diff --git a/bin/hledger-bar b/bin/hledger-bar
index 82784545f..c2c74c85c 100755
--- a/bin/hledger-bar
+++ b/bin/hledger-bar
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ poschar="+"
 # utils
 
 # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANSI_escape_code#8-bit and 24-bit colors:
-if [[ -v $NO_COLOR ]]; then
+if [[ $- != *i* || -v $NO_COLOR ]]; then
     red=''
     green=''
     nocol=''