Americans are becoming increasingly frustrated as businesses increasingly ask for tips. A WalletHub survey found that 81% of people think tipping has gotten out of control. Frustration starts at the screen. One in five people admit they tip less when presented with a tip suggestion screen. Some folks even admit to choosing not to tip at all because they’re offended at the prompt.
Financial experts are calling this “tip fatigue.” People are tired of adding extra dollars to simple tasks that once never asked for extra cash.
When did this begin? We can most likely trace it back to the pandemic when many restaurant workers were out of work. Americans showed their support by ordering takeout and tipping as if they ate in the restaurant – some tipping even more to help these workers make ends meet during an uncertain time.
“When COVID pushed service-based businesses to the brink, tipping became a way for customers to show their appreciation,” Jill Avery, a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School told the Harvard Gazette. “Now that the pandemic is over, new technologies have enabled companies to maintain and expand the use of digital payment nudges.”
Cortney Norris, an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University, also says tip requests have become more pervasive as a result of new technology in restaurants and stores.
“It has become exhausting that every time you check out somewhere, instead of just signing your name, there is a tip screen and then you have to ask yourself, do I have to tip this person and if I do, how much do I tip?” said Norris, as part of the WalletHub survey. “Then there is the awkward moment where the employee notices you did not tip, and you cringe a little inside.”
Forced generosity is a term associated with the survey. We’re used to signing a receipt with no waiter in sight – you got to tip “in private.” But today, we’re prompted with a screen while the employee is staring at you. As a result, 55% of people say they leave a tip due to social pressure instead of for good service.
“I think the uncertainty of those two questions and the ensuing awkwardness are leading people to become irritated with tipping,” Norris said.
As a result, workers are now getting tipped less. A 2025 report from payment platform Square found average tip percentages across restaurants, cafés and bars dropped below 15% of the total bill. Fatigue and outright frustration aren’t the only reasons people are tipping less. Almost four in 10 people say they’re tipping less because of inflation and rising living expenses.
So, what is the right way to tip? How much? And to whom? Here are some tips according to NerdWallet and other etiquette experts:
1. For servers in sit-down restaurants, aim for 15% to 20% pretax.
2. Picking up a takeout order can range from leaving a few dollars up to 15%.
3. Over-the-counter service, like baristas, tips are discretionary and can range from $2 to $3 up to 20%.
4. For bartenders, it’s recommended that you tip a dollar or two per drink or 15% to 20% of the tab.
5. Food and grocery delivery drivers’ suggested tips are at least 15%.
6. Tips for rideshare drivers can be 15% to 20%.
7. Valet service tips can be between $2 and $5.
8. For services like haircuts, eyelash extensions, waxes and manicures/pedicures, 15% to 20% is recommended.
That said, factor those costs into food you order, Ubers you call and manicures you book. These extra fees will hit your budget hard if you don’t plan for them. A good rule of thumb is to mentally add 20% to any service before you commit; what you see on the menu or app is rarely what you’ll actually pay.
It’s clear that people are frustrated as tipping norms are shifting. But it’s unlikely tipping will ever disappear. The key takeaway is awareness. Understanding where tipping is expected versus where it's optional can help you make intentional choices that align with your values and your budget.
