MonthlyWise vs. apps vs. a spreadsheet
Many groups track shared costs with a dedicated expense-sharing app or a shared spreadsheet. Here's how MonthlyWise compares for a typical trip or shared bill:
| MonthlyWise | Expense-sharing apps | Spreadsheet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account needed | No | Usually, for each member | Often, to edit |
| App install | No, works in any browser | Usually | No |
| Uneven splits | Equal, %, or exact amounts | Usually | Write your own formulas |
| Who pays whom | Calculated automatically | Calculated automatically | Work it out yourself |
| Multiple currencies | 12, chosen per group | Varies | Manual |
| Long-running groups | No, links last 15 days | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Free or paid plans | Free |
App features vary from one product to another and change over time.
When MonthlyWise is the better fit
- Trips and events where some people won't want to download an app or create an account for one weekend.
- One-off shared purchases like a group gift, a party, or a moving truck.
- Replacing a clunky spreadsheet without writing formulas or working out who pays whom by hand.
When a dedicated app may suit you better
- Long-running groups, like roommates who want one running balance for a whole year. MonthlyWise groups last 15 days.
- Reminders and app notifications when someone adds an expense.
- Receipt scanning and other extras that some apps offer, often in paid plans.
Example: a weekend trip for four
Four friends split everything equally. Total spending is $1,000, so each person's share is $250:
| Person | Paid for | Paid | Share | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex | Hotel | $600 | $250 | +$350 |
| Sam | Dinner | $200 | $250 | −$50 |
| Jordan | Gas | $120 | $250 | −$130 |
| Riley | Groceries | $80 | $250 | −$170 |
Instead of everyone paying everyone, MonthlyWise settles it in three payments: Riley pays Alex $170, Jordan pays Alex $130, and Sam pays Alex $50. Everyone ends up having paid exactly $250.
Splitting rent or bills unevenly
Not every cost should be split equally. If one roommate has the bigger bedroom, split rent 55% / 45% with percentage mode. If one person ordered more at dinner, enter exact amounts for each person. Our guide on how to split expenses with roommates fairly covers the most common methods.
Planning a group trip? Read how to split trip expenses fairly for rules to agree on before you go and a full worked example.
Start a free group and share the link with your group chat. It takes less than a minute.
Frequently asked questions
Is it really free?
Yes. Creating a group, adding expenses, and settling up are all free, with no sign-up, no app, and no limit on expenses.
Does everyone in the group need an account?
No. You create a group and share its private link. Anyone with the link can add expenses and see the balances, in any browser.
How long does a group last?
Group links work for 15 days, which suits trips, events, and one-off shared purchases. For ongoing bills like rent, start a new group each month and settle up before it expires.
Can I split an expense unevenly?
Yes. Split each expense equally, by percentage, or by exact amounts. Fill in everyone but one person and the last share is calculated for you.
Is my group private?
Each group has a private link with a secret key. Only people you share the link with can open it. We store the group so everyone can see it, and it stops working after 15 days.
Can I export the expenses?
Yes. Download a CSV for Excel or Google Sheets, or copy a short summary of who owes whom to paste into your group chat.
This guide is for general education and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. See our disclaimer.