Canadians Say Enough Is Enough to Tipping Culture
Tipping fatigue is sweeping Canada. According to a new survey by Research Co., Canadians are growing weary of being asked to tip at nearly every turn, from coffee shops to fast-food counters. The days of tipping only for great service at sit-down restaurants seem to be fading, replaced by a culture that many now see as excessive.
Tipping Requests Now Feel “Out of Hand”
The online poll of 1,001 Canadian adults reveals that more than half (53%) always tip at sit-down restaurants. However, far fewer feel compelled to tip in other settings: only 37% at bars, 15% at takeout spots, 14% at coffee shops, 12% at cafeterias, and just 10% at fast-food restaurants. A majority—57%—believe tipping isn’t necessary when they are part of the ordering process, such as picking up food or ordering online.
Canadians Still Value Good Service
Despite their frustration, Canadians haven’t abandoned tipping altogether. The survey found that 36% are happy to leave a 15-19% tip for exceptional service at a sit-down restaurant, and nearly one in five (19%) will even tip 20-25% if the experience is outstanding—especially when the restaurant is busy and staff go above and beyond.
Pushback Against Automatic Tip Prompts
Canadians are especially critical of tip prompts in situations where service is minimal or self-serve. The report highlights strong disapproval for:
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Online retailers suggesting tips (71%)
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Coffee shops prompting tips for credit card payments (65%)
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Suggested tips on sit-down restaurant bills (57%)
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Credit card tip prompts at sit-down restaurants (53%)
Tipping Culture’s Future Remains Uncertain
While many Canadians still tip generously for good service or when they know workers aren’t paid enough, the constant barrage of tip requests is wearing people down. The survey makes it clear: Canadians want tipping to mean something again, not just be an automatic expectation.
With tipping fatigue on the rise, Canadians are calling for a return to meaningful, service-based gratuities—and a break from constant tip prompts.
