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Split Sessions Overview
A split session is a FairShare payment session that allows multiple people to contribute toward a single transaction.
Instead of one customer paying the full amount alone, FairShare creates a shared payment flow where contributors can join and pay their part through a single split session link.
Split sessions are the core of how FairShare works.
How Split Sessions Work
When a split session is created, FairShare generates a payment flow tied to a transaction amount.
That session can then be shared with contributors, who each make their payment through the same session until the required amount is fully covered.
A split session typically includes:
- The total amount to be collected
- The current session status
- Contributor activity
- A shareable session link
- Progress toward completion
Once created, the split session can be tracked in the FairShare dashboard or through the API.
Ways to Create Split Sessions
FairShare supports two ways to create split sessions:
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Dashboard | Merchants who want to manually create a split session and send the payment link themselves |
| API | Merchants who want to create split sessions programmatically from their own checkout or application |
Dashboard
The dashboard flow is best for merchants who want a manual workflow.
You create the split session in the FairShare dashboard, copy the generated link, and send it directly to your customer through email, SMS, chat, or any other channel.
API
The API flow is best for merchants who want to create split sessions automatically from their own website, application, or checkout flow.
With the API, you can create split sessions in real time and use the generated session link directly in your product experience.
Split Session Types
FairShare currently supports three split session types:
| Split Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Pick Items | Contributors select the items they want and pay only for the total of what they picked. |
| Flexible Amount | Contributors can pay any amount they want toward the total, optionally subject to a minimum contribution. |
| Split Evenly | The total amount is divided equally across a fixed number of contributors. |
Pick Items
Use Pick Items when contributors should choose exactly what they are paying for.
This works well when the total transaction contains multiple items and each person should pay only for the items they select.
Flexible Amount
Use Flexible Amount when contributors do not need fixed shares.
This allows people to contribute different amounts toward the total until the session is fully funded.
Split Evenly
Use Split Evenly when the total should be divided equally across a fixed number of people.
This is the simplest option when everyone is expected to pay the same amount.
When to Use Split Sessions
Split sessions are useful when you want to:
- Let multiple people pay for the same transaction
- Send one shared payment link to a group
- Support group payments without collecting money manually
- Embed a shared payment flow into your checkout
Next Steps
From here, you can choose the flow that fits your use case: