Shopping and money vocabulary is used almost every single day, buying groceries, paying bills, dealing with a bank. This guide covers the practical, real vocabulary for shops, payments and basic banking, the words you'll actually need, not just textbook phrases.
2. In a Shop
Word / Phrase
Meaning
receipt
proof of purchase, given after paying
in stock / out of stock
available to buy now / not currently available
on sale / discount
reduced in price / a specific reduction, e.g. 20% off
checkout / till
where you pay for items in a shop
bargain
something bought for a good, low price
browse
to look at items without necessarily intending to buy
3. Payment Methods
Word
Meaning / Note
contactless
tapping a card or phone to pay, no PIN needed for small amounts
PIN
the 4-digit code used to confirm a card payment
to pay in instalments
to split a payment into several smaller amounts over time
cash / change
physical money / the money returned after paying more than the price
💡
Change has two meanings here
"Change" as a noun means the money given back after a cash payment ("Here's your change"). Don't confuse it with the verb "to change," meaning to exchange an item, that's covered in the next section.
4. Returns & Refunds
Phrase
Example
to return an item
I'd like to return this jumper, it doesn't fit.
refund
Can I get a refund for this, please?
exchange
I'd like to exchange this for a larger size.
faulty
This phone is faulty, it won't turn on.
warranty / guarantee
This comes with a two-year warranty.
5. Banking Vocabulary
Word
Meaning
to withdraw money
to take money out of your account
to deposit money
to put money into your account
direct debit
an automatic recurring payment set up from your account
overdraft
a facility allowing you to spend more than you have, up to a limit
balance
the amount of money currently in your account
6. Common Mistakes
❌ Incorrect
✅ Correct
Why
I want to change this shirt for money back.
I want a refund for this shirt.
"Refund" is the correct word for getting money back; "exchange" is for swapping items.
The shop has this item out of stock.
This item is out of stock.
"Out of stock" describes the item's availability directly, not something the shop "has."
I paid with money in the hand.
I paid in cash.
"In cash" is the fixed, natural phrase for paying with physical money.
7. Exercises
A. Gap Fill — Complete correctly (8 questions)
1. Can I get a ___ for this, please? (money back)
2. This item is currently out of ___. (stock)
3. I need to ___ some money from the cash machine. (withdraw)
4. My rent is paid by ___ every month. (direct debit)
5. This phone is ___, it won't turn on. (faulty)
6. I'd like to ___ this for a larger size. (exchange)
7. Please keep your ___ in case you need to return it. (receipt)
1. Proof of purchase is called a... (a) receipt (b) refund
2. Money returned after a cash payment is called... (a) change (b) balance
3. To take money out of your account is to... (a) withdraw (b) deposit
4. An automatic recurring payment is a... (a) direct debit (b) overdraft
5. Swapping an item for a different size is a(n)... (a) refund (b) exchange
Show Answers (B)
1.a 2.a 3.a 4.a 5.b
C. Error Correction (3 questions)
1. I want to change this shirt for money back.
2. The shop has this item out of stock.
3. I paid with money in the hand.
Show Answers (C)
1. I want a refund for this shirt. 2. This item is out of stock. 3. I paid in cash.
D. Freer Practice — Write Your Own Sentences (2 tasks)
1. Write a sentence about returning a faulty item to a shop.
2. Write a sentence using "withdraw" or "deposit" about your own banking.
Show Answers (D)
Model answers will vary. Examples: 1. "I returned the faulty toaster and got a full refund." 2. "I usually withdraw cash once a week."
8. Mini Quiz
9. Exam Focus — Cambridge, IELTS, SELT
Exam
How This Is Tested
Sample Question
Cambridge B1 Preliminary / B2 First
Shopping dialogues and transactions are common in Listening and Reading tasks.
A listening task set in a shop, involving a return or refund.
IELTS Speaking & Writing
Shopping habits are a common Part 1 topic; money and consumerism appear in Writing Task 2.
"Do you enjoy shopping?" "Should people save more and spend less?"
Trinity GESE/ISE (SELT)
Everyday transactions and managing money are practical, commonly asked topics.
"How do you usually pay for things?" "Do you prefer shopping online or in person?"
10. Frequently Asked Questions
A receipt proves a purchase has already been paid for; an invoice is a request for payment, sent before money changes hands, common in business transactions.
The item isn't currently available to buy, the shop has none left. "In stock" means the opposite, it's available now.
A refund returns your money; an exchange swaps the item for a different size, colour, or product instead of giving money back.
To take money out of your bank account, either at a cash machine (ATM) or in person at a bank branch.
An automatic, recurring payment set up to leave your account regularly, commonly used for bills like rent, utilities or subscriptions.
Yes — everyday transactions and managing money are common, practical conversation topics that come up naturally in the interview.
📅 Ready to Talk About Money and Shopping Naturally?
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