Fewer Americans Plan to Give Holiday Tips This Year
December 3, 2025
While tipping frequency is down, median tip amounts are mostly flat or up
NEW YORK – December 3, 2025 – While fewer Americans are planning to tip this holiday season, dollar amounts are expected to remain relatively unchanged, according to a new Bankrate survey. Median holiday tip amounts remain mostly flat or up year-over-year for all six service providers Bankrate asked about (housekeepers, landscapers/gardeners/snow removers, teachers, mail carriers, trash/recycling collectors and childcare providers).
For more information: https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/holiday-tipping-survey/
| Median reported tip amount (among tippers) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Provider | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Housekeeper | $50 | $50 | $50 | $40 | $50 |
| Childcare Provider | $48 | $50 | $50 | $25 | $50 |
| Landscaper/Gardener/Snow Remover | $50 | $30 | $37 | $25 | $30 |
| Teacher | $25 | $25 | $25 | $20 | $25 |
| Mail Carrier | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| Trash/Recycling Collector | $25 | $20 | $25 | $20 | $20 |
In terms of likelihood, Americans are less likely to tip this year, compared with last year, with those planning to tip childcare providers seeing the biggest drop:
| Americans who plan/planned to tip (among users of each service) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Provider | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Housekeeper | 56% | 57% | 54% | 56% | 47% |
| Childcare Provider | 47% | 55% | 51% | 49% | 41% |
| Landscaper/Gardener/Snow Remover | 37% | 41% | 42% | 41% | 36% |
| Teacher | 47% | 53% | 50% | 51% | 41% |
| Mail Carrier | 27% | 31% | 31% | 31% | 27% |
| Trash/Recycling Collector | 21% | 26% | 24% | 22% | 19% |
“As we see in other economic data, higher earners are propping up the overall holiday tipping statistics, especially when it comes to median tip amounts,” said Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman. “Fewer people are tipping, but the amounts are holding steady and even increasing in some instances. This is another example of the K-shaped economy: many people are cutting back, but higher earners are making up for it.”
Among U.S. adults, when asked about tipping statements they agree most with, 56% say they usually give bigger tips when they receive better service, 38% say that they often feel obligated to tip regardless of the service they receive and 16% expect the person they are tipping to notice how much they have given them. Just 7% believe that tipping is a sign that someone is financially successful.
Giving bigger tips for better service increases with age, while feeling the obligation to tip regardless of service decreases. Specifically, 62% of baby boomers (ages 61-79) and 58% of Gen Xers (ages 45-60) say they give bigger tips for better service compared to 55% of millennials (ages 29-44) and 45% of Gen Zers (ages 18-28). On the other hand, 44% of Gen Zers and 42% of millennials say they feel the obligation to tip compared to 38% of Gen Xers and 29% of baby boomers.
“Holiday tipping plays out in a few different ways. Sometimes it’s a once-a-year gesture of thanks to a service provider who has helped you throughout the year,” added Rossman. “It can also be an extra-generous tip to someone we may tip throughout the year, who also deserves a little extra around the holidays. Maybe it’s as simple as leaving some snacks or drinks out for a delivery driver. Holiday tipping demonstrates appreciation and can also help secure better service next year.”
Methodology:
This survey has been conducted using an online interview administered to members of the YouGov Plc panel of individuals who have agreed to take part in surveys. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,445 U.S. adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between October 27-29, 2025. The survey was carried out online and meets rigorous quality standards. It gathered a non-probability-based sample and employed demographic quotas and weights to better align the survey sample with the broader U.S. population.
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For more information:
Sara Dramer
Public Relations Specialist
sdramer@bankrate.com
929-205-9713