When is Tipping Optional? 15 Situations Where You Don't Have to Tip

In many ways, tipping culture in the U.S. has gotten out of control — or, at the very least, confusing. And in today's economy, with prices rising left and right, it can be hard to withstand economic downturns when you feel every purchase comes with an unexpected fee.

While there are many situations where customers should absolutely tip, it's not necessary to tip every time an iPad payment system offers the option.

To help you conserve cash, here are 15 instances where you shouldn't feel obligated or guilty about not tipping (or tipping very little).

Every time tipping prompts appear on a screen

These days, tipping prompts appear everywhere from fast food counters to coffee shops. If the staff has gone the extra mile for you in these situations, it's always courteous to leave a tip.

However, some prompts offer high percentages (like $1, $2, or even $5) when you've hardly experienced customer service.

An example is when a tipping prompt appears when you buy a bottle of water at the airport. In these situations, you may not have interacted with an employee, so don't feel obligated to tip (and keep more cash in your wallet).  

When service isn't up to par (restaurants excluded)

At a restaurant where servers rely on tips, customers are still expected to leave a tip (normally between 15 and 20%) even when the service leaves a bit to be desired. Tips are a sizable portion of a server's wage.

However, in situations where the tipping culture is a bit less established (at a coffee shop, for example), don't feel obligated to leave a tip.

When picking up takeout (sometimes)

There's some debate about exactly when to tip when it comes to picking up takeout. 

If you're stopping by a takeout-only eatery to pick up your order, then tipping is not necessary.

However, suppose you're picking up from a sit-down restaurant where a hostess, busser, or server has to pack your order. In that case, leaving a few dollars for the staff is customary since the restaurant industry relies heavily on tips.

Pro tip: If you order out often, picking up your own food (instead of paying for food delivery fees plus a tip) is a great way to stretch your eating-out budget.

At a wedding with an open bar

At weddings with open bars, bartenders often leave a tip jar out. It could make guests feel obligated to contribute a few bucks. 

However, the couple getting married has likely already tipped the bartender. The responsibility is not solely on the guests.

Many wedding guests throw in $5 or $10 at the beginning of the night to get on the bartender's good side (and maybe get a heavier pour on those mixed drinks).

When thanking a teacher

If you want to thank a teacher, then they may be uncomfortable receiving a cash gift. In some cases, teachers are barred from accepting gifts over a certain amount.

If you felt a teacher went above and beyond for you or your child, you can still buy them a small gift (or even a gift card). Many teachers get small holiday gifts or thank-you cards from students and their parents.

After seeing a doctor

Because tipping has become more common in unexpected situations, some people even consider tipping at the doctor's office.

Rest assured, you don't need to tip professionals like your doctor, even if you've seen them for a long time or are receiving specialized treatment. 

The same goes for nurses and other health care professionals.

When shopping at a retail store

It's not customary to tip retail workers. These workers likely get an hourly wage (or a salary, depending on their position in the store), and tipping is not an expected part of the equation.

Sometimes retail employees earn a commission, which is why cashiers occasionally ask if anyone helped you shop.

When gratuity is already added

Many restaurants tack an automatic gratuity onto the bill when a large group is dining (which is typically more than six people). Before adding another 20% onto the bill, make sure the merchant hasn't already charged you gratuity.

Of course, there are some situations where you may want to add a few more dollars to the automatic tip. If the service was excellent or your party stayed at the restaurant for a long time, then you might increase the tip. 

When getting legal services

A lawyer is another professional you should not feel obligated to tip. They're likely charging you a huge per-hour rate anyway.

If you work with a lawyer long-term or want to thank them for helping you negotiate a contract or close on a home, a small (non-cash) gift is another appropriate situation.

After working with an accountant

You don't need to tip your accountant, either, especially if you're just working with them for tax season.

Some accountants say they receive gifts from clients, but they would be perplexed if someone just handed them cash.

If a restaurant has a 'no tipping' policy

Some restaurants have 'no tipping' policies.

American diners are so accustomed to tipping at restaurants that they may be tempted to leave cash anyway, but the no-tipping policy can only exist if the restaurant is paying its employees much more than the standard server makes hourly.

Also, the cost of the food is likely higher in these situations to make up for the lack of tips. Don't add to your already high bill.

When getting packages delivered

When you get a delivery from Amazon or UPS, you're not expected to give a tip (and these workers typically won't prompt you for one).

In certain situations, like if you have a regular delivery or mail person, then you may want to give a small tip around the holiday season.

After hiring a plumber or engineer

Skilled professionals — like plumbers and engineers — often do contract work, and they will charge you exactly how much they think their time is worth. Customers shouldn't feel obligated to tip in these situations, even if manual labor is involved.

However, if you had to call a plumber out to fix a pipe or bathroom emergency in the middle of the night (or on a holiday), then you may want to tip for the extra hassle. 

When picking up fast food

If you pop in to pick up some fast food, particularly if you barely interacted with an employee there, such as placing your order on a self-help screen, don't feel obligated to leave a tip.  

However, feel free to add some funds if a tip jar is on the counter. While fast food employees may receive their state's minimum wage, that wage usually isn't much.

When taking a flight

While flight attendants do provide similar services to other tipped occupations, like serving food and drinks, this is another instance where you may be tempted to tip but shouldn't.

Some airlines even have policies that bar flight attendants from accepting cash tips. Simply being a well-mannered passenger and following instructions will keep you in their good graces. 

Bottom line

You'd be surprised how quickly adding a $1 tip here and there can add up.

Paying attention to tipping prompts and knowing when to skip the tip (or tipping very little) is another great way to conserve cash. Overall, it could help ensure you keep more cash in your wallet.

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