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

See Examples For:

service charge

The former school teacher paid £140,000 for a two-bed flat with a service charge of about £12,000, less than 50% of his annual pension.

From BBC ● May 21, 2026

Despite his love for the flat and its "pretty splendid" grounds, he thinks the service charge could put off any future buyers.

From BBC ● May 21, 2026

From June, the airport operator also stands to benefit from a 53% increase in the passenger service charge for international departures.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 2026

“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

“Seven hundred and twenty dollars. Talk about a rip-off. They’re supposed to sell for fifty-five a piece, but they charge a five-dollar service charge for each ticket.”

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar