Australians tipping less, data shows – BeanScene

Australians are tipping less in 2026, with financial platform Zeller reporting a 21 per cent dip from peaks seen in 2024.

Tips were applied on 0.54 per cent of Zeller Terminal transactions; however, the average tipping gratuity being left is $25.06; 30 per cent higher than in 2023.

In cafés and coffeeshops, the average tip has fallen, however, dropping 13 per cent since 2023 to $3.92.

Zeller’s data also indicated morning dining is taking a greater share of hospitality traffic, with 34 per cent of dining customers choosing this daypart to spend on eating out, with dinner’s share dropping from 32 per cent to 21 per cent.

The average morning transaction is worth just $19.29 in 2026, compared to $53.65 at dinner.

Chief Commercial Officer at Zeller Josh McNicol says the figures show Australians are still willing to spend eating out, but they are being more deliberate about when, where, and how they spend.

“Australians are still making room to eat out, but they’re changing the occasion and watching the final bill more closely,” he says.

“Customers who choose to tip are leaving considerably more than they did three years ago. A full-service restaurant can still attract an average tip of more than $26, while smaller, everyday gratuities are under greater pressure.

“Smarter payment technology makes it easier for businesses to offer the choice to tip to customers and enables diners to recognise great service. The key is ensuring gratuity remains transparent, genuinely optional, and appropriate for the experience.”

The tipping analysis covers card-present payment methods processed through Zeller EFTPOS terminals in Australia between 1 January 2023 and 31 August 2026. The morning economy findings are based on transaction data from more than 45,000 Australian food and beverage venues.

The findings add to the pattern Zeller identified in its No Reservations research, which surveyed more than 1000 hospitality operators and decision makers, which found hospitality venues were serving nine per cent more diners year-on-year, but average customer spend had fallen by 13 per cent.