Americans have drastically reduced their spending on so-called "guilt tips," averaging just $283 in 2025, a significant 38% decrease from $453 in 2024, according to a Talker Research survey reported by the New York Post.
Many Americans are feeling the weight of social pressure, leaving tips that exceed their own sense of fairness. The survey revealed that the average American tips $24 more than they consider appropriate each month. Respondents reported giving "guilt tips" an average of 4.2 times monthly, down from 6.3 times in the previous year.
While 20% of those surveyed admit to frequently leaving higher tips due to social pressure, a larger portion—29%—report that they rarely or never tip beyond what they believe is fair. Notably, 78% of Americans believe businesses should increase employee wages instead of relying on tips for compensation.
This shift in tipping behavior reflects broader concerns about fair wages and employee treatment in the service industry. As discussions around compensation continue, the landscape of tipping in the U.S. may undergo further changes, similar to recent developments in various sectors, including national security and income disparities.
