Nearly €500,000 a year spent on accidental tips through contactless payments

New CCPC guidance urges clearer tipping practices as contactless technology leaves thousands unintentionally paying extra at checkouts

Despite a rise in card usage, tipping in cash remains dominant, with many consumers not having confidence that electronic tips go to staff. Picture: iStock

Almost half a million euros may be accidentally 'tipped' to Irish businesses each year by consumers inadvertently touching their phones against tipping terminals they did not notice.

Ireland's consumer protection watchdog has issued new guidelines for restaurants, cafes, hair salons and other traders on how to best collect tips with new technologies, saying transparency is vital.