News & Trending Money News

11 Surprising Places That Ask for a Tip

Being asked to tip is becoming more commonplace, even when you don’t receive a tip-worthy service.

putting tips into glass jar
Updated Dec. 17, 2024
Fact checked

Tipping culture is spiraling out of control. It seems like every time you swipe your favorite credit card, you’re asked if you want to leave a tip, regardless of the situation.

Of course, it’s appropriate to tip in some situations, like when you eat out at a restaurant or get food delivery at home. And hopefully, you can opt to tip a healthy 20%. But savvy savers shouldn’t feel guilty about hitting the ‘no tip’ button sometimes.

Here are some of the most surprising places asking for a tip and why it’s sometimes appropriate to say no to tipping.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Arcades

Erin Cadigan/Adobe boardwalk arcades

Some arcades give you the option to leave a tip when getting your game card for games. For example, some Main Event locations ask for a tip when making a purchase. In these cases, it’s completely fine not to leave a tip.

Self-checkout machine

MelissaMN/Adobe self-checkout station machine

When you’re asked to tip after checking yourself out, you know things have gone too far. After all, you just handled the labor part of the checkout process on your own. It’s fair not to tip a company for your own unpaid labor.

Food courts

geargodz/Adobe tables and chairs on food court

Food courts offer a self-service style environment. Although someone might check you out, you generally have to find your own table, get sauces, and carry your own food. With most of the labor done on your end, you can opt to skip the tip without feeling guilty.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Farmers markets

EwaStudio/Adobe fresh and organic vegetables

If you’re shopping at a local farmers market, you’re supporting small business owners in your area. But when you simply pick out your items and head to the checkout, there’s no reason to leave a tip. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to be asked for a tip of at least 20% during the checkout. Don’t be afraid to skip it.

Stadiums

efks/Adobe football stadium at night

After waiting in line to check yourself out during a stadium event, the last thing you would expect is to be prompted to leave a tip. But that’s exactly what happened to a couple using the self-checkout at the Superdome. Understandably, they opted not to leave a tip for the computer-based experience.

Home repairs

bonniemarie/Adobe man repairing his house

When a professional comes to your home to complete a repair, they generally charge a fair hourly rate. You’re not expected to leave a tip. The exception might be when a handyman comes out to do an emergency job in the middle of the night because they really went above and beyond. Otherwise, don’t feel bad about not tipping if prompted during your checkout.

Concert merchandise stands

Cristian/Adobe crowd waving hands at music concert

When you go to a show, you might opt to pick up some merch for your memories. After standing in line to pay for an overpriced shirt, it might seem unexpected to be asked for a tip. But it happens. If you get asked for a tip at the merch stand, feel free to decline.

Fast-food restaurants

Tanya Keisha/Adobe McDonalds cafe Riga Old Town Latvia

When you whip through the drive-through at your favorite fast-food restaurant, you aren’t likely to plan on tipping. However, it’s become more common to be prompted to tip. Don’t hesitate to skip this option so you can stretch your fast food budget.

Takeout orders

Liubomir/Adobe smiling man enjoying pizza

When you go to a restaurant and sit down, it’s common courtesy to tip your server. But when you simply pick up your meal and hit the road, tipping might feel like overkill. Depending on the place, it might make sense to skip that tip.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Retail stores

Monkey Business/Adobe female sales assistant holding denim

Shopping around a retail store can be an enjoyable experience. Generally, you aren’t expected to leave a tip when you check out with your purchases, but more merchants are prompting customers to leave a tip. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t leave a tip during a straightforward retail experience.

Auto repair shops

memorystockphoto/Adobe car repair station

Purchasing a new set of tires or getting your oil changed hardly warrants a tip. In general, these workers are paid an hourly wage for their skills. You shouldn’t feel obligated to leave a tip unless someone went above and beyond for you.

Bottom line

DC Studio/Adobe waitress receiving tip

Although tipping is appropriate and expected in some situations, more places are asking for a tip when it’s unwarranted. Feel free to skip the tip when appropriate and save your money.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details