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Tipping plays a significant role in dining, whether you’re eating at a restaurant or picking up takeout. In the U.S., many service workers depend on tips as a meaningful part of their income, making tipping less about generosity and more about standard compensation for service.

Even so, certain tipping habits can come across poorly unintentionally. Tipping below expectations, overlooking extra effort, or misjudging what’s appropriate in certain situations can send the wrong message.

Here are 12 common tipping mistakes many people make without realizing it.

Leaving Notes Instead of Money

Close-up leather holder with restaurant bill check and pen — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

While kind words are appreciated, service workers depend on tips. Pair your note with a fair tip to show true appreciation.

Assuming a “Service Charge” Means Tip

paying by credit card machine at a restaurant — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

In some restaurants, the service charge goes to the business, not the server. Always double-check and tip if needed.

Using Coins to Tip

tipping at a restaurant — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Tipping with coins isn’t necessarily wrong, but it can be seen as inconvenient or unusual in certain situations. Small denominations, in particular, may feel impractical, especially for services where cash tips are the norm, like at restaurants or for deliveries. It’s generally more considerate to use bills for tipping.

However, if coins are your only option, try to use larger denominations, like dollar coins, and present them respectfully to avoid causing inconvenience.

Tipping Below the Standard Rate

Waiter presenting menu to guests — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

In the U.S., tipping less than 15–20% for good service is often viewed as disrespectful. When unsure, 15% of the pre-tax bill is a safe minimum.

Tipping Based on Discounts

If you receive a discount, it’s polite to tip on the original amount. The level of service doesn’t change just because of a deal.

Not Tipping on Takeout Orders

While tipping for takeout isn’t mandatory, offering a small tip is a kind way to show appreciation – even if it is simply takeout.

Skipping Tips for Hotel Staff

Many people overlook tipping hotel staff. As a general rule, tipping housekeeping staff and the same for doormen or bellhops is appropriate.

Forgetting to Tip for Complimentary Services

Even for complimentary services, tipping as a thank-you is always appreciated.

Tipping Less for Slow Service

Slow service can often be the result of factors outside of the server’s control, such as a busy kitchen, understaffing, or technical issues. Servers are typically doing their best to manage multiple tables and ensure everyone is taken care of, despite these challenges.

Penalizing them with a low tip for issues they can’t control may not reflect the effort they’re putting into their work. Instead, it’s important to consider the overall experience and whether the service itself, apart from the speed, was attentive and courteous.

Under-Tipping at Events

At large events, servers typically work harder, juggling multiple tables and handling high volumes of guests. They often manage more responsibilities than in regular dining settings, including navigating crowded spaces and ensuring timely service for a large group.

Despite the increased workload, under-tipping can still happen. It’s important to remember that even though the event may feel different from a typical dining experience, the effort servers put in is significant and should be reflected in the tip.