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Survey Finds Most Germans Reject Preset Tip Prompts on Card Terminals

The findings point to pressure at checkout that fuels a push for more transparent, fairer options.

Overview

  • A Bitkom poll, released Tuesday by several German outlets, finds only 29% of people view preset tip suggestions on card readers as useful.
  • Acceptance drops to about 22% among those 65 and older, signaling a sharp age gap in comfort with digital tipping.
  • About 64% say the on-screen choices nudge them to pay more than planned, and 68% call menus that start at 10% inappropriate.
  • Trust is mixed, with only around 52% believing tips reach staff in full even as 55% want the option to tip digitally to be standard.
  • Bitkom’s Alina Stephanie Bone-Winkel urges clearer, balanced defaults to reduce pressure, and consumer groups advise choosing a tip beforehand or requesting a custom amount.