Business English: How to offer to pay for a meal/coffee in English

Let’s say you’re at a restaurant with some clients or colleagues and you’d like to offer to pay for the meal. What would you say to the others at the table when the bill comes?

“I’ll pay” may sound too direct. Here are some common phrases and sentences you can use when offering to pay for a meal or coffee to others.

1. spring for

spring for means “to pay for something”.

I’ll spring for the dinner.

2. bill on me

The bill is on me.

3. let me foot the bill

Let me foot the bill if you don’t mind.

4. it’s my treat

This time is my treat. You can treat us next time.

5. it’s on me

Let’s dine out this evening, it’s on me.

6. I’m buying

The whole team will go out to have lunch. I’m buying it.

7. get/have the bill

Excuse me, may I have the bill, please?

8. pick up the bill/check

Don’t worry about it, let me pick up the bill this time.