{"id":19017,"date":"2026-01-14T08:59:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T14:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/?p=19017"},"modified":"2026-02-06T12:08:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T18:08:09","slug":"when-to-tip-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/when-to-tip-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you know when to tip? This guide to tipping can help"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s a familiar scenario to most of us: You\u2019re purchasing something at a counter or checking out after a service. Suddenly, you freeze. Wait<\/em>, you think, do people tip for this?<\/em> If so, how much? And should you tip in cash or with a credit or debit card? Did you even budget<\/a> enough for an appropriate tip?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a little research\u2014starting with this comprehensive guide to tipping\u2014you can avoid any potential social gaffes and master the art of showing your appreciation, whether you\u2019re at a salon or a caf\u00e9. Here\u2019s everything you need to know to give gratuities gracefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to tip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The line between tippable and non-tippable service is blurring. California-based etiquette expert Elaine Swann says, \u201cWe\u2019re seeing more requests for tips in places we never did before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, increasingly, there\u2019s an option to add a tip at a retail counter. Swann says, \u201cIf you couldn’t find what you were looking for and someone helped you, if they went out of their way and were very gracious, then sure, show your appreciation. But other than that, you don’t have to tip in a retail store.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you\u2019re expected to tip in plenty of places, and the rules for each scenario vary. Let\u2019s break it down by industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tipping at restaurants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For generations, the standard restaurant tip was always \u201c15% for good service, 20% for great,\u201d Swann says. Now, she observes, the minimum is closer to 15% to 18%, and 20% to 25% for exemplary service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Swann cautions to inquire where exactly your gratuity is going. \u201cOften, a restaurant will add an 18% gratuity for large groups. But is that tip going to the server? If you’re unsure, ask management what the fee is for\u2014that way, you can make a more informed decision about how much to tip your server.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the consensus is that you don\u2019t need to tip at a fast-casual restaurant (where you order at a counter versus having table service). But if you feel you\u2019ve received exemplary service, it\u2019s appreciated. One notable exception is the coffee shop, where a $1 or $2 tip per drink is standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much to tip food delivery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tipping for food delivery should be treated like good service at a restaurant: You tip a minimum of 18% to 20%. If you\u2019re ordering a lot, the weather is bad, or the driver is coming a far distance, consider adding a few extra percentage points. And make no mistake: The \u201cdelivery fee\u201d on your bill goes to the company, not your delivery person, so don\u2019t lower your tip based on that fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How much to tip at bars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The standard at a traditional establishment, where you order and receive your drink directly from the bartender, is about $1 per beer and $2 per cocktail. However, if you\u2019re at an upscale cocktail bar and your mixologist has gone to great lengths, you should tip 20% of the final tab at the end of your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to tip your movers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moving can be more expensive than you think<\/a>, so make sure you factor 20% of your total moving costs as a tip for your movers. If you have, for example, a collection of grand pianos or bowling balls, add a little more for their trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your moving crew will typically be managed by a leader who handles the paperwork and primarily communicates with you. It\u2019s acceptable to give them the entire tip at the end of the move and explain that it should be shared with the full crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tipping for cabs and ride-shares<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line, Swann says, is that since cab rides customarily conclude with a tip, ride-share trips should, too. Include a tip in the app used to schedule the car service; if you\u2019re wondering how much to tip your ride-share driver, the standard is about 15%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to tip a valet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When tipping the valet who parks and retrieves your car, the standard tip is between $3 and $5, depending on the level of service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tipping at hotels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hotels are <\/a>full of potential tipping situations, from the person who brings your bags to your room to the housekeeper who keeps it clean. But typical practices break down like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luggage attendants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have loads of luggage, stick with $1 or $2 per luggage item. But if you only have a couple of things, tip $5 to make the elevator ride worth their while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Room service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the best practice when ordering that steak and eggs or late-night hot fudge sundae to your room? Pretend you\u2019re at a restaurant and tip the standard 15% to -20% if there\u2019s not already a room service charge added to the bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Housekeeper or hotel maid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tip the hotel maid between $1 and $5 per day, but don\u2019t wait until the end of your stay, as the staff might change daily. Include a small note with the tip each day to signal the tip is for that day\u2019s service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Salons and spas <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How much to tip your hairstylist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The minimum tip is 15%, but the standard is closer to 20%. Include everyone involved. Tip your hair washer $2 to $5 and give 20% to anyone providing additional services. (For example, tip your hair colorist 20% of that service cost).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much to tip at the nail salon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The same goes for tipping at the nail salon. Tip between 15% and 20% for each service (or more if the service is exceptional). For example, if you have a separate nail technician and esthetician, tip them separately based on the cost of the service provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a regular relationship with your stylist or other personal services provider, a holiday gift is a good idea\u2014generally a gift certificate or cash that\u2019s equal to the cost of one session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you tip a babysitter? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tipping a babysitter or nanny each time isn\u2019t necessary, but an end-of-the-year gift is a nice gesture. For nannies, the standard is roughly one or two weeks\u2019 pay; for babysitters, it\u2019s about the cost of one evening of babysitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips at weddings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Factor in the cost of tipping when planning your wedding finances<\/a>. With so many different services involved in your special day, make sure you\u2019ve budgeted for all of them:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caterers\/reception staff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tip caterers and reception staff 15% to 20% of the total cost of your food bill, or $5 to $10 per guest, unless gratuity is already included in your contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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“You should always<\/em> tip a restaurant server, and never less than 10%.”<\/p>\n