5 Feb 2026, 10:54 Updated: 1h ago
Payment terminals suggesting tip amounts have led to a sharp rise in tipping in French restaurants, while also sparking debate among diners.
5 Feb 2026, 10:54 | Updated: 1h ago
Restaurant, Petite France, Strasbourg, Alsace, France, Europe.
Picture:
Alamy
The rise of payment terminals suggesting gratuities has seen tips in French restaurants triple, but some diners say they feel pressured to leave money.
Introduced in 2022, the terminals allow customers to select set amounts—often 5%, 10% or 15% of the bill—though a “no tip” option is always available.
The system followed a legal change allowing card tips to be tax-exempt, previously only applying to cash.
While only a third of French diners normally tip, the terminals have boosted income for waiting staff, with some reporting monthly earnings rising from €100 to €300.
Critics argue that the prompts can feel uncomfortable, while supporters say it simplifies tipping in a country where service charges are already included.
Dining and Cooking