Scan receipts into expenses, right in WhatsApp

How does receipt scanning work?

You send a photo of the receipt to the spending.chat chat in WhatsApp. The AI reads the total, currency, date and merchant, suggests a category, and replies with what it logged so you can check it. If something is wrong, you correct it in plain words, such as “total was 45.20”.

1. Snap it: lay the receipt flat with the whole thing in frame.
2. Send it: share the photo in the chat; add a note if you like (“split with Sam”).
3. Check it: the assistant confirms amount, date, store and category; fix anything with a quick reply.

What can it read?

Most printed receipts and screenshots of digital ones: grocery, pharmacy, fuel and restaurant receipts, utility bills, and online order confirmations. Crumpled, faded or very long receipts are harder; when the assistant is unsure about a field it asks you instead of guessing.

• Store and restaurant receipts
• Screenshots of e-receipts and order summaries
• Photos of utility and phone bills
• PDF invoices sent from your phone

Is it a replacement for keeping receipts?

For a personal budget, usually yes: once the amount, date and category are logged, the paper has done its job. For returns, warranties, expense claims and taxes, keep the original or a clear copy, because the rules for business and tax records vary by country and employer. Ask your accountant if you are unsure.

Why use WhatsApp instead of a receipt scanner app?

Because you already have it open. A separate scanner app is one more thing to install, log into and remember; most get abandoned. In WhatsApp, a receipt photo, a typed “coffee 4.50” and a voice note all land in the same expense log, so nothing gets split across apps.

Receipt reading and voice notes are included in Pro ($9.99/month); Starter covers typed messages. Compare them on the pricing page, or see the AI budget assistant for everything else it does.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to download a receipt scanner app?

No. You send the photo in WhatsApp, which you already have. There is nothing else to install.

Which plan includes receipt scanning?

Pro, at $9.99 a month plus tax for memberships started in 2026. Starter covers expenses you log by typing.

Does it log every item on the receipt?

By default it logs the receipt total as one expense. You can ask it to split the total, for example into groceries and household items.

Is my receipt photo kept private?

Your data is only used to run your account and is never sold or used for advertising. You can ask the assistant to delete your data at any time; see the privacy policy for details.