What is Automatic Gratuity?

Auto gratuity is a pre-determined tip that a restaurant automatically applies to a customer's bill. It is usually added to a check when dining with a large party or for special occasions, or in a specific dining circumstance that ensures guaranteed compensation for service staff.

Auto gratuity is normally based on a percentage of your total bill. Some common auto gratuity percentages include-

  • 15% gratuity
  • 18% gratuity
  • 20% gratuity

Restaurants generally include auto gratuity for the following situations-

  • Dining in large groups
  • Banquets and private functions
  • Catering
  • Fine dining restaurants
  • VIP reservations

How does auto gratuity work in a restaurant?

The restaurant's POS system usually controls the auto gratuity setting.

The process typically works as follows-

  • This is a customer group that matches the restaurant's gratuity policy.
  • POS calculates the percentage automatically according to the bill.
  • Adding a gratuity amount to the bill.
  • The customer paid the entire bill, which included gratuity.
  • The gratuity is distributed according to the tipping and payroll policy of the restaurant.