How to Say "Settle a Transaction Fairly" in English: Common Phrases You Need to Know

We’ve all been there—whether you're splitting a bill with friends or deciding how to handle an agreement, you need a way to say, "Alright, let’s settle this!" In these moments, you're trying to wrap things up and make sure everything is balanced. The idea here is about making sure that everyone’s contributions are acknowledged and equal. Let’s dive into some common phrases used by native speakers to express this idea.

shaking hands

Common English Expressions for "Settle a Transaction Fairly"

1. Call It Even

Meaning: This phrase is often used to say that all debts or obligations are now settled. It’s like saying, “We’re good, no need for further exchanges.”

Example 1:
"You bought lunch last time, so let’s call it even."
This implies that there’s no need to owe anything anymore—everything is balanced.

Example 2:
"Can we call it even after I helped you move? I think we're square."

Example 3:
"Once you return the money, we can call it even."
This is often used when you’re closing out a deal or favor.

When to Use It: It’s most commonly used when you want to indicate that a transaction, favor, or debt has been completed, and no further exchanges are needed.

2. Square Up

Meaning: To settle the bill or make sure everything is accounted for. It’s a casual, everyday way to say that everything needs to be paid up or evened out.

Example 1:
"Let's square up before we leave. I’ll pay for the drinks."
Here, "square up" means to make sure the payment is handled.

Example 2:
"We’ll square up once we’re done with everything."
You’re saying that after the task is completed, everything will be settled.

Example 3:
"I’ll buy the drinks this time, but we’ll square up the rest later."
Used in situations where payments or debts will be handled at a later time.

When to Use It: Typically used in informal situations, like with friends or when paying bills together.

3. Settle the Score

Meaning: This one is often used when talking about balancing out debts, but it can also refer to resolving conflicts, not just financial ones.

Example 1:
"We finally settled the score after that big argument."
In this case, it’s about clearing up a disagreement.

Example 2:
"Let’s settle the score and move past it."
You're saying it's time to resolve the issue so everyone can move on.

Example 3:
"I’m ready to settle the score for the prank you pulled on me last time!"
Here, it’s more playful—you're “getting back” at someone.

When to Use It: This phrase is great when you’ve had a dispute or you want to end a lingering conflict, not just a financial transaction.

4. Make It Even

Meaning: This phrase suggests that you balance out a situation so both parties feel like everything is fair and equal.

Example 1:
"I’ll get the coffee, so you can get lunch to make it even."
Here, the idea is that one person buys one thing, and the other person balances it by buying something else.

Example 2:
"Help me with my project, and I’ll make it even by helping you later."
This is about making sure both people benefit equally.

Example 3:
"Let’s make it even by splitting the costs of the trip."
This makes sure that neither person feels like they’re paying more than the other.

When to Use It: When you're trying to make sure that things are fairly balanced, whether it’s money, favors, or responsibilities.

5. Call It Quits

Meaning: This phrase indicates that both sides agree to end the matter and move on. No more obligations or disputes—everything is finished.

Example 1:
"Let’s call it quits after all this back and forth."
This is used when you want to stop the argument or negotiations.

Example 2:
"If we both agree, we can call it quits right here and stop arguing."
It means you’re done with the whole matter.

Example 3:
"Let’s call it quits and stop worrying about this."
You’re signaling that there’s no need to continue, and the matter is closed.

When to Use It: This is often used when you want to end a disagreement or transaction, especially when no further discussion is needed.

Most Common Expression: Call It Even

Of all these phrases, the most commonly used expression in everyday American English is "Call it even." It’s the go-to phrase when you want to let someone know that all debts or obligations are now settled and you’re all square.

shaking hands

Quick Comparison Chart:

Phrase	Meaning	Example
Call It Even	Settle all debts and obligations.	"You paid last time, so we can call it even."
Square Up	Settle accounts, make payments.	"Let’s square up before we head out."
Settle the Score	Resolve conflicts or debts, often after a disagreement.	"Let’s settle the score from last week."
Make It Even	Balance out a situation so both sides feel fair.	"I’ll buy dinner, you get the next one to make it even."
Call It Quits	End the transaction or dispute.	"Let’s just call it quits and forget it."

Quiz: Test Your Understanding

Which phrase would you use to say everything is now balanced after a transaction?
- A) Call it quits
- B) Square up
- C) Call it even
  Answer: C) Call it even
What would you say if you want to resolve an argument and move on?
- A) Make it even
- B) Settle the score
- C) Call it quits
  Answer: B) Settle the score
If you're splitting the bill with friends, which phrase makes sense?
- A) Square up
- B) Call it quits
- C) Make it even
  Answer: A) Square up
Which phrase would you use when you want to end an argument and stop worrying about it?

A) Call it quits
B) Settle the score
C) Make it even
Answer: A) Call it quits

Which phrase would you use when making sure everything is paid and no one owes anything anymore?
- A) Square up
- B) Call it quits
- C) Make it even
  Answer: A) Square up
What phrase is best used when you're trying to make sure both sides are equally satisfied after an agreement?
- A) Call it even
- B) Settle the score
- C) Make it even
  Answer: C) Make it even
If you’re ready to end a disagreement and stop arguing, which phrase would you use?
- A) Call it even
- B) Call it quits
- C) Square up
  Answer: B) Call it quits
Which phrase would you use to resolve a conflict or deal with something that happened in the past (like a prank or disagreement)?
- A) Settle the score
- B) Square up
- C) Make it even
  Answer: A) Settle the score
Which phrase would you use if you want to split the cost of something with a friend?
- A) Call it quits
- B) Square up
- C) Call it even
  Answer: B) Square up
If you’ve done someone a favor, and they do something in return to balance it out, which phrase would fit?
- A) Call it even
- B) Make it even
- C) Settle the score
  Answer: B) Make it even

Common Mistakes with “Call It Even” & Friends (10)

Calling it even before debts are fully settled
❌ “Let’s call it even and I’ll pay you next week.”
✅ “We can call it even once you pay me back.”
(‘Call it even’ means everything is settled right now.)
Using “Square up” in formal/business talks
❌ “The company will square up the invoice.”
✅ “The company will settle the invoice.”
(“Square up” sounds casual, best for friends or informal chats.)
Thinking “Settle the score” only applies to money
❌ “Let’s settle the score on the dinner bill.”
✅ “Let’s call it even on the dinner bill.”
(‘Settle the score’ usually means resolving a conflict or playful revenge.)
Mixing “Make it even” and “Make it evenly”
❌ “Let’s make it evenly by sharing the cost.”
✅ “Let’s make it even by sharing the cost.”
(‘Make it even’ means balancing things out; ‘evenly’ means equal parts.)
Using “Call it quits” for money or favors
❌ “We can call it quits on the bill.”
✅ “Let’s call it quits on arguing about the bill.”
(‘Call it quits’ means stopping an activity, not paying money.)
Using “Square up” when no payment is involved
❌ “Let’s square up on that favor.”
✅ “Let’s make it even on that favor.”
(‘Square up’ is mostly for paying money, not favors.)
Playing with “Settle the score” without clear meaning
❌ “I will settle the score with you by lending money.”
✅ “I’m ready to settle the score for that prank you pulled!”
(Usually means balancing a conflict or playful payback.)
Saying “Make it even” without clarity
❌ “I’ll bring drinks to make it even.” (Vague)
✅ “I’ll bring drinks to make it even since you got lunch last time.”
(Clarify what’s being balanced to avoid confusion.)
Using “Call it even” to mean ‘agree to disagree’
❌ “Let’s call it even on this topic.”
✅ “Let’s agree to disagree on this topic.”
(‘Call it even’ is about settling debts or favors.)
Forgetting “Call it quits” implies finality
❌ “Let’s call it quits but talk more later.”
✅ “Let’s call it quits and talk again tomorrow.”
(It means stopping for good — so be clear if it’s temporary.)

FAQs about These Phrases

Q: Can I use “call it even” for emotional things?
A: Usually, it’s for debts or favors, but sometimes people use it playfully for emotional balance.
Q: Is “square up” only about money?
A: Mostly yes! It’s about paying bills or settling financial matters.
Q: When do I say “settle the score”?
A: Use it for resolving conflicts or playful revenge, not just paying money.
Q: Is “make it even” the same as splitting the bill?
A: Similar! It means balancing what each person owes or contributes.
Q: Can “call it quits” be used in friendly chats?
A: Absolutely! It means stopping something, like a game or argument.
Q: Which phrase is the most casual?
A: “Call it even” and “square up” are very casual and common among friends.
Q: Can I use “call it quits” in business?
A: Usually no, it sounds informal—better for casual or personal contexts.
Q: What if someone says “let’s settle the score” after a fight?
A: They want to resolve the conflict, maybe forgive or get even.
Q: Is “make it even” formal?
A: It’s neutral—good for both casual and polite situations.
Q: Can I say “square up” in text messages?
A: Definitely! It’s perfect for quick, informal chats about money.

Most Common Spoken Phrases Ranked

Call It Even — The go-to casual phrase to say everything’s settled.
Square Up — Very common in informal talks about money or bills.
Call It Quits — Used often when stopping something, like a fight or effort.
Make It Even — Helpful when talking about balancing favors or costs.
Settle The Score — Less frequent, often used for conflicts or playful paybacks.

📌If you find it hard to remember all the expressions above, try mastering just one go-to phrase: "Call it even."
It’s simple, natural, and works in most everyday situations where you want to say everything’s settled.

💬 Why "Call it even"?

"Call it even" is one of those phrases that fits almost anywhere when talking about balancing things out—whether it's money, favors, or just keeping things fair.

✅ Sample Situations:

Money
"You paid for the movie, and I got dinner. Let’s call it even."
(Perfect for casual situations with friends.)
Favors
"You helped me move, and I helped you study. I think we can call it even."
(Shows balance in non-monetary help.)
Jokes or playful revenge
"Okay, you got me back for the prank. Let’s call it even now!"
(Fun and lighthearted way to say, "We’re good.")

☝️ Tip:

Learning just "Call it even" can carry you through tons of real-life situations. It sounds native, casual, and emotionally neutral—just what you need in everyday conversation.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Speak Like You’ve Been Doing This Forever

📌 Mastering these phrases means you’re not just speaking English—you’re speaking it like a native.
Whether you’re splitting a bill, closing out a favor, or ending a little back-and-forth, expressions like call it even, square up, and make it even can make your English sound instantly more natural and relatable.

Next time you're in one of those everyday situations, don’t overthink it—just pick the phrase that fits and say it with confidence.
You’ve got this. 🙌

How to Say "Settle a Transaction Fairly" in English: Common Expressions and Examples