A third of Americans are still tipping more than they did before the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report from CouponCabin.com.
The survey of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers found that Americans are dining out more than before the pandemic and continue to tip generously, even amid “tip fatigue.”
Why It Matters
Because COVID-19 forced many Americans to stay at home, it had major implications for the restaurant industry, shifting consumer habits, but tipping levels continue to significantly fluctuate among diners.
What To Know
The most common tip amount for Americans was 20 percent as of the August survey findings, at 34 percent of consumers saying they tip this amount. Meanwhile, 8 percent tip more than 20 percent and 19 percent tip less than 10 percent.
“The people that may be dining out are the individuals with expendable income. Food away from home has risen quite substantially, but for those who can maintain eating out are likely the ones that have the means to do so, thus larger tips,” Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek.
Approximately 33 percent of the survey respondents said they tip more than they did before the pandemic, while 62 percent said they tip the same.
“Much like during the pandemic, many consumers are facing economic hardship right now,” CouponCabin savings expert Melanie Lowe told Newsweek. “However, COVID made many people realize the importance of taking care of each other, and those that are able to tip seem to realize how impactful it can be to those they’re tipping.”
Dining out has also become more popular since the pandemic days, with 35 percent of consumers saying they eat out at restaurants more often in 2025.
Roughly 30 percent said they dine out a few times a week, and 25 percent of respondents dine out about once a week.
What People Are Saying
Lowe also told Newsweek: “These days, it really does seem like we’re being asked to tip everywhere, and with economic uncertainty, it can be frustrating to be asked to part with even more of your hard-earned money. However, in situations where people feel like they should tip, such as dining out, or even taking out, where someone has prepared food for them, they’re willing to say thank you.”
Thompson told Newsweek: “Even with food delivery on the rise, most people are still stuck balancing two pressures: the rising cost of eating out and the rising cost of groceries. That tension keeps households looking for ways to stretch dollars while still buying convenience where they can.”
“As delivery demand grows, tipping expectations will likely stay elevated. After all, someone is handling your food, and consumers are willing to pay a premium for that to be done right, without disruption.”
Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “While the headline that Americans are tipping more than prior to the pandemic may surprise some, it’s important to consider other statistics that go into this result. We know fewer Americans are dining out and favoring to save money instead, meaning those frequent diners today are more than likely higher income who can afford to tip more.”
“There’s also genuine feelings of generosity here, I think; as inflationary pressures weigh on everyone, some see how those same pressures are magnified for service workers and want to help them by tipping more.”
What Happens Next
Thompson anticipates a widening gap between people who primarily eat at home and those who continue eating out if prices keep rising.
“Businesses will likely lose demand from the bottom 50 percent of consumers, but still see steady or even growing demand from the top 20 percent,” Thompson said.
“The real danger comes when spending slows in that top 20 percent. If they start pulling back, businesses and overall consumption are in real trouble. But for now, that’s not happening—largely because the wealth effect from a strong stock market keeps higher-income households spending.”
