Survey: Consumers' tipping habits include...
American consumers are growing tired of being asked to tip at businesses.
Survey data from Omni Calculator reveals that more than three-in-five (62%) Americans say they're asked to tip in more situations today than two years ago, with 38% holding a negative overall view of tipping in 2026, compared with 31% who hold a positive view.
Four-in-10 (40%) Americans said that they have grown so frustrated, they avoid certain businesses to dodge tip prompts.
Monthly tip spending amount is concentrated in the lower range, according to the data. The most common bracket is $10-$24, reported by 28% of respondents, followed by $25-$49 at 26%. Together, these two ranges cover more than half of all respondents.
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Despite being asked more frequently, most tipping habits have stayed consistent. More than half (56%) of those surveyed say they tip about the same as they used to, while 22% say they now tip more generously, and 20% say they tip less.
When asked what factors most influence how much they tip, Omni Calculator’s survey found that quality of service came out on top at 66%, ahead of the size of the bill (35%) and a personal rule or habit about tipping (31%). Financial situation at the time of purchase is cited by 25%, social pressure or expectations from others by 16%, and suggested tip prompts on a payment screen by 9%.
When service is poor, more than half (54%) of respondents tip less than usual.
Pre-entered tip options draw more negative reactions than positive ones, as 30% of respondents view them somewhat negatively and 20% very negatively, for a combined 50%. Another 18% are somewhat positive, 7% very positive, and 24% neutral.
Omni Calculator’s survey was conducted between Feb. 2-4, 2026, using the Prolific online research platform. The sample included 500 U.S. adults. The full report can be found here.
