---
title: "Create and manage guest tabs at POS"
slug: "create-and-manage-guest-tabs-at-pos"
updated: 2026-07-03T00:08:46Z
published: 2026-07-03T00:08:46Z
canonical: "mysupport.roller.software/create-and-manage-guest-tabs-at-pos"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mysupport.roller.software/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create and manage guest tabs at POS

Offering guest tabs at your venue enhances the guest experience and increases revenue by allowing frictionless ordering without the need for guests to pay each time they want to purchase something. Guests benefit from faster service, while your venue increases operational efficiency as payment only needs to be processed once, at the end of the visit.

This guide walks through how to create and manage your guest tabs at POS.

> [!CAUTION]
> Pro feature and above
> 
> Run tabs to let guests order and settle payment at the end of their visit. To unlock, contact your customer manager or the [support team.](/v1/docs/contact-roller-support)
> 
> [Learn more](https://www.roller.software/pricing/)

## Enable tabs at POS

You can enable tabs on individual POS devices. Follow the steps below.

1. From POS, select **More** at the bottom left of the screen.
2. Select **Settings** > **Device.**
3. Toggle on **Enable Tabs (pay later).**
4. Select **Save settings.**

![ss_01_enable tabs at POS.png](https://cdn.us.document360.io/23700755-951c-4b69-8afe-ec8b33c6c689/Images/Documentation/11037180286223.png)

## Create a tab

To create a new tab, follow the steps below.

1. After adding items to the cart at POS, select **Add to tab**.
2. Select **Create new tab**.
3. Enter in the **Tab reference number**, **Guest name** and **Email (optional)**.
4. If enabled, select **Pre-authorize credit/debit card.**
5. Then select **Create new tab** again.
6. This will add the outstanding amount to the new tab, then allow you to print a receipt or start a new sale.

[Create a new tab at POS Video](https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hgiw5a372q?seo=false&videoFoam=true)

You can also create a new tab using an unpaid booking. Search for the booking at POS and then select **Convert to new tab**. Add in a **Tab reference number** and then **Save**.

![ss_03_convert booking to a new tab.png](https://cdn.us.document360.io/23700755-951c-4b69-8afe-ec8b33c6c689/Images/Documentation/11037180286607.png)

> [!NOTE]
> You also have the option to add a card pre-authorization to a tab at POS. To learn how, read the guide [Take card pre-authorization for tabs at POS](/v1/docs/take-card-pre-authorization-for-tabs-at-pos-beta).

## Add to an existing tab

You can add more items to an existing tab in two different ways.

1. After adding items to the cart, select **Add to tab**.
2. Search for the **Tab reference number** or **Guest name** and select from the dropdown.
3. Then select **Add to tab**.

[Add new items to an existing tab Video](https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/yh2q560mvl?seo=false&videoFoam=true)

Or, select **Search** from the left-hand menu and then select **Unpaid tabs**.

![ss_05_navigating to unpaid tabs.png](https://cdn.us.document360.io/23700755-951c-4b69-8afe-ec8b33c6c689/Images/Documentation/11037163429775.png)

You can search for an existing tab using the **Tab reference number** or **Guest name**. Then select **Add items** to your POS menu and add more items to the tab.

![ss_06_adding items to a tab from the unpaid tabs view.png](https://cdn.us.document360.io/23700755-951c-4b69-8afe-ec8b33c6c689/Images/Documentation/11037180294159.png)

> [!NOTE]
> If your venue uses KDS, you can add items to a tab and send them through to your kitchen without having to process payment first. To learn more about KDS, read the guide [Integrate with Fresh KDS and configure your devices](/v1/docs/integrate-with-fresh-kds-and-configure-your-devices).

## Manage tabs

You can manage all unpaid tabs from POS by following the steps below.

1. From POS, select **Search** from the left-hand menu.
2. Go to **Unpaid tabs** and search for an existing tab using the **Tab reference number** or **Guest name**.
3. Once you open the tab, you can perform a number of actions like check-in tickets, add new items to the tab, update the tab reference number and add notes to the tab.
4. To take payment and close out the tab, select **Charge** at the bottom of the screen.
5. Upon a successful transaction, you have the option to print a receipt for the guest.

![ss_07_manage an unpaid tab.png](https://cdn.us.document360.io/23700755-951c-4b69-8afe-ec8b33c6c689/Images/Documentation/11037163433359.png)

## Create split tabs (beta)

Use split tabs to manage group payments. Create a new tab, and use the split tab view to create new tabs, move items between tabs and take payments for individual tabs:

1. From POS, add items to the cart.
2. Select **Add to tab** and choose an existing tab or select **Create tab**. Enter a tab reference or guest name.
3. Alternatively, open an existing booking with items added.
4. Select **Split tabs** to enter the split tab view.
5. Select **Add new tab** to create additional tabs in the split tab view.

> [!NOTE]
> Learn more
> 
> To learn more about creating and managing split tabs, see the guide [Use split tabs in POS for managing group orders (beta)](/v1/docs/use-split-tabs-in-pos-for-managing-group-orders-beta).

## Pay a tab

Tabs will remain under **Unpaid tabs** until they have been paid in full.

To charge the guest the full amount, select **Charge x amount** at the bottom left of the POS screen.

You can also take split payments on unpaid tabs.

> [!NOTE]
> Learn more
> 
> To learn more, read the guide [Take split payments at POS](/v1/docs/take-split-payments-at-pos).

## View tabs from Venue Manager

You can also see tabs in Venue Manager. Follow the steps below.

1. Go to **Bookings** > **All bookings**.
2. Right-select a column heading from the grid and then select **Tab reference** from the dropdown. This will add a new column that displays tab references associated with a booking.

![ss_08_tabs in VM.png](https://cdn.us.document360.io/23700755-951c-4b69-8afe-ec8b33c6c689/Images/Documentation/11037180296207.png)

## Related

- [Create and manage HQ checkouts](/create-and-manage-hq-checkouts.md)
- [Best practices for mobile food & beverage (F&B) ordering](/best-practices-for-mobile-food-beverage-f-b-ordering.md)
- [Integrate with Fresh KDS and configure your devices](/integrate-with-fresh-kds-and-configure-your-devices.md)
- [Log in to POS](/log-in-to-pos.md)
- [Add the overlay checkout experience to your website](/add-the-overlay-checkout-experience-to-your-website.md)