🇺🇸 Tipping in United States
Tipping expectedTipping in the United States is built into the wage structure for most servers, bartenders, and other front-of-house staff. A significant share of their income comes from tips, not from hourly pay alone. As a visitor, you should expect to add 18–20% at full-service restaurants, with 15% widely seen as the floor for ordinary service. Skipping a tip in situations where it is the norm is likely to be taken as a deliberate slight.
Tipping is essential in the USA
In the US, tipping is not optional — it's how service staff make their living. 18–20% at restaurants is the baseline expectation, and anything under 15% is considered rude.
When to tip
Tip after sit-down meals, at bars (per drink or on the tab), in taxis and ride-hails, and for hotel services such as housekeeping and valet. Counter service and takeaway usually do not require a percentage tip, though delivery apps often show a default.
Where & how much
| Venue / service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 18–20% | Expected. 15% is the bare minimum. |
| Bars | $1–2 per drink | Or 15–20% on a tab. |
| Taxis / Uber | 15–18% | Round up or add 15%. |
| Hotels | $2–5/night | Leave daily for housekeeping. |
| Food delivery | 15–20% | Expected on the app. |
Work out a tip in US dollars
Enter the bill in $ — the local currency for United States.
Service quality
People
Each person pays
US$0.00
- Tip amount
- US$0.00
- Tip per person
- US$0.00
- Total bill
- US$0.00
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Get Wise free →Frequently asked questions about tipping in United States
How much should I tip at a restaurant in the USA?
18–20% is the standard at sit-down restaurants. Anything under 15% is considered poor form. Most card machines now suggest 18%, 20%, or 25% — you're not obligated to choose the highest option.
Do I have to tip in the USA?
Practically speaking, yes. US service staff are paid below minimum wage on the assumption that tips make up the difference. Not tipping at a restaurant is considered rude and leaves your server significantly out of pocket.
Should I tip on takeaway orders in the USA?
For counter service and takeaway, tipping is optional — 10% is generous. For delivery orders, 15–20% is expected since drivers rely on tips as their primary income.