App comparison
Payback vs Tab
Both apps scan receipts and assign items per person. Where they differ is in how payment requests get sent and what happens after the restaurant — here's how they compare.
Where they differ
Tab
Built for the restaurant table. Scans the check, assigns items per person, and handles in-app splitting for the immediate dining experience.
Payback
Scans the receipt, assigns items per person, then sends Venmo or CashApp payment requests to everyone simultaneously via Group Text Blast — before you leave the table. Also handles recurring expenses for roommates.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Payback | Tab |
|---|---|---|
| AI receipt scanning | Yes — reads every item name and price from a photo | Yes — camera-based receipt scanning |
| Per-item assignment | Yes — tap to assign each item; long-press to split shared items | Yes — item-level assignment at the table |
| Payment request method | Opens Venmo or CashApp with the exact amount pre-filled per person | In-app payment or payment links |
| Group Text Blast | Yes — sends Venmo/CashApp requests to everyone simultaneously via SMS | No dedicated group SMS blast |
| Recurring paybacks | Yes — weekly or monthly reminders for rent, utilities, subscriptions | No — focused on restaurant use case |
| Recipients need an account | No — recipients pay via a link in their browser | Varies by payment method |
| Cost | Free — all features included, no subscription | Free to use |
When to use each
Use Payback when:
- Your group uses Venmo or CashApp and you want requests sent automatically
- You want to send all payment requests simultaneously in one tap
- Some people don't want to download another app — they get a browser link
- You also split recurring costs like rent, utilities, or streaming subscriptions
Consider Tab when:
- You prefer to handle payment entirely within the Tab app
- Your use case is exclusively restaurant dining
Common questions
What is the difference between Payback and Tab?
Both Payback and Tab scan receipts and split restaurant bills per item. The key difference is what happens after the split. Payback sends Venmo or CashApp payment requests to everyone simultaneously via Group Text Blast — recipients get a direct link without needing to download anything. Payback also supports recurring paybacks for rent, utilities, and subscriptions, making it useful beyond restaurants.
Does Payback work the same as Tab for splitting restaurant bills?
Both apps scan receipts and let you assign each item to whoever ordered it. Payback focuses on getting everyone paid back immediately: it opens Venmo or CashApp with the exact amount per person pre-filled, and Group Text Blast sends all requests in one tap. If your group uses Venmo or CashApp, Payback gets you from receipt to everyone having a payment request in under 2 minutes.
Is Payback free like Tab?
Yes — Payback is completely free. There is no subscription, no premium tier, and no paywalls. Every feature including receipt scanning, per-item splitting, and Group Text Blast is included at no cost.
Can Payback replace Tab for restaurant bills?
Yes. Payback covers the same core use case: scan the receipt, assign items per person, settle up before leaving. It adds Group Text Blast for simultaneous payment requests via Venmo or CashApp, and recurring paybacks for ongoing shared expenses with roommates.
Does Payback support Venmo and CashApp like Tab?
Payback is specifically built around Venmo and CashApp integration. After splitting the receipt, Payback opens Venmo or CashApp with the exact amount per person pre-filled — you just confirm and send. Group Text Blast sends all requests simultaneously so you can get paid before leaving the table.