A new survey is yelling loud and clear: Americans are sick of tipping. Bankrate published fresh findings on June 4, 2025, which include the bombshell that 41% of Americans believe today’s tipping culture has spiraled “out of control”—a major jump from 35% last year. In fact, 63% of adults now hold at least one negative view about the practice, and millennials and Gen Z are the most reluctant to give extra, especially for services like haircuts, rideshares, and restaurant dining. Oh, and don’t get people started on the tip screens at checkout: 27% are now tipping less when they see them.
Yet, even as overall complaints grow louder, the survey found that tipping frequency is leveling out after years of decline. Plus, only 16% of Americans say they’d prefer higher prices over tipping, which means the custom has no signs of phasing out anytime soon.
That said, etiquette experts say there are common places and instances where the average person may be tipping too much. With a tight economy, understanding when and how much to tip can help your wallet and your conscience. Here are 6 places where you’re likely overtipping and how to cut back.
RELATED: 8 Places You Should Never Tip, According to Etiquette Experts
1 | Coffee Shops
This Iconic Coffee Chain Is Closing 130 Locations, Effective ImmediatelyiStock
You’re not obligated to drop cash into every tip jar you see—especially if all you ordered was a regular drip coffee.
“Many people are very well-intentioned with their tipping, giving at least 10-15 percent even for poor service because they know that workers’ wages in many industries, especially bars and restaurants, depend on generous tips,” says Ann Martin, director of operations at CreditDonkey.
However, this predisposition to tip can lead to leaving too much.
For instance, tipping at coffee shops should be based on the level of service. If a barista goes out of their way to make a custom drink or complicated order, a $1 tip is a nice gesture. But if you’re simply grabbing a bottled water or a pre-brewed coffee, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip the tip without guilt.
2 | Takeout Counters
What Kind of Takeout You Should Order, Based on Your Zodiac SignRyanJLane / iStock
Many Americans still feel pressure to tip when picking up takeout, especially when prompted by a digital screen. But experts say there’s a big difference between takeout and full-service dining. If you’re just grabbing your bag and leaving, a tip isn’t expected.
Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and owner of Mannersmith, says to consider how complicated your order is when deciding how much to tip for counter-service. “But, if this is a venue you love and want to succeed, tip generously. The difference of a few dollars may be negligible for you and would mean the world to your server.”
RELATED: 6 Surprising New Rules for Tipping
3 | Buffets
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
These days, it feels like 20 percent is considered the minimum tip amount at restaurants. But, if you’re serving yourself, this isn’t quite the case.
“For tips for buffet service, a tip of around 10 percent is typically appropriate,” says Kristi Spencer, etiquette expert and founder at The Polite Company.
4 | Self-Checkout Stations
Walmart Slammed for New Self-Checkout Restrictions: “Final Push to Stop Shopping There”Jota Buyinch Photo / Shutterstock
One of the most controversial tipping trends today is digital kiosks asking for gratuity—despite zero human interaction.
Whether you’re paying at a self-serve yogurt shop or checking out on a screen at a museum café, etiquette professionals say you can skip these tip prompts without hesitation. If no one is directly serving you, you’re not expected to tip.
5 | Some Car Washes
7 | Get a good wash and wax.iStock
Tipping at a car wash depends entirely on the level of service provided. If employees are hand-drying your vehicle, detailing the interior, or going the extra mile to clean tough spots, a tip of $3 to $5 is appreciated.
However, for fully automated washes with no personal interaction, there’s no need to tip. Save your dollars for when real hands are doing the work.
6 | Some Spa or Cosmetic Services
Josep Suria / Shutterstock
If you get a regular massage or facial, it’s ideal to tip the standard 20%. However, this isn’t the standard expectation for every spa service, says Spencer.
There’s a “difference between medical and cosmetic services,” she says, and treatments like injections or lasers might not require that high of a tip.
What’s more, some massage therapists and technicians are “paid through insurance as a medical or paramedical professional, so they aren’t relying on patients to make up for a wage via tips,” says Colin Palfrey, chief marketing officer at Crediful.
“When in doubt, ask the spa staff about their tipping policies,” advises Spencer.
RELATED: 8 Places You Should Always Tip, According to Etiquette Experts
7 | Housekeeping for Short Hotel Stays
Here are some of the other germiest places in a hotel room.WeStudio / Shutterstock
Tipping hotel housekeeping is generally recommended, but the amount—and whether to tip at all—can depend on your length of stay.
For one-night visits, a tip is appreciated but not expected.
For multi-night stays, leaving $2 to $5 per day is a thoughtful way to thank housekeeping staff.
Travel experts suggest leaving cash daily rather than all at once, so the person cleaning your room each day gets the tip.
8 | When Gratuity Is Already Included
AOME1812 / Shutterstock
The practice of including gratuity in a restaurant bill is relatively new, so some folks may not even realize it’s been added.
“When the gratuity is already included in your bill, whether it’s labeled as a service charge or automatic gratuity, there is no obligation to provide an additional tip on top of that amount,” says Spencer. “Of course, if you want to show extra appreciation, you can offer an additional tip. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.”
Gratuity is often added when you pay for a meal ahead of time (say, it’s a special wine-pairing dinner that you have to reserve), it’s a pre-fixe menu, or when you are with a party of six or more
9 | When You’re Including Tax
Shutterstock
“It’s helpful to remember that you are only obligated to tip on the pre-tax total for food and services,” notes Spencer.
And if your state has a high tax rate, this can make a big difference on an expensive meal or hair salon trip.
RELATED: 5 Places Where Tipping Will Get You Much Better Service
10 | “Easy” Food Delivery Trips
3 | Food deliveryiStock
Tipping your food delivery driver is always a good practice. Etiquette expertLisa Mirza Grotts saysit’s thoughtful to consider the service provider’s wage. “I always overtip for, say, pizza delivery when I know their base salary is so low.”
That said, there is some room for flexibility based on timing. In most cases, “a tip of 10 to 15 percent is customary,” says Spencer. But, during normal, non-peak hours—like mid-afternoon or early evening—a lower tip is acceptable, especially if the delivery was prompt and straightforward.
However, during bad weather, holidays, or late-night hours, drivers are going the extra mile, and experts say tipping generously (think 20% or more) is the courteous thing to do.
11 | When You’re Feeling Generous
iStock / SDI Productions
Sometimes you may be overtipping by choice, and that’s always a nice thing to do.
“Bottom line, if a service worker earns minimum wage or is in an underpaid profession, overtipping is only a matter of perspective,” says Palfrey. “If you feel empathy from your own service worker days, or simply feel generous, that large tip will mean a lot more to someone earning minimum wage.”
And even if you’re in a situation where tips aren’t required, “show your genuine gratitude by offering a heartfelt thank you and making eye contact,” advises Spencer. “A friendly smile can go a long way in expressing your thanks.”
Content shared from bestlifeonline.com.