Australian consumers are becoming more generous, according to research from business finance solutions provider Zeller that reveals the number of people leaving a tip and the amount of the tip itself are on the rise across the country.
Using EFTPOS data from more than 85,000 Australian businesses, in 2024 Zeller found the frequency of transactions including a tip increased by 13 per cent compared to 2023. The research also highlighted Australians were tipping more generously, with the average tip value rising to $25.20 and representing a 25 per cent increase on the previous year.
“This growth highlights an increasing willingness among Australians to reward exceptional service, even in a challenging economic environment,” wrote the authors of the report.
People in Victoria were found to be the most generous tippers (average tip value of $39.50), followed by Queensland ($32.20), South Australia ($27.80), and New South Wales ($16.90).
“With Sydney being Australia’s most expensive city, it comes as little surprise that New South Welshmen were less willing or able to splash extra cash on tips, but the extent to which was quite dramatic,” the authors continued. “On average, Sydneysiders tipped 57 per cent less than Melburnians.”
Metro areas saw the highest growth of tipping culture in 2024 (average tip value up by 26 per cent), while regional areas recorded a decline (down by 10 per cent).
Among the industries included in the report, restaurant and cafes were found to generate the most tips with an average of $25.20. This was followed by the beauty and transport sectors.
For more information, view the full report here.
