service charge

American  

noun

1. a fee charged for a service, sometimes in addition to a basic charge.

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service charge British  

noun

1. a percentage of a bill, as at a restaurant or hotel, added to the total to pay for service

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Etymology

Origin of service charge

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“When we found out about the 24% service charge, it was just sort of icing on the cake,” Auerbach said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

The service charge for his one‑bedroom "affordable" flat was around £120.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Some shared owners we have spoken to say their service charge is so large that mortgage companies won't lend to them – leaving them stuck with the percentage they originally bought and unable to sell.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Second, the airport operator’s increase in its passenger service charge is likely to be delayed to July from April, the analyst adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

“I am. The thing is, there’s a five- dollar service charge on each ticket. So even though the tickets are fifty-five dollars, they cost sixty.”

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar