Using Receipt Scanning
FeaturesIntermediate

Using Receipt Scanning

Save time by scanning receipts with ML-powered text recognition

Published: January 16, 2026

Using Receipt Scanning

SpendSee's receipt scanning feature (Premium) uses machine learning to automatically extract transaction details from receipt photos, saving you time and reducing manual entry errors.

What You Need

  • ✅ SpendSee Premium unlocked
  • ✅ Camera permission enabled
  • ✅ Good lighting when taking photos

How Receipt Scanning Works

When you scan a receipt, SpendSee's ML engine analyzes the image and extracts:

  1. Total Amount - The final amount paid
  2. Date - When the purchase was made
  3. Merchant Name - Where you shopped
  4. Line Items - Individual products purchased (when visible)

Important: All processing happens locally on your device. Receipt images are never uploaded to servers.

Scanning Your First Receipt

Step 1: Start a New Transaction

  1. Go to the Records tab
  2. Tap the + button
  3. Look for the camera icon or Scan Receipt button

Step 2: Take or Select a Photo

You have two options:

Option A: Take a Photo

  1. Point your camera at the receipt
  2. Make sure the entire receipt is visible
  3. Ensure good lighting (avoid shadows)
  4. Hold steady and tap the capture button

Option B: Choose from Gallery

  1. Tap Gallery/Photos
  2. Select a receipt photo you've already taken
  3. Confirm selection

Step 3: Review Extracted Data

SpendSee will process the image and show you:

  • ✅ Amount - Verify this is correct
  • ✅ Date - Check the purchase date
  • ✅ Merchant - Confirm the store name
  • ✅ Items - List of products (if detected)

Step 4: Edit if Needed

The ML is good, but not perfect. Always review:

  1. Check the amount matches the receipt total
  2. Verify the date is correct
  3. Adjust the merchant name if needed
  4. Select the correct category for this purchase
  5. Choose the account you paid from

Step 5: Save Transaction

Tap Save to record the transaction with all the extracted details.

Tips for Best Results

📸 Taking Good Receipt Photos

✅ Do:

  • Use good lighting (natural light is best)
  • Flatten the receipt on a flat surface
  • Fill the frame with the receipt
  • Hold the camera parallel to the receipt
  • Make sure all text is in focus

❌ Don't:

  • Take photos in dim lighting
  • Capture crumpled or torn receipts
  • Include shadows or glare
  • Hold the phone at an angle
  • Rush - take time to frame properly

🎯 What Works Best

Great Results:

  • Printed thermal receipts
  • Clear, high-contrast text
  • Standard receipt formats
  • Receipts from major retailers

May Need Manual Adjustment:

  • Handwritten receipts
  • Faded thermal receipts
  • Non-English receipts
  • Unusual formats
  • Receipts with lots of logos/graphics

Accuracy Expectations

Receipt scanning accuracy varies:

  • Amount Detection: ~90-95% accurate
  • Date Detection: ~85-90% accurate
  • Merchant Detection: ~80-85% accurate
  • Line Items: ~70-80% accurate

Always review the extracted data before saving!

Common Issues & Solutions

Issue: Amount Not Detected

Solution:

  • Look for the word "TOTAL" on the receipt
  • Ensure the total line is clearly visible
  • Manually enter if needed

Issue: Wrong Date

Solution:

  • Check if there are multiple dates on the receipt
  • ML might pick the printed date instead of purchase date
  • Manually adjust to the correct date

Issue: Merchant Name Incorrect

Solution:

  • ML extracts the largest text at the top
  • Sometimes picks up address or slogan
  • Edit to the correct merchant name

Issue: "Processing Failed"

Solution:

  • Retake the photo with better lighting
  • Try a different angle
  • Make sure the receipt is flat
  • If repeatedly fails, enter manually

Privacy & Security

🔒 Your receipts are private:

  • Images are processed 100% locally on your device
  • No receipt data is sent to servers
  • No internet connection required for scanning
  • Images are not stored permanently (unless you save them)
  • Receipt data is stored in your local database only

Use Cases

Weekly Grocery Shopping

  1. Keep all receipts from the week
  2. Scan them in one sitting
  3. Review and categorize each
  4. See your total grocery spending

Business Expense Tracking

  1. Scan receipts immediately after purchase
  2. Add notes about the business purpose
  3. Export data later for reimbursement

Splitting Bills

  1. Scan the receipt
  2. See all line items
  3. Calculate who owes what
  4. Record only your portion

Keyboard Shortcuts (iOS)

When reviewing scanned data:

  • Tab - Move to next field
  • Enter - Save transaction
  • Esc - Cancel

Pro Tip: For best results, scan receipts the same day you receive them while they're still crisp and clear. Thermal receipts fade over time!

Next: Learn about organizing with custom categories

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