50 Receipts That Prove You Should Always Check The Fine Print (New Pics)

On an average day, there’s not much about receipts that’s particularly exciting. At best, they serve a practical purpose—proof of payment, a tax write-off, or a backup for returns.But sometimes, if you check the fine print, you’ll find more than just numbers. These people did, and they discovered messages so clever,funny, or unexpected that they had to share them online. Here are some of the best ones.This post may includeaffiliate links.

On an average day, there’s not much about receipts that’s particularly exciting. At best, they serve a practical purpose—proof of payment, a tax write-off, or a backup for returns.

But sometimes, if you check the fine print, you’ll find more than just numbers. These people did, and they discovered messages so clever,funny, or unexpected that they had to share them online. Here are some of the best ones.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Amusing sketches on interesting receipts featuring cartoon characters and thank you notes.

Interesting receipt with motivational handwritten message about losing a dream job and being a dream employee.

Handwritten note on a receipt, part of interesting receipts people found, sharing a touching birthday tradition.

These days, life is full of conveniences that make everything easier. We don’t have to leave the house to shop—just a few clicks, and whatever we need arrives at our doorstep. The same goes for food, where we can even choose to avoid interacting with thedelivery personentirely. And many of us choose to work from home, skipping the daily commute and all the small talk that comes with it.

This year, I finally published my novel

Man with interesting receipts spread on a table, wearing glasses and a dark shirt, smiles at the camera.

Sketch of a cartoon character on crumpled paper with handwritten notes; an example of interesting receipts people found.

Receipt from knife sharpening service with a latex bandage placed on top, showing interesting details people found.

While all of that is helpful (and honestly, a dream for anyone with social anxiety), it also takes a lot of humanity out of everyday interactions. That’s why little personal touches, like a handwritten note or a hidden message on something as simple as areceipt, can turn an otherwise mundane experience into something special.

Receipt with a comedic quote about buying a donut, reflecting a philosophical take on transactions.

Unique receipt with intricate blue dragon design found on a textured surface.

A heartfelt handwritten note found with comforting words on a receipt, adding a personal touch to interesting receipts people found.

One place where receipts are practically everywhere isrestaurants. So,Bored Pandareached out to Humbat Mamedov, a waiter atStreet Pizzain Riga, Latvia—one of Europe’s top 50 pizzerias—to find out how often receipts are used as a form of communication.“All the time,” Humbat says. However, rather than being meant for guests, most of these messages are actually exchanged between restaurant staff.

“All the time,” Humbat says. However, rather than being meant for guests, most of these messages are actually exchanged between restaurant staff.

Creative illustrations on interesting receipts people found, each showing unique artwork drawn over the printed text.

Cartoon on an interesting receipt from Pier 76 Fish Grill showing Noah’s Ark scene with stick figures and animals.

Handwritten note on a receipt expressing gratitude, found among interesting receipts.

When waiters take orders, customers often have specific requests. The easiest way to pass these modifications along to the kitchen is through the printed order slip. A quick note, and boom, it’s done.“Leaving messages is generally very easy,” Humbat explains. “The text goes directly to the intended station and usually doesn’t appear on the final receipt for the guest, which is very convenient. Unfortunately, not all establishments have this feature.”

“Leaving messages is generally very easy,” Humbat explains. “The text goes directly to the intended station and usually doesn’t appear on the final receipt for the guest, which is very convenient. Unfortunately, not all establishments have this feature.”

Receipt with text on pay, rights, and forming a union; linked to antiwork Reddit.

Long CVS receipt stretched out in a truck bed next to Lifesavers candy, showcasing interesting receipts people found.

Person holding an interesting receipt with a detailed message and a Sudoku puzzle at the bottom.

The type of message varies based on a guest’s specific needs. Many places have preset templates for common modifications, like meat doneness or soup portions. But when requests are more detailed, custom messages become unavoidable.

Receipt showing a pita falafel with “Love” deducted, humorous example of interesting receipts people found.

Interesting receipts showing a matinee ticket for $5.89 at Screen 3 on 16th July, 5:00 PM.

Receipt with “Ketchup on Shawarma Waiver of Liability” text, humorously warning about risks. Interesting receipts found.

Receipt offering discounts with future dates; an interesting find.

A child’s handwritten note on a receipt praising food, with doodles and stars, as an interesting receipt people found.

Receipt from 1965 detailing expenses for adoption reimbursement, with handwritten note and partially covered text.

Of course, not all messages are sweet, but some are undeniably funny. If a customer is being rude or difficult, waiters might vent a little in the order notes to the kitchen or even joke about the situation. And when a guest requests an over-the-top modification, not for allergies, but just because they feel like it, staff will sometimes add an apology to the kitchen for the extra hassle.

Receipt with shrimp scallop black bean dish, showing total $92.18, paid by Visa. Interesting receipts people found.

Unique CVS receipt with four-leaf clovers placed on it, a truly interesting find among receipts.

Old interesting receipt from Waldenbooks found inside an open book, dated 09/28/81, showing purchase details.

But for every difficult customer, there are plenty of kind ones too. Some even leave heartwarming messages on their receipts or napkins. As a Ukrainian, Humbat has received messages of support from fellow Ukrainian guests.“One note read, ‘Thank you for a piece of Ukraine in Riga. Good luck, and Glory to Ukraine!’” he recalls. “Another time, someone left me a children’s coloring book with ‘thank you’ written inside in Polish, which I happen to understand a little.”

“One note read, ‘Thank you for a piece of Ukraine in Riga. Good luck, and Glory to Ukraine!’” he recalls. “Another time, someone left me a children’s coloring book with ‘thank you’ written inside in Polish, which I happen to understand a little.”

A receipt printed on rolling paper found in a car interior.

Receipt for nuggets, fries, and drink with ASCII burger art. Interesting receipts people found.

Gas station receipt unspooling dramatically from the pump, capturing interesting receipts people found.

So if there’s one thing to take away from this, besides a reason to smile, it’s that small gestures matter. A simple note can turn an ordinary moment into something meaningful, brighten someone’s day, or even become a memory they’ll treasure later.

Receipt used as toilet paper in a bathroom, showcasing interesting finds.

Hand-drawn face on receipt with “What can I say except you’re welcome?” written, found at breakfast spot.

Interesting receipts scattered across a grocery store aisle, creating a long line of crumpled paper.

Came in this morning and one of our pumps has been very slowly printing receipt paper all night with code or something on it. It was still printing when I saw it so I removed the paper and put a cone out in front of it. Pump is down. It’s always something.Morning shift is never boring I guess.

A lengthy receipt found at a gas station pump, featuring unusual repeated patterns.

Receipt featuring a long baguette illustration found by someone, shared on social media.

Receipt with a simple drawing of a smiling face, representing interesting receipts people found.

My Friend’s Bar Bill

My Receipt Came With A Nutritional Breakdown

Interesting receipt with items like Magic Steak and 50 LOVE from KINJO, totaling $45.98.

Receipt with items listed including “Hipster-Melk,” showcasing interesting receipts people found.

A weathered receipt on asphalt with blue text, capturing the essence of interesting receipts people have found.

Dog lying on carpet next to an interesting long receipt found, wearing a red bandana.

Fortune quote receipt with motivational message: “Never give up. You’re not a failure if you don’t give up."

Okay so I went to print the check out for a table - I look at the total on the screen and it says $103. I print it out and it suddenly becomes $45kSo we have happy hour buttons on our computer, that only display the correct prices during certain times. If you try to get a HH drink past 6 the price says $1005. I worked here long enough to know this, and it was still happy hour when it was printed. Even my manager was like ??? Because he had to edit my ticket earlier and had seen the total.I guess I accidentally pushed theto -gobutton and since happy hour items can’t be taken to go they removed all the discounts. Needless to say we all had a very good laugh about it.

Receipt with high-priced items, including raw oysters and sliders, totaling over $45,000, showcasing interesting receipts people found.