Everyone has that one friend who never quite pitches in for pizza or “forgets” their wallet at brunch. Stinginess is an art, but it’s often cloaked in subtlety—a delicate balance of tightfistedness and plausible deniability. You might not notice it at first, but once you do, it’s impossible to unsee. Curious if someone in your life is hiding their inner Scrooge, look for these red flags.
1. They Regift Things With Zero Shame
classic sign of stinginess is the habit of regifting items without any thought or effort. That candle you gave them last Christmas? Don’t be surprised if it finds its way back to you or someone else, untouched and still in its original box. While regifting isn’t inherently a bad thing, stingy people manage to do it with such blatant disregard for meaning that it often feels insulting rather than thoughtful. Instead of finding creative or meaningful ways to repurpose unwanted gifts, their regifting comes off as careless and transactional. It’s less about sharing something useful and more about avoiding the effort or expense of giving something personal.
This stingy approach often extends beyond just the act of regifting—it’s their entire attitude toward giving that feels hollow. Gifts become an obligation they reluctantly fulfill rather than an opportunity to show care or appreciation. Their lack of sincerity is hard to ignore, especially when you’ve received something “new” that seems suspiciously familiar. If you’ve ever unwrapped a gift and thought, “Wait, didn’t I give this to them last year?” you’ve likely encountered this stingy behavior firsthand. It’s the kind of habit that quietly chips away at relationships, leaving others feeling undervalued and unappreciated.
2. They Only Book Or Buy Something If They Can Use Points

On the surface, loyalty programs are smart, but stingy people take them to new extremes. They’ll drive across town just to redeem a free coffee or sign up for multiple email accounts to get that extra discount. Their inbox is a graveyard of promotional emails, but to them, it’s a treasure trove. Every receipt is scrutinized for points or coupons, and they’ll hold up a line to make sure their rewards are applied.
They’ll insist on using coupons, even if it means holding up the checkout line. You’ve probably witnessed them argue with a cashier over a $2 discount. According to NerdWallet, loyalty programs can be useful, but for stingy types, they become an obsession. It’s not about the money—it’s about the principle, or so they’ll claim. In reality, they just can’t bear the idea of paying full price.
3. They Never Dig Deep, Even To Celebrate Important Milestones
Stingy people often struggle with the idea of spending money, even when it comes to meaningful moments. Anniversaries, birthdays, or other milestones might get a last-minute card or a vague acknowledgment, but don’t expect grand gestures. For them, celebrating feels like an unnecessary expense rather than an opportunity to show care.
This reluctance can leave their partner feeling undervalued, as though their relationship isn’t worth the effort. It’s not about lavish gifts—it’s about the thought and intention behind the gesture. When stinginess takes over, even small celebrations feel like pulling teeth. Over time, this pattern can create emotional distance and resentment in the relationship.
4. They Always Seem To “Forget” Their Wallet
Few phrases induce more dread than, “Oh no, I forgot my wallet!” For stingy people, this isn’t a rare mishap; it’s practically a lifestyle. It always seems to happen when the bill is due or when they’re expected to chip in for gas. They’ll promise to Venmo you later but conveniently forget—and honestly, you’ve stopped reminding them. You’re left wondering if they genuinely forgot or if it’s all part of the act.
This habit extends to group outings, where they assume someone will cover their share. It’s less about forgetting and more about testing boundaries. According to Pscychology Today, repeated “forgetfulness” around money often signals deeper issues, such as financial irresponsibility or stinginess. The stingiest of them might even have their wallet but claim they’re “waiting on a paycheck.” At this point, you’re not sure if they’re frugal or just incredibly bad at planning.
5. They Ask You To Venmo Them For The Smallest Stuff
Stingy people are notorious for their razor-sharp focus on financial fairness, even when the stakes are tiny. Whether it’s splitting a $10 lunch tab or covering a few bucks for a coffee, they’ll immediately request that you Venmo them your share. It’s not about the money—it’s about their refusal to let even a small amount slide. The gesture, while technically fair, often feels excessive and nitpicky. Highlighted by Verywell Mind, an excessive focus on financial fairness can make interactions feel transactional, potentially alienating friends and loved ones
This habit can make interactions feel transactional rather than friendly. For most people, minor costs are part of the give-and-take of relationships, but stingy individuals see it differently. They keep mental spreadsheets of who owes what and ensure every penny is accounted for. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to split costs, their inability to overlook small amounts can come across as cold and overly calculated.
6. They Always Want To Go To Restaurants With A “Buy One Get One Free” Deal
Stingy people are experts at finding deals, and their dining choices often revolve around coupons, happy hours, or specials. They’ll decline invitations to restaurants unless there’s a discount involved or a way to save money. If you’ve ever suggested a new spot and been met with a “Let me check for deals first,” you’ve likely encountered this habit.
While being budget-conscious is understandable, their obsession with saving can limit experiences and create unnecessary tension. Dining out is about connection and enjoyment, but for stingy individuals, it’s often reduced to a calculated transaction. Their rigid approach can make even the simplest outings feel like a chore.
7. They Load Up On Freebies Wherever They Go
Whether it’s hotel toiletries, condiment packets, or promotional pens, stingy people can’t resist taking more than their fair share of freebies. They’ll stockpile items they don’t even need, all in the name of getting something for nothing. Their drawers and cupboards become museums of random trinkets and mini shampoo bottles.
This habit isn’t just about saving money—it’s a mindset that prioritizes accumulation over practicality. While it might seem harmless, it often reflects a deeper fear of scarcity or a refusal to let anything go to waste. Freebies are fun, but when they become an obsession, it’s a clear sign of stingy tendencies.
8. They’re As Stingy With Their Affection As They Are Their Money
Stinginess isn’t always about money—it often extends to emotions, too. People who are stingy financially might also be reserved when it comes to showing affection. Compliments, gestures of love, or even simple words of encouragement can feel like luxuries they’re unwilling to give freely.
This emotional withholding can leave their partner feeling neglected or unappreciated. Relationships thrive on both tangible and intangible forms of generosity, and when one is missing, the connection starts to fray. Affection doesn’t cost a thing, but for stingy people, offering it can feel like giving up control. Over time, this reluctance to share emotions can make a relationship feel cold and transactional, rather than warm and supportive.
9. They Ask To Use Your Netflix Account
Stingy people are the first to ask for your Netflix login or borrow your Amazon Prime account, all while refusing to pay for their own. They’ll find ways to piggyback on others’ subscriptions, saving money at the expense of your generosity. And if the account owner decides to change the password? Expect a string of passive-aggressive texts.
This habit reveals their reluctance to invest in conveniences they clearly value. Sharing is one thing, but consistently freeloading crosses a line. Over time, their behavior can strain relationships, especially when they take advantage without offering anything in return.
10. They’ll Do Anything To Avoid Spending A Dime
Why pay for something when there’s a free version? Whether it’s software, entertainment, or even meals, stingy people are experts at finding free alternatives. They’ll scour the internet for promo codes, attend events just for the free snacks, and use trial periods to avoid spending a dime.
While saving money is admirable, their fixation on freebies often comes at the expense of quality or convenience. This mindset isn’t about resourcefulness—it’s about an aversion to spending altogether. For them, the idea of paying for something, even when it’s worth the cost, feels like a personal loss.
11. They Love A Potluck But Bring The Bare Minimum
Potlucks are a stingy person’s dream. They’ll always bring the cheapest item possible, like a loaf of bread or a single bag of chips, while enjoying everyone else’s more elaborate dishes. If they do contribute something homemade, it’s often a basic, low-cost recipe—think spaghetti with canned sauce or plain pasta salad. It’s less about their cooking skills and more about keeping expenses down. You can almost see the calculation behind their contribution.
When others praise the feast, stingy participants will eagerly pile their plates with the most expensive offerings. They’ll conveniently forget to mention how little effort went into their dish. Their strategy is simple: maximize enjoyment while minimizing cost. For potluck veterans, it becomes easy to spot the stingy culprits from the array of dishes on the table. Next time, consider assigning them a dish—preferably one they can’t skimp on.
12. They’ll Haggle With Anyone Over Anything

From thrift stores to garage sales, stingy people will negotiate the price of anything and everything. They’ll argue over a few dollars, even if the item is already a bargain. Their need to get the lowest possible price often comes across as disrespectful, especially when they’re haggling with small businesses or individuals.
For them, the thrill of saving money outweighs the value of fairness or goodwill. While haggling can be a useful skill, stingy people take it to extremes, turning every transaction into a drawn-out battle. It’s less about the money and more about the principle of never paying full price.
13. They Never Offer To Pay For A Round
Group drinks are where stingy people’s tactics truly shine. They’ll show up late, conveniently missing the first round but happily accepting a drink from someone else. When it’s their turn to buy, they’ll find an excuse—”I’ve got an early day tomorrow” or “I’m cutting back on alcohol”—to avoid participating. If they do order, it’s usually the cheapest beer on the menu.
This habit is particularly grating in social settings where generosity is often reciprocated. While everyone else is enjoying themselves, the stingy person is busy calculating how to come out ahead. Their reluctance to buy a round not only saves them money but often costs them goodwill. People notice—and eventually, they stop inviting them altogether. It’s a high price to pay for such calculated thriftiness.
14. They Leave Stingy Tips, If At All

Stingy people and tipping don’t mix. They’ll calculate the bare minimum, often rounding down instead of up. Even when service is exceptional, they’ll find excuses—”The food took too long” or “The music was too loud”—to justify leaving a small tip. Their reluctance isn’t just about saving money; it’s about feeling in control. They’ll often argue that tipping is optional or that it’s the restaurant’s responsibility to pay their staff better.
This mindset often leaves others in their party to cover the shortfall, creating awkward situations. Dining with a stingy tipper feels more like a moral dilemma than a meal. Over time, their stinginess starts to leave a bitter taste—not just for the servers but for everyone around them. Generosity, after all, is about more than just money—it’s about showing appreciation.
15. They Do EverythingThe Hard Way, To Save A Buck

For stingy people, convenience is an unnecessary luxury. They’ll drive miles out of their way to save a few cents on gas or avoid toll roads entirely. Delivery fees are an absolute no-go; they’d rather pick up their takeout—even if it means waiting in line. In their eyes, time isn’t money—it’s free, and therefore, expendable.
This mindset can make life unnecessarily complicated. Simple tasks become drawn-out adventures in cost-saving. While everyone else is paying for a little extra ease, the stingy person is often bogged down in self-inflicted inconvenience. To them, avoiding fees feels like a victory, no matter how small. But to everyone else, it often feels like a waste of time and energy.