4 Places You’re Being Asked to Tip Now — But Do You Really Have To?

Digital checkout screens increasingly ask customers to tip for counter service, retail purchases, and even self-service transactions. Unlike customary tips for full-service dining, gratuities in these situations are generally optional. New Africa/Shutterstock

You walk into a coffee shop, order a $6 latte, and tap your credit card to pay. Before the transaction goes through, the screen flips around with three suggested tips: 18%, 20%, or 25%. Suddenly, a simple coffee purchase feels like a test of your generosity, especially when the employee is standing right there watching.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. According to a November 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 72% of Americans said tipping was expected in more places than five years earlier, while only 34% found it extremely or very easy to know when a tip was expected. For consumers watching their spending, that uncertainty can translate into extra charges that add up throughout the year.