Quick Overview
- 1#1: Kickfin - Provides instant tip payouts and management for restaurant staff directly to debit cards.
- 2#2: TipJam - Digital tip pooling software that simplifies tip distribution and reporting for teams.
- 3#3: 7shifts - Employee scheduling platform with integrated tip pooling, tracking, and payout features.
- 4#4: Toast - Cloud-based restaurant POS system offering advanced tip management and reporting tools.
- 5#5: Homebase - Workforce management tool with tip tracking, scheduling, and timesheet integration.
- 6#6: Square - Payment processing platform with customizable tip prompts and easy reporting.
- 7#7: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS for restaurants featuring robust tip calculation and distribution.
- 8#8: Lightspeed - Restaurant POS software with comprehensive tipping and sales reporting capabilities.
- 9#9: TouchBistro - Mobile POS system designed for restaurants with built-in tip management features.
- 10#10: Clover - Versatile POS hardware and software supporting flexible tip collection and reports.
We ranked these tools based on feature depth (including pooling, tracking, and reporting), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of restaurants and service teams.
Comparison Table
Tipping software simplifies tip management for businesses, and this comparison table highlights tools like Kickfin, TipJam, 7shifts, Toast, Homebase, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, pricing structures, and how each platform aligns with different business sizes or workflows, helping them find the best fit for efficient tip tracking and employee satisfaction.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kickfin Provides instant tip payouts and management for restaurant staff directly to debit cards. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | TipJam Digital tip pooling software that simplifies tip distribution and reporting for teams. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | 7shifts Employee scheduling platform with integrated tip pooling, tracking, and payout features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | Toast Cloud-based restaurant POS system offering advanced tip management and reporting tools. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | |
| 5 | Homebase Workforce management tool with tip tracking, scheduling, and timesheet integration. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Square Payment processing platform with customizable tip prompts and easy reporting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
| 7 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS for restaurants featuring robust tip calculation and distribution. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 8 | Lightspeed Restaurant POS software with comprehensive tipping and sales reporting capabilities. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | TouchBistro Mobile POS system designed for restaurants with built-in tip management features. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Clover Versatile POS hardware and software supporting flexible tip collection and reports. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.8/10 |
Provides instant tip payouts and management for restaurant staff directly to debit cards.
Digital tip pooling software that simplifies tip distribution and reporting for teams.
Employee scheduling platform with integrated tip pooling, tracking, and payout features.
Cloud-based restaurant POS system offering advanced tip management and reporting tools.
Workforce management tool with tip tracking, scheduling, and timesheet integration.
Payment processing platform with customizable tip prompts and easy reporting.
iPad-based POS for restaurants featuring robust tip calculation and distribution.
Restaurant POS software with comprehensive tipping and sales reporting capabilities.
Mobile POS system designed for restaurants with built-in tip management features.
Versatile POS hardware and software supporting flexible tip collection and reports.
Kickfin
specializedProvides instant tip payouts and management for restaurant staff directly to debit cards.
True instant tip payouts to employee debit cards, even before POS settlement, revolutionizing after-shift compensation.
Kickfin is a leading tipping software solution tailored for the hospitality industry, enabling restaurants and bars to instantly payout tips to employees via prepaid debit cards directly from POS systems. It eliminates cash handling, reduces end-of-shift waits, and provides real-time visibility into tips for both staff and managers through intuitive mobile apps and dashboards. By integrating seamlessly with major POS providers like Toast and Square, Kickfin streamlines operations while boosting employee satisfaction and retention.
Pros
- Instant tip payouts available 24/7, improving cash flow for employees
- Seamless integration with popular POS systems like Toast, Square, and Clover without extra hardware
- Comprehensive reporting and compliance tools for transparent tip management
Cons
- Pricing can be volume-dependent and higher for very small operations
- Primarily US-focused with limited international support
- Requires compatible POS for full functionality
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers in high-volume hospitality settings seeking to modernize tip distribution and enhance staff retention.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around 1.5% + $0.25 per instant payout transaction, with volume discounts and no setup fees.
TipJam
specializedDigital tip pooling software that simplifies tip distribution and reporting for teams.
Customizable QR codes and NFC tags that can be assigned to specific tables, staff, or locations for precise tip attribution
TipJam is a digital tipping platform designed for service-based businesses to collect tips effortlessly via QR codes, NFC tags, shareable links, and integrated payment processors like Stripe. It replaces traditional cash jars with a contactless, modern solution that supports customizable tip prompts and real-time notifications. The software provides detailed analytics, performance reports, and multi-location management to help optimize tipping strategies.
Pros
- Quick setup with QR codes and NFC for instant deployment
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for tip tracking
- Seamless integrations with major payment gateways like Stripe
Cons
- Transaction fees apply to each tip processed
- Limited advanced customization for enterprise-scale users
- Relies heavily on customer smartphone adoption
Best For
Small to medium service businesses like restaurants, salons, and spas seeking a simple, hardware-free digital tipping solution.
Pricing
Free setup; pay-per-tip at 2.9% + $0.30 or subscription plans from $29/month for unlimited tips and advanced features.
7shifts
specializedEmployee scheduling platform with integrated tip pooling, tracking, and payout features.
Automated tip pooling and distribution tied directly to employee schedules and POS data
7shifts is a restaurant workforce management platform with integrated tipping tools designed for tipped environments like hospitality. It enables accurate tip tracking via POS integrations (e.g., Toast, Square), customizable tip pooling, and automated distribution based on shifts and roles. The software also provides compliance-ready reports and analytics to simplify tip declarations and payroll processing.
Pros
- Seamless POS sync for real-time tip tracking and accuracy
- Flexible tip pooling, splitting, and automated payouts
- Compliance reports for tip credits and labor laws
Cons
- Tipping features are bundled in a broader scheduling suite, potentially overkill for tip-only needs
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced tip automation
- Moderate learning curve for full customization
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants needing integrated scheduling, time tracking, and tip management for tipped teams.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essentials, billed annually); full tip features in Plus ($52.99) and Pro ($73.99) plans.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based restaurant POS system offering advanced tip management and reporting tools.
Automated tip pooling and distribution with real-time payroll syncing for compliance
Toast is a full-service restaurant POS system from toasttab.com that excels in integrated tipping solutions, allowing customizable tip prompts on payment terminals, automatic tip calculations, and seamless tip pooling. It provides detailed tip reports for compliance and payroll integration, making it efficient for high-volume tipping environments. While primarily a POS platform, its tipping features stand out for accuracy and ease within the payment flow.
Pros
- Seamless integration of tipping into POS payments with customizable screens
- Advanced tip pooling, reporting, and IRS-compliant tracking
- Supports multiple tip methods including cash, card, and digital wallets
Cons
- High overall cost as part of a full POS ecosystem, not standalone tipping
- Steep learning curve for non-restaurant users
- Limited flexibility outside restaurant-specific workflows
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurants needing robust, integrated tipping within a comprehensive POS system.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for core POS (including tipping), plus hardware ($500+) and transaction fees (2.99% + $0.15 per payment).
Homebase
otherWorkforce management tool with tip tracking, scheduling, and timesheet integration.
Seamless tip logging integrated directly into time clock punches for effortless tracking and reduced errors
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform designed for hourly businesses, featuring integrated tipping tools that allow employees to declare tips directly via the mobile time clock app. It supports tip pooling, sharing, and reporting to ensure accurate payroll processing and compliance. While not a standalone tipping solution, its tipping features work seamlessly alongside scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools, making it suitable for tipped industries like restaurants and retail.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for quick tip declarations and time punches
- Automated tip pooling and easy distribution among staff
- Generates compliant tip reports for payroll integration
Cons
- Tipping tools are basic compared to dedicated solutions
- Limited support for complex tip-out structures or custom calculations
- Full tipping benefits require adopting the broader platform
Best For
Small to mid-sized hospitality businesses needing affordable, integrated scheduling and tipping management without a specialized tool.
Pricing
Free plan for basic features (unlimited employees, one location); Essentials from $29.99/month per location; Premium from $99.99/month per location.
Square
specializedPayment processing platform with customizable tip prompts and easy reporting.
Employee-specific tip tracking and pooling with automatic integration into payroll and payouts
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system from squareup.com that includes built-in tipping features, allowing merchants to display customizable tip prompts on checkout screens for card terminals and mobile devices. It supports preset percentages, custom amounts, and no-tip options, with automatic tip tracking per employee and integration into sales reports. The platform excels in seamless payment processing alongside tipping, making it suitable for quick-service restaurants, cafes, and bars needing efficient tip collection without additional software.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payment processing and POS hardware
- Customizable tip screens with presets and employee tracking
- Real-time reporting and easy tip pooling/distribution
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ per swipe/dip/tap) add up for high-volume tipping
- Requires Square hardware for optimal in-person tipping experience
- Limited advanced tip customization compared to specialized restaurant POS systems
Best For
Small to medium restaurants, cafes, and bars using Square's ecosystem that need straightforward, integrated tipping without separate apps.
Pricing
Free POS software with no monthly fees; per-transaction fees of 2.6% + 10¢ for card-present payments (higher for keyed-in or online).
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS for restaurants featuring robust tip calculation and distribution.
Real-time cloud-synced tip adjustments and payroll export across multiple locations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform tailored for restaurants, retail, and hospitality, featuring integrated tipping tools for seamless tip collection, splitting, and reporting. It supports customizable tip prompts on digital receipts, manual tip entry, tip pooling, and compliance-ready reports for tax and payroll purposes. The system excels in real-time tip visibility tied directly to sales transactions, making it suitable for high-volume operations.
Pros
- Deep integration with POS for accurate tip tracking tied to sales
- Robust reporting and analytics for tip distribution and compliance
- Supports tip pooling, splitting, and multi-location management
Cons
- High cost including monthly subscriptions and required hardware
- Tipping features are embedded in a full POS, not standalone
- Complex setup and learning curve for non-POS users
Best For
Busy restaurants and bars needing all-in-one POS with reliable, integrated tipping management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal plus hardware (~$1,000+ per iPad setup) and 2-3% payment processing fees.
Lightspeed
enterpriseRestaurant POS software with comprehensive tipping and sales reporting capabilities.
Advanced tip pooling with automated distribution based on shifts and roles
Lightspeed is a cloud-based POS system primarily for retail and restaurants that includes integrated tipping functionalities, allowing servers to collect tips directly on terminals or handheld devices. It supports customizable tip percentages, custom amounts, tip pooling, and detailed reporting for accurate distribution and compliance. While not a standalone tipping solution, its tipping tools are seamlessly embedded within a full-featured POS platform, making it suitable for businesses needing end-to-end operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with POS for quick tip collection and processing
- Flexible tip pooling and distribution options
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for tips
Cons
- High pricing requires commitment to full POS ecosystem
- Steep learning curve for non-POS users
- Overkill for businesses needing only tipping functionality
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants already using or planning to adopt Lightspeed POS that require robust, integrated tipping management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for Restaurant POS (tipping included); additional fees for hardware, payments, and advanced features.
TouchBistro
enterpriseMobile POS system designed for restaurants with built-in tip management features.
Dynamic, customizable customer-facing tip suggestion screens that adapt to order totals for optimized gratuity collection
TouchBistro is a full-featured restaurant POS system that includes integrated tipping capabilities, allowing servers to present customizable tip prompts on customer-facing screens during payment processing. It supports tip pooling, detailed tip reporting, and splitting bills with individualized tips, making it suitable for high-volume dining environments. While not a dedicated tipping-only solution, its tipping tools are deeply embedded within the broader POS ecosystem for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with POS for quick tip collection and splitting
- Customizable tip prompts and screens to encourage higher tips
- Robust tip pooling and reporting for payroll compliance
Cons
- Not a standalone tipping tool; requires full POS subscription
- Pricing is premium and bundled with unnecessary features for pure tipping needs
- Limited flexibility outside restaurant-specific workflows
Best For
Full-service restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS with reliable, integrated tipping management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$69/month per location for core POS (including tipping), plus hardware, payment processing fees (2.3%+), and add-ons.
Clover
enterpriseVersatile POS hardware and software supporting flexible tip collection and reports.
Highly customizable tip screen with multiple presets, signatures, and open-amount options directly on the device
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system that incorporates tipping functionality as part of its payment processing suite, allowing merchants to collect tips seamlessly during transactions. It supports customizable tip screens with preset percentages, custom amounts, and no-tip options on Clover's touchscreen hardware. Primarily designed for retail, restaurants, and service industries, it integrates tipping with inventory, sales tracking, and reporting for efficient operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration of tipping with payment processing and POS features
- Customizable tip prompts and screens for flexible gratuity collection
- Cloud-based reporting for tracking tips and sales in real-time
Cons
- Primarily a full POS system, making it overkill for tipping-only needs
- High upfront hardware costs and ongoing subscription fees
- Processing fees can add up for high-volume tipping scenarios
Best For
Small to medium restaurants, bars, and retail businesses needing an all-in-one POS with reliable built-in tipping.
Pricing
Hardware from $49 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station); software plans start at $14.95/month per device; processing fees around 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
Conclusion
The top 10 tipping software tools offer diverse solutions for managing tips, from instant payouts to collaborative pooling. Kickfin emerges as the clear first choice, excelling in direct staff disbursement, while TipJam and 7shifts stand out as strong alternatives—ideal for teams seeking simplified distribution or integrated scheduling and tracking.
For a seamless tip management experience tailored to staff needs, start with Kickfin—the top-ranked tool that delivers instant, efficient payouts and easy tracking.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
