We hit the streets of NYC to ask people: “What’s the smallest amount you’d ask a friend to pay back?” Here’s what we heard:
—
**1. Marcus (30s, Marketing, Bushwick):**
“Honestly, for a true friend? Probably anything under **$10-15**, I’d just let it slide. Like, a coffee, a snack, even a single drink. It usually balances out eventually. Unless they make it a habit, then we’d have a different conversation.”
**2. Sarah (20s, Student, Upper West Side):**
“If it’s just a few dollars, like **$5 or less** for a bagel or something, I wouldn’t bother. It’s too much mental energy to track. But if it’s for their share of a cab or a movie ticket, which is usually closer to $10-15, then yeah, I’d expect them to Venmo me.”
**3. David (40s, Restaurateur, West Village):**
“For a friend? **Nothing under $20**. My time is worth more than chasing down five bucks. I just assume they’ll get the next round or cover me for something else. If it’s a significant amount, like their part of a dinner bill or tickets to a show, then absolutely, that’s different.”
**4. Jessica (20s, Teacher, Harlem):**
“It’s about the principle, not the amount. If I spot you for a **$3.50 coffee**, I’d expect you to remember, or offer to get me back. I probably wouldn’t *ask* for it directly, but if they never offer, it gets noticed. If it’s like $10 or more, though, then yeah, I’m definitely sending a Venmo request, maybe with a little coffee emoji.”
**5. Kevin (50s, Contractor, Staten Island):**
“Smallest amount I’d *ask* for? Probably **$10**. Anything less, it’s just petty. But here’s the kicker: if it’s for like, five different $2 things over a week, that adds up. Then it’s not the $2, it’s the $10. So it’s not always just about the single transaction.”
—
**General Consensus:** Most New Yorkers seem to have a threshold somewhere between **$5 and $15** for small, casual expenses with a friend. Anything under that is often seen as not worth the hassle or expected to be reciprocated. However, the *frequency* of small loans and the *nature* of the expense (e.g., a shared ticket vs. a solo coffee) play a significant role. And, of course, the strength of the friendship and the individual’s personality are always factors.
