04/09/2026
I was a waitress when I was in nursing school. It’s hard work—and you rely on tips.
That’s why I want to clear something up, because there’s a lot of misinformation out there right now.
Illinois is NOT banning tipping on credit cards.
You can still:
✔️ Pay with your card
✔️ Tip exactly the same way
👉 What’s actually changing (starting July 1):
Credit card companies can no longer take their ~3% fee on sales tax and tips.
Here’s a simple example:
If your bill is $50 + $15 (tax & tip) = $65,
right now the fee is charged on the full $65.
Under the new law, the fee only applies to the $50 meal—not the tax or the tip.
And remember - while businesses are charged that fee, those costs often get passed on to you.
💡 Your tip should go to your server - not to a processing fee.
💡 Taxes should go to the community.
Let’s stick to facts - not fear.
