‘HAVE BECOME RIDICULOUS’: Americans revolt against digital tip screens as ‘tip creep’ hits breaking point
New survey finds 78% of consumers say tipping practices have gone too far, with over a third now bypassing preset options entirely
America has reached a tipping point with tipping screens. A recent Popmenu survey of 1,000 adults found that 78% of consumers believe tipping practices “have become ridiculous,” while nearly three-quarters have noticed restaurants raising suggested gratuity amounts on digital payment devices. When faced with screens offering preset options of 20%, 22%, and even 25%, a striking 36% of diners say they now bypass those prompts entirely and enter custom amounts instead. The backlash reflects growing frustration with what many call “tip creep”—the expansion of gratuity expectations into situations where tipping was once optional or uncommon, such as coffee shops and service counters.
Restaurant owners are taking note—and issuing warnings. Texas restaurateur Derek Simms, who operates eight establishments in the Dallas area, said even industry insiders find the new digital prompts “awkward” and manipulative, warning that pushing customers for higher tips could cost businesses repeat loyalty. Vicki Parmelee, owner of Jumby Bay Island Grill in Jupiter, Florida, agreed, telling Fox News Digital it is “pretty annoying” to order a coffee and then have a terminal “expect a tip just for handing you a coffee.” While both owners say traditional 20% tipping for sit-down table service remains culturally appropriate and earned, they caution that aggressive digital prompts risk turning every transaction into an uncomfortable confrontation. “I don’t want to lose a customer over some weird manipulation,” Simms said.
