Why keep your supermarket receipt (and how to make the most of it)
Your supermarket receipt is useful for three things: proof of purchase for a refund or a faulty item, checking you were charged correctly and knowing what you spend and on what. You do not need to keep the paper: a photo or a digital receipt covers almost everything.
What it is for
- Refunds and faulty items: it is your proof of purchase, especially for non-food items.
- Checking charges: sometimes the till price is not the shelf price, or an offer was not applied.
- Tracking spending: adding up a month of receipts tells you what you spend on groceries, where and on which categories.
- Comparing prices: with the price of every item you can see if it is cheaper elsewhere or if it has gone up.
How to keep it without piling up paper
- Take a photo as soon as you get home (thermal paper fades over time).
- If your supermarket offers digital receipts in its app, turn them on.
- Keep paper only for purchases with a guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a refund with a photo of my receipt?
It depends on the shop. Many accept a digital receipt or other proof of purchase such as a bank statement, but for guarantees it is worth keeping the original too.
Why do receipts fade?
They are usually printed on thermal paper, which loses its ink with heat, light and time. That is why it is better to photograph them early.