Money & Payments in New York (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

ATM fees in NYC are notably high (average $4.72); request cash back at grocery stores or drugstores instead to avoid surcharges.
Credit card surcharges are technically legal in New York only if clearly posted before checkout and limited to cost of acceptance—rare in practice.
Tipping norms in NYC are more generous than U.S. averages; 20% is now the expected baseline for full-service dining, not the exception.
Tip percentages are calculated on pre-tax bills in most venues.
If you see 'service charge included' or 'gratuity added' on your bill, you do not need to tip again unless service was exceptional.
Many restaurants add automatic 18–20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more—always check your receipt to avoid double-tipping.
Servers and bartenders rely on tips as their primary income; the combination of NYC's high cost of living and low tipped minimum wage ($10/hour) makes generous tipping an essential part of the service experience.

ATM Fees

Out Of Network Fees: $4.72
Average out-of-network ATM fee in New York metro area (2025). This comprises both the ATM operator's surcharge (average $3.22) and the user's bank fee (average $1.64).
Specific Fee Examples: Major banks like Chase charge non-customers up to $3; Bank of America charges $3 for non-customers. Freestanding ATMs in delis and convenience stores often charge $3+ and are generally less secure.

Fee Avoidance Strategies

Use your own bank's ATM network for fee-free withdrawals
Request cash back at retail stores (supermarkets, drugstores) when making debit card purchases; most offer free cash back up to $50–$100
Use banks with large NYC networks (Chase has 1,400+ locations; Capital One offers fee-free access to members)
Some MTA subway station ATMs charge only $1.50

Tipping Norms

Cultural Note: Tipping is deeply embedded in NYC service-industry culture. Service workers often earn $10–$15/hour base wage and depend heavily on tips for income. Undertipping (below 15%) is viewed negatively. Carrying some cash specifically for tipping is recommended by locals.

Bars

Per Drink: $1–$2 per drink for simple beverages (beer, well drinks); $2–$3 for cocktails
Running Tab: 15–20% of total bill if paying by card or closing out a tab
Upscale Cocktail Bars: 20–25% for craft cocktails that require preparation time

Delivery

Standard: 10–15% of order total; minimum $3–$5 for small orders

Hotel Staff

Concierge: $5–$20 for special arrangements or hard-to-get reservations
Housekeeping: $2–$5 per night (leave daily to ensure the housekeeper receives it)
Bellhop Porter: $1–$2 per bag

Cafes And Coffee

Standard: $1 or a few dollars in the tip jar for drip coffee and pastries; $1–$2 for espresso drinks and made-to-order items

Taxis And Rideshare

Standard: 15–20% of fare; 10–15% acceptable for ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft)
Note: Taxi machines typically offer quick-tip buttons for 15%, 20%, or 25%

Restaurants Table Service

Good Service: 20% is increasingly considered the baseline; some upscale neighborhoods expect 20–25%
Standard Range: 18–20% of pre-tax bill is standard for sit-down dining
Minimum Acceptable: 15% is considered on the low end unless service was poor; under 15% may be seen as disrespectful
Note: Many restaurants automatically add 18–20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more (usually noted on the menu or reservation)

Restaurants Counter Service

Standard: 5–10% for takeout; $1–$3 or 10–15% for counter service depending on order complexity

Beauty And Personal Services

Standard: 15–20% for hairdressers, nail technicians, massage therapists, and spas

Card Acceptance

Exceptions: Some small restaurants, shops, and bodegas may be cash-only. Street vendors historically favored cash but increasingly accept card payments via mobile terminals. Some establishments may impose minimum purchase requirements for card use (typically $5–$10).
General Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout New York City. Most places, including restaurants, retailers, pharmacies, convenience stores, chain restaurants, and mass transit accept cards.
Credit Card Surcharges: New York State has strict surcharge regulations. Merchants may legally impose surcharges to recover cost of acceptance (capped at 4% federally), but must clearly and conspicuously post the total price including surcharge before checkout. Surcharges cannot exceed the merchant's actual cost of acceptance.

Banking

Process: In-person branch visit is typically required for traditional banks, even if application starts online. Some alternatives like Wise, Mercury, and specialist fintech banks allow fully online account opening without SSN/ITIN. Processing time varies but typically takes days to weeks.
Overview: Non-residents and foreigners can open U.S. bank accounts in New York, though requirements are more complex than for residents.
Requirements: Most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC) accept non-residents. Non-residents typically need: valid passport or government-issued ID; proof of U.S. address (often required); Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN). An ITIN can substitute for an SSN and is available to non-residents without work authorization.
Minimum Deposit: $25
Notes: Bank requirements vary by branch location. Call ahead to verify specific requirements for your chosen bank. New York municipal ID is accepted at some banks. Major banks have multilingual support and resources for international professionals.

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About New York

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in New York