15 Places Where You’re Asked to Tip, But It Is Totally Optional
Tipping used to be simple—waitstaff, bartenders, maybe a haircut. But now, it shows up on self-checkouts, at retail counters, and even at medical offices. In many of these cases, there’s no real service involved—just a prompt on a screen.
This gallery breaks down 15 common places where tipping pressure has crept in, and where you’re well within your right to skip it.
👉 Swipe through to learn where tipping is optional, not required.
Table of Contents
Tipping Fatigue: How Big the Problem Has Become
Tipping fatigue is at an all-time high, with 90% of Americans saying tipping culture has spiraled out of control, according to a recent WalletHub survey.
If you agree with these, give this article a like. It’s a “tip” to us that we are writing things readers like…but you totally don’t need to.
👉 Tap or swipe through the list to see where it’s time to stop tipping.
Fast-Food Restaurants: Stop Feeling Pressured to Tip
Fast-food is built for efficiency, not tipping. Employees in this sector are paid hourly, and tip jars or digital prompts shouldn’t change that. Adding a tip at a drive-thru or counter isn’t necessary and only feeds the growing tipping creep.
Keep your order simple and skip the tip.
Tipping Fatigue: 13 Easy Ways to Say No to Tipping (Without Feeling Guilty)
Retail Stores: Why You Shouldn’t Tip at Checkout
More retail stores are asking for tips, but they shouldn’t be. In 2024, 6.6% of retail stores in the U.S. requested tips at checkout, up from 3.8% in July 2019, a 70% jump. But retail employees are paid regular wages and tipping has never been part of this space.
Customers should feel no guilt about declining these requests.
Takeout Orders: No Table Service, No Tip Needed
When picking up takeout, you’re not getting table service and tipping expectations should reflect that. Many restaurants now prompt for tips on takeout receipts, but it’s optional.
A small tip is fine if someone goes out of their way, but don’t feel bad leaving it blank when grabbing food to go.
Related Video: 28 Places Where Tipping Has Gotten Out of Hand
Self-Service Kiosks: No One to Tip Here
Self-checkout machines asking for a tip? That’s happening across airports, stadiums, cookie shops, and cafes. One report notes 20% tip prompts showing up at these kiosks, frustrating consumers who are already handling their own orders.
If you’re the one doing the work, skip the tip.
Delivery Services With Service Fees: You Already Paid Enough
Many delivery apps now tack on service fees meant to cover driver pay. If that fee is already included, tipping again isn’t required. Of course, if your driver provides exceptional service, add a little extra, but don’t feel obligated when service fees already inflate the bill.
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Coffee Shops: Tipping Shouldn’t Be Automatic
Baristas often have tip jars, but tipping is not an obligation. According to a recent report, only 27% of Americans say they sometimes tip baristas, while 24% never do.
If you feel the service was great, tip as you like, but don’t feel pressured when grabbing a quick coffee.
Restaurant Bills: Tip Only on Food and Drinks
Some restaurants now calculate suggested tips based on the entire bill, including taxes and service charges. That’s not how tipping should work. You should only tip based on the pre-tax food and beverage total.
Check your receipt carefully and adjust the amount if needed.
Fitness Studios and Gyms: No Need to Tip Your Trainer
Tipping screens at boutique fitness studios and gyms are a recent trend, but they don’t belong there. Trainers and instructors charge for their services and typically set their own rates.
You’re already paying for the class or session, no tip required unless it feels truly deserved.
Grocery Stores: Say No to Checkout Tip Screens
Tipping screens are now showing up at grocery store checkouts, which makes no sense. One customer reported being asked to leave a 25% tip at a grocery store checkout.
Grocery workers earn hourly pay, and tipping has never been part of the shopping experience. Keep your wallet closed on this one.
Hotel Housekeeping: Tip When You Truly Want To
Tipping hotel housekeeping used to be a common courtesy, but it should be up to you, not an unspoken requirement. With room rates climbing and more hotels adding service fees, guests shouldn’t feel pressured to tip unless the service stands out.
Tip if you choose, not because a note on the nightstand suggests it.
Where Tipping Is Disappearing (And What’s Taking Its Place)
Ride-Sharing Services: Base It on Service, Not Guilt
Apps like Uber and Lyft prompt you to tip after every ride. But tipping isn’t mandatory. Base your tip on the quality of service: professional, clean, on time. If your ride was just average or worse, skip the tip without guilt.
Pet Stores and Grooming Services: Tipping is Optional at Best
Some pet stores and groomers have added digital tip options, but that doesn’t make tipping mandatory. Grooming services already build compensation into their pricing.
If your pet gets five-star treatment, tip if you want, but tipping should never feel automatic.
Medical Offices and Pharmacies: Don’t Tip for Healthcare
Tip jars and digital tipping prompts don’t belong in medical settings. Some clinics and pharmacies now add them at checkout for in-store services, which is a huge shift from the past.
Medical professionals and pharmacy staff are salaried and tipping should not enter the equation. You can, and should, skip it.
19 Proven Ways to Cut Healthcare Costs Without Sacrificing Care
Drive-Thru Windows: Keep the Tip in Your Pocket
Drive-thrus are built for speed, not tipping. Employees at the window are paid an hourly wage, and tipping isn’t expected here. If a screen asks for a tip, skip it without hesitation.
You’re grabbing food, not sitting down for service.
Convenience Stores: Ignore the Tip Prompt
Some convenience stores now prompt for tips at checkout, even on self-checkout screens. This practice has no basis in tradition or fair compensation. Store clerks are paid hourly, and the tip prompt is just one more example of tipping culture getting out of hand.
No need to tip when grabbing a soda or snack.
Tipping Smarter: Where to Draw the Line
Tipping fatigue is real, and it won’t change unless consumers start saying no. You’re never obligated to tip just because a screen flashes the option.
Smart money means knowing when to hold the line and keeping your dollars for service that actually earns it.
Use this list to tip on your terms, not out of pressure.
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