New survey compares tipping habits of Republicans vs. Democrats

Many Democratic lawmakers have accused Republicans of not paying their fair share, but according to a new survey released Sunday, in the battle of tipping habits, Republicans give more than their counterparts.

The poll, conducted by Creditcards.com through Princeton Survey Research Associates, found that 59 percent of Republicans gave a restaurant tip above 15 percent, compared to only 46 percent of Democrats who gave over 15 percent. Fifty-seven percent of independents also reported tipping above 15 percent.

Other than Republicans, groups who topped the poll included males, Northeasterners, baby boomers, and those who paid with credit cards. On the other hand, groups who were among the worst tippers included women, who tipped at an average of 16 percent, Southerners, and Democrats, who both came in around 15 percent.

Americans making $75,000 or more per year were the highest tippers, according to the survey. Overall, four out of five Americans said they always give a restaurant tip, with the usual tip averaging out to be 18 percent.

Cornell University professor Michael Lynn, who studies gratuity practices, told Creditcards.com that although there are many different factors affecting tipping practices, it usually comes down to wealth: The wealthier a patron is, the more he is willing to tip.

In addition to tipping the most at restaurants, the poll also showed that Republicans and independents are more likely than Democrats to tip hair stylists and coffee shop baristas.

The telephone interviews for this survey were conducted June 22-25 and the margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.