Sometimes a single purchase includes items from different categories. A supermarket receipt might include groceries, cleaning supplies, and a pharmacy item. Split transactions let you divide one transaction across multiple categories for accurate tracking.
When to Use Split Transactions
Split transactions are useful when:
- A single receipt has items for different categories
- You want detailed category tracking
- A payment covers multiple expense types
Example: A $150 supermarket shop might include:
- $80 for groceries
- $45 for household cleaning supplies
- $25 for pharmacy items
Instead of putting everything under "Groceries," you can split the transaction to track each category accurately.
Creating a Split Transaction
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Start adding a transaction as normal (Spend or Receive).
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Enter the first category and amount.
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Click the + button below the amount to add another line.
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For each additional line, select a category and enter the amount.
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The total is calculated automatically and shown below the last line.
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Click Save when done.
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Start adding a transaction as normal (Spend or Receive).
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Enter the first category and amount.
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Tap Split at the top right of the Category & Amount section to add another line. The section heading changes to Splits.
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For each additional line, select a category and enter the amount.
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The running total is shown at the top of the form, beside Expense or Income.
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Tap Save when done.
Managing Split Lines
Adding Lines
Click the + button below the amount to add a new category/amount line. You can add as many lines as needed.
Tap Split at the top right of the Category & Amount section to add a new category/amount line. You can add as many lines as needed.
Removing Lines
Click the − button beside a line to remove it. The line disappears and the total recalculates.
Tap the red trash icon beside a line to remove it. The line disappears and the total recalculates.
Adjusting Amounts
Change any amount field and the total updates automatically. Ensure your split amounts add up to the actual transaction total.
Best Practices
Match the receipt total
The sum of your split amounts should match what you actually paid. Financio shows the calculated total so you can verify.
Use consistent categories
Apply the same categories you'd use for individual transactions. This keeps your spending reports accurate.
Don't over-split
Only split when genuinely needed. If a transaction is 90% groceries with a small pharmacy item, consider just categorising it all as groceries for simplicity.
Quick Categorisation
For simple purchases that fit one category, skip splitting and just assign a single category. Split only when accurate tracking across categories matters.
Split Transactions and Rules
When you create a split transaction, automation rules apply to the first line only. The rule may set:
- The category for the first split
- Tags for the entire transaction
Other split lines need manual categorisation.
Rule Suggestions
Rule suggestions (the option to create a rule when categorising) only appear for single-category transactions, not splits.
Viewing Split Transactions
In the transaction list, split transactions appear like any other transaction, except that every category on the split is shown as its own pill.
When you open a split transaction, you'll see all the category/amount lines with the total at the bottom.
Editing Split Transactions
To modify a split transaction:
- Click on the transaction to open it
- Add, remove, or modify split lines
- Adjust amounts as needed
- Click Save Changes (on iPhone, tap Save)
Common Use Cases
Supermarket shopping
Split groceries, household items, and personal care products into their respective categories.
Office supply stores
Separate office supplies from electronics or furniture purchases.
Department stores
Track clothing, home goods, and other departments separately.
Combined utility bills
If you receive a single bill covering multiple services (electricity + gas), split it between utility categories.