How do you tip when using a gift card?

Tipping Etiquette with Gift Cards

Gift cards, increasingly popular for dining and other services, raise a simple yet sometimes perplexing question: how do you tip when using one? The answer is straightforward: treat a gift card like cash. Whether the gift card is worth $25 or $100, the tipping expectation remains consistent with a cash payment.

There’s no special calculation or percentage adjustment required. The standard tipping practices, based on the service received, apply directly to gift cards. A satisfying meal, exceptional service, or a rushed experience all influence the tip amount you’d leave in a cash transaction. This approach ensures that the staff receives appropriate compensation, regardless of the payment method.

The key takeaway is that using a gift card shouldn’t alter your tipping habits. The value of the gift card is irrelevant to the service rendered and the tip you should leave. Therefore, calculate your tip the same way you would if you were paying with cash.