Tipping Culture
Tipping used to be a way for customers to show appreciation for good service. But according to a new Bankrate survey, 41% of Americans now believe that “tipping culture is out of control” — a six-point increase from just last year. The shift in public opinion highlights growing frustration with the ever-expanding expectation to tip, especially in situations where it was previously unnecessary or unheard of.
From digital kiosks at fast-casual chains to tip prompts during mobile checkout at convenience stores, Americans are increasingly being asked — or pressured — to tip. Often, these prompts present preselected tip suggestions of 20% or more, even for minimal service, leaving many consumers feeling uncomfortable or coerced.
The Digital Tipping Explosion
Part of what’s fueling the tipping backlash is the widespread use of digital payment systems, which automatically prompt users to tip after a transaction. Whether you’re grabbing a bagel or picking up a to-go order, chances are you’ve encountered a tablet spinning around, asking if you’d like to tip 15%, 20%, or even 25%.
“It feels like I’m being asked to tip for doing things myself,” said one respondent. “I shouldn’t have to tip when I pour my own coffee or use a self-checkout machine.”
In an era where inflation continues to bite into household budgets, many Americans are more selective about where their money goes. The addition of tip screens in nearly every purchase scenario is increasingly viewed as a burden rather than a benevolent gesture.
Who Tips and Who Doesn’t? A Demographic Breakdown
The Bankrate survey also found notable differences in tipping behavior based on age, gender, and income level:
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Women are significantly more likely to tip than men across all categories — including restaurants, hair salons, rideshare services, and food delivery.
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Older generations such as Baby Boomers and Gen X are more consistent and generous tippers than younger Americans.
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Gen Z and Millennials, by contrast, are the least likely to tip — especially in service-lite or automated settings.
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Higher-income individuals are more inclined to tip regularly, though concerns about tipping culture extend across all income brackets.
Some experts suggest that younger generations’ reluctance to tip may reflect deeper economic concerns, such as student loan debt, stagnant wages, and a rising cost of living. Others point to shifting values — Gen Z, for example, tends to support more systemic wage reform over optional tipping.
The Root of Tipping Fatigue
Tipping has long been a staple of the American service industry, often used to supplement workers’ income — especially in restaurants, where servers are typically paid a sub-minimum wage with the assumption that tips will make up the difference.
But the recent spread of tipping requests beyond traditional tipping industries is stirring confusion. Customers are now being prompted to tip on services that didn’t traditionally involve gratuities — such as retail store checkouts, airport kiosks, and even subscription-based deliveries.
Critics argue that businesses are pushing the burden of employee compensation onto customers, allowing companies to keep wages low while consumers foot the difference — whether they like it or not.
“I’m happy to tip a server at a restaurant who works hard,” one survey participant said. “But tipping when there’s no interaction? That’s just corporate greed.”
Pushback and Possible Reform
As tipping fatigue grows, some businesses are starting to respond. A number of restaurants and cafes across the country have experimented with no-tipping models, where tips are eliminated entirely, and staff are paid higher hourly wages with benefits. In these cases, menu prices are adjusted slightly to reflect the change, allowing for greater transparency and equity.
Still, such models remain rare, particularly in states where the tipped minimum wage is legal. Many workers continue to rely heavily on tips to make a living — which means that any sweeping change to the system must consider the well-being of service employees as much as customer frustration.
Meanwhile, some consumers are calling for clearer guidelines or even regulation. “There needs to be a national conversation about what is a tip-worthy service and what’s not,” said Rossman. “Otherwise, people will keep feeling resentful, and the quality of service might suffer.”
Conclusion: A Cultural Crossroads
The findings of the Bankrate survey underscore a cultural tipping point — literally and figuratively. Americans are rethinking not just how much they tip, but when, why, and whether it’s warranted at all. As tipping becomes more widespread and expected in an increasing number of scenarios, backlash is growing louder.
For now, the U.S. remains a tip-heavy society. But as frustrations mount and consumers push back, the conversation around tipping culture is likely to continue — perhaps paving the way for policy changes, business innovation, or a shift toward more sustainable compensation practices.
Whether the country eventually moves away from its tipping norms remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: more Americans than ever are saying, “enough is enough.”
