service charge

Meaning

A service charge is an extra fee added to a restaurant bill or hotel invoice to pay for the service provided. It is usually a fixed percentage (like 10% or 12.5%) and is often automatically included, especially for larger groups. In some places, this charge replaces the need for a separate tip.

Examples

• Is the service charge already included in the bill, or should we leave a tip?

  Is the service charge already included in the bill, or should we leave a tip?

• The restaurant added a 15% service charge because we had a party of eight.

  The restaurant added a 15% service charge because we had a party of eight.

• I noticed a service charge on the receipt, so I didn't leave any extra cash.

  I noticed a service charge on the receipt, so I didn't leave any extra cash.

• Many European restaurants include a standard service charge in their menu prices.

  Many European restaurants include a standard service charge in their menu prices.

• Excuse me, does this total price include the service charge?

  Excuse me, does this total price include the service charge?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to pay a service tip.

  ✓ We need to pay a service charge.

  Learners often mix 'service charge' (an official fee on the bill) with 'tip' (discretionary cash left for the server).

• ✗ The restaurant charged us a service.

  ✓ The restaurant added a service charge.

  You cannot use 'service' alone to mean the fee; you must use the full collocation 'service charge'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Check the bill to see if the ___ is included.

  💡 An automatic fee added to your bill for service.

  Show answer

  service charge

• For groups of six or more, a 12% ___ will be added.

  💡 The extra percentage added to large group bills.

  Show answer

  service charge