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Taos Today
By the People, for the People
40% of Americans Believe Tipping Should Be Banned, Survey Finds
New study shows growing discontent with tipping culture in the U.S.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:08pm
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A new survey by personal finance website WalletHub found that more than 40% of Americans believe tipping should be banned in the U.S. The survey also found that 20% of respondents tip less when presented with a tip suggestion screen, while 61% say they leave the same amount regardless. Other key findings include 81% of people thinking tipping has gotten out of control and 64% believing businesses are replacing employee salaries with customer tips.
Why it matters
The survey results highlight growing frustration among Americans with the tipping culture, which some see as an unfair burden on consumers and a way for businesses to shift the responsibility of paying workers a living wage. This debate over tipping could lead to potential policy changes, such as a ban on tipping, that would significantly impact the service industry.
The details
The 2026 Tipping Survey by WalletHub polled over 200 people online about their views on tipping. The survey found that 40% of Americans believe tipping should be banned, while 20% say they tip less when presented with a tip suggestion screen. Other key findings include 81% of respondents thinking tipping has gotten out of control, 64% believing businesses are replacing employee salaries with customer tips, and 55% saying they often leave a tip due to social pressure rather than good service.
- The 2026 Tipping Survey by WalletHub was released on March 11, 2026.
The players
WalletHub
A personal finance website that conducted the survey on Americans' views on tipping.
John Kiernan
WalletHub editor who commented on the survey results, stating that a tipping ban would be a longshot but could lead to more transparent pricing.
Chip Lupo
WalletHub analyst who discussed how international travelers and those on vacation may approach tipping differently than locals.
What they’re saying
“No one wants to leave service industry workers without a living wage, but most people don't want to continue subsidizing wages employers should be paying.”
— John Kiernan, WalletHub editor
“Tipping seems to have lost its way, from being an additional reward to something mandatory masking the true cost of the services you receive.”
— John Kiernan, WalletHub editor
“While tipping is deeply ingrained in the U.S., where leaving around 15%–20% is common, and many workers rely on tips as part of their income, people on vacation may find themselves in places where tipping is optional, modest or even discouraged.”
— Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst
The takeaway
The survey results highlight the growing discontent among Americans with the tipping culture, with many feeling that it has become an unfair burden on consumers and a way for businesses to shift the responsibility of paying workers a living wage. This debate could lead to potential policy changes, such as a ban on tipping, that would significantly impact the service industry.
