have many groups and want context at a glance.
Simplify Debts Leave this on (it's on by default). With Simplify Debts enabled, FairSplitter minimizes the number of transfers needed to settle everyone's balances. In a group of 5 people, instead of up to 10 separate payments between pairs, it calculates the optimal set of transfers — often just 2 or 3.
Add Members Search for existing friends by name, or type an email or phone number to invite someone who doesn't have FairSplitter yet. They'll receive an invitation; once they join, balances sync automatically.
- Tap Create Group. The group appears in your Groups list immediately.
Adding Members Who Don't Have the App
You don't need to wait for everyone to download FairSplitter before creating the group. During setup — or after — you can add people by:
- Name only — creates a local contact; you track their balance on their behalf
- Phone number — if they later sign up with that number, their account links automatically
- Email — same as phone; links when they create an account with that email
This is useful for group trips or events where some participants aren't on the app.
Adding Expenses to a Group
Once the group is created, any member can add expenses to it:
- Tap + on the Home tab or from the Groups tab.
- On the "Add an expense" screen, tap the Group field and select the group.
- In Split with, select the group members who were part of this expense (not necessarily everyone — only the people who should share this cost).
- Set Paid by to whoever actually paid.
- Choose a split method: Equal, Exact, Percent, or Shares.
- Tap Save.
Viewing Group Balances
Inside a group, the Balances view shows:
- Each member's net position in the group
- Who owes whom, and how much
- If Simplify Debts is on: the minimum set of payments to settle everything
How Simplify Debts Works
Without simplification, each pair of people tracks their own balance. In a group of 4 after a trip, you might have:
- Alice owes Bob $20
- Bob owes Carol $15
- Carol owes Alice $10
- Dave owes Alice $30
With Simplify Debts on, FairSplitter collapses these into the fewest possible transfers. The net result is the same, but instead of 4 payments, it might be 2.
This is particularly useful for roommates (many recurring expenses over months) and group trips (many expenses over a few days).
Common Questions
Can I change the group type after creating it?
Yes — open the group, tap the settings or edit icon, and update any field including the type, name, or currency.
Can I add someone to a group after it's already been created?
Yes. Open the group, go to Members, and add the new person. They'll see all existing group expenses once they join.
What if someone in the group doesn't want to download the app?
Add them by name or phone number. You can track the balance locally — they don't need to do anything. If they eventually join FairSplitter with the same contact details, balances link automatically.
Can I have the same person in multiple groups?
Yes. A friend can be in your "Apartment" group and your "Bali Trip" group simultaneously. Their overall balance on your Home screen is the sum of all group and individual balances combined.
What happens to a group after a trip ends or a roommate moves out?
The group stays in your list until you archive or delete it. This is useful for keeping a record. If you settle all balances and no one adds new expenses, it simply sits as a historical record.
