French · Real conversations

Payments: useful French phrases

Clarify a payment, a receipt, or a refund.

Start with the essentials

Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.

Can I pay by card?
Je peux payer par carte ?
Can I pay by card?
Money
l'argent
Money
Receipt
le reçu
Receipt
How much?
combien ?
How much?

Make the conversation more specific

Useful French expressions for payments
What you want to say	French
Can I pay by card?	Je peux payer par carte ? Can I pay by card?
Money	l'argent Money
Receipt	le reçu Receipt
How much?	combien ? How much?
The card was declined.	La carte a été refusée. Show English translation The card was declined.
Could I have a receipt?	Est-ce que je pourrais avoir un reçu ? Show English translation Could I have a receipt?
When will the refund arrive?	Quand est-ce que je recevrai le remboursement ? Show English translation When will the refund arrive?
Can I pay in installments?	Est-ce que je peux payer en plusieurs fois ? Show English translation Can I pay in installments?
Is there an extra charge?	Il y a des frais supplémentaires ? Show English translation Is there an extra charge?

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Veuillez essayer votre carte sur le terminal.
Please try your card at the terminal.
You
La carte a été refusée.
The card was declined.
Partner
On peut essayer une autre carte. Cette fois, le paiement est passé.
We can try another card. The payment went through this time.
You
Est-ce que je pourrais avoir un reçu ?
Could I have a receipt?

Payments in other languages

A note on speaking French

Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.

Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.