How to Politely Decline a Money Gift (Examples)

It can be tricky to know how to politely refuse money from someone. In many situations, someone might want to offer you money, but do you have to accept this?

This article has gathered the best phrases to show you what to say when someone offers you money, but you don’t want to take it.

• I’m afraid I cannot accept your money
• Thanks, but I do not want your money
• Thank you, but this is unnecessary
• I appreciate it, but I do not accept the money
• I do not feel comfortable taking money from you
• Please, save your money for something you need
• I would prefer it if you kept your money
• I really appreciate your generosity, but I do not accept
• This is too much, and I cannot accept it

Keep reading to find out how to respectfully decline money from family or friends. We’ve also provided examples to help you understand each one better.

1. I’m Afraid I Cannot Accept Your Money

“I’m afraid I cannot accept your money” is a simple but polite way to decline money from someone.

It shows you do not want to accept their charity without giving too many details.

Of course, it’s up to you to go into more detail. Feel free to do so if you think it would help the situation. Otherwise, it’s fine to leave it at this phrase and move on.

Here are a few examples to show you how to use it:

• I’m afraid I cannot accept your money, but I really appreciate the offer. Maybe save it for a rainy day.
• Oh, I’m afraid I cannot accept your money. Of course, I appreciate it, but this is too much for me to take!

2. Thanks, but I Do Not Want Your Money

Receiving money from in-laws is something that happens quite often. However, you might not always want to accept it.

“Thanks, but I do not want your money” is a great way to reject a money offer without being mean.

For starters, saying “thanks” shows appreciation. From there, you can say “I do not want your money,” which shows you would be happier if someone kept their own money.

These examples will also help you with it:

• Thanks, but I do not want your money. I can pay for this by myself, but I’m so grateful you offered.
• Thanks, but I do not want your money. If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to pay for it myself.

3. Thank You, but This Is Unnecessary

Remember, “thank you” is always a great way to start any phrase in which you decline someone’s offer. It shows you are respectful and polite.

We also recommend saying “this is unnecessary” when someone’s offer touches you. It shows you’re taken aback by it, but you do not think it’s fair to accept the gift.

Also, check out the following examples:

• Thank you, but this is unnecessary. I’d much prefer it if you could keep your money and use it for yourself later.
• Thank you, but this is unnecessary. I do not need anything more from you, as you’ve already done enough.

4. I Appreciate It, but I Do Not Accept the Money

If you don’t want to accept money from your parents, you need to be polite and caring.

So, say “I appreciate it, but I do not accept the money.” It shows that you appreciate the kind offer, but you aren’t willing to take your parents’ money.

Here are a few examples to show you how it works:

• I appreciate it, but I do not accept the money. You should find someone else who could make more use of it.
• I appreciate it, but I do not accept the money. I hope you can find someone who needs it more than me.

5. I Do Not Feel Comfortable Taking Money From You

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to reject an unwanted money gift. After all, there is always someone out there who could use the money more than you.

“I do not feel comfortable taking money from you” is a great phrase to use in this case.

It shows that you are not happy to take someone’s money. Ideally, they will either keep it for themselves or find someone to use it better.

If you’re quite well off or don’t want someone’s charity, this phrase is for you.

You may also refer to the following examples:

• I do not feel comfortable taking money from you, I’m afraid. But I do appreciate you offering this to me.
• I do not feel comfortable taking money from you right now. The offer is kind, but you should save it for someone else.

6. Please, Save Your Money for Something You Need

Starting any sentence with “please” allows you to remain polite and caring. Then, you can add “save your money for something you need.”

This phrase is great because it shows compassion and empathy. It shows that you don’t want to take someone’s money because you want them to look after themselves.

It’s a really nice way to reject an unwanted money gift without offending someone.

If you’re still unsure, check out the following:

• Please, save your money for something you need. I can get by just fine with my own money, I promise.
• Please, save your money for something you need. Don’t worry about what I’m getting up to!

7. I Would Prefer It if You Kept Your Money

We recommend using “I would prefer it if you kept your money” as a polite way to refuse someone’s offer.

It shows that you think they should keep their money because you don’t see how it could benefit you.

It is not rude to say something like this. Instead, it shows that you don’t think someone offering you money is a smart way for them to spend their money.

Here are a few examples to show you more about how to use it:

• I would prefer it if you kept your money. I do not need it right now, and I want you to make the most of it.
• Of course, I would prefer it if you kept your money. I really appreciate the offer, but it’s far too much for me to accept.

8. I Really Appreciate Your Generosity, but I Do Not Accept

You may also want to say “I really appreciate your generosity, but I do not accept.” This is great to refuse someone’s offer gently.

Starting with “I really appreciate your generosity” is the key here. It shows that you’re grateful that someone offered you money. However, it also shows that you do not want to accept it.

Don’t worry; it won’t offend them. You’re under no obligation to accept money at any time.

Check out these examples if you’re still not sure:

• I really appreciate your generosity, but I do not accept your offer! It’s far too much, considering I haven’t done anything for you.
• I really appreciate your generosity, but I do not accept the money. You should pay for something you need.

9. This Is Too Much, and I Cannot Accept It

If you’re shocked by how much money someone offers you, you can say “this is too much.”

It shows that you can’t possibly accept the offer because you wouldn’t feel right taking the money.

Following up with “I cannot accept it” is a respectful way to decline the offer. It shows there isn’t a single outcome where you would accept the money someone offers you. So, they’re better off keeping it for themselves.

Perhaps these examples will help you understand it:

• I’m afraid this is too much, and I cannot accept it. I don’t want to let you down, but you should hold on to this.
• As much as I appreciate your offer, this is too much, and I cannot accept it. You’re such a generous soul, though.

Is It Rude to Refuse Money?

It is not rude to refuse money from someone. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to accept someone’s money of any kind. Sometimes, offering a monetary gift is ruder than declining it.

Though, you need to make sure of a few things before you refuse a monetary gift.

Firstly, you should show gratitude before refusing money. It shows that you appreciate someone’s gesture without offending them for offering it.

Secondly, you should explain why you don’t want the money. Something simple like “I do not want to take this” or “I want to pay for this myself” will work in every situation. There is no shame in refusing a monetary gift of any kind.