Critique of Digital Payment Terminals: Consumer Advocates Demand an End to 'Forced Tipping'

Consumer advocates are demanding profound changes to digital payment terminals because design practices make giving a tip appear mandatory rather than voluntary. The core problem lies in the design of modern payment systems.

Specifically criticized is the prominent display of suggested tip amounts, such as 7, 10, or 20 percent, on the payment terminals, while the 'No Tip' option is often designed to be less visible. Payment systems are generally criticized for subtly steering customers. This observation is supported by surveys: one survey found that over half of respondents felt pressured by the conspicuous suggestions.

For this reason, consumer advocates demand more transparency when handling tips for card payments. Experts repeatedly emphasize that tipping must remain voluntary and transparent. The central point of the demand is that the decision of whether and how much to tip must remain absolutely voluntary. Furthermore, it must be as easy to specify no tip or an individual amount as it is to use the pre-set options.

The criticism extends to a demand for a ban on these 'manipulative design tricks' at the European level. The practice is perceived as a subtle taxation of the customer. These concerns are not merely theoretical: according to one study, only a third of German customers consider the automated tip suggestions practical. The demands of the consumers aim to place customer autonomy at the center.