Even when the weather is bad or you’re too busy to cook, food delivery apps can be a lifesaver. Our favorite restaurant delivery services can also save you time adjusting to life after the holidays. Who wants to cook after a long flight?
Food delivery apps are convenient, but ordering from apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash can be expensive. The good news is that you can save money on food through your favorite delivery app. Read on to learn our best tips for saving money on food delivery apps.
1. Try RetailMeNot’s Instant Cashback Program.
Did you know that RetailMeNot offers instant cashback offers for restaurants, including those that offer DoorDash and delivery services? This program can be used to purchase gift cards through the RetailMeNot app.
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@jerseymikesYou can use this gift card to instantly pay for your meal while also earning cash back in your RetailMeNot account.
Taking advantage of RetailMeNot offers for restaurants is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Download the RetailMeNot app for Apple or Google.
- Review the ‘Gift Card Cashback’ section on the app home page.
- Click “See All” to see restaurants offering instant cash back on gift card purchases.
- Select a restaurant and purchase a gift certificate.
- Use your gift card when you dine out (or save it for later). Either way, you’ll get cashback from RetailMeNot.
Download the RetailMeNot app
2. Check your email
When you sign up for a food delivery app, the service will often send you promotional emails with discounts. Check your email regularly as these offers can be as good as gold.
“Grubhub is my favorite because the savings can be huge,” says Trae Budge, smart shopping expert at Truetrae.com. “Before ordering, always search your email inbox for ‘Grubhub’ to see if there are any valid offers available.”
3. Choose the right credit card
Knowing which credit card to use can save you a lot of money on food delivery apps. Best of all, you don’t even have to do anything special.
“Some credit cards offer more rewards for food delivery or grocery store purchases, so pay attention to how you pay,” says money-saving expert Andrea Woroch. “Otherwise, consider purchasing a card like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, which allows you to earn 3% back on dining and grocery purchases.”
4. Order directly from the restaurant
Third-party sites often take a big cut of delivery fees from participating restaurants. You can support local restaurants by ordering directly through their website or app. You can also call it the old-fashioned way. Local people earn more and you pay less. Everyone wins!
“Grubhub and other third-party apps charge exorbitant fees for both customers and restaurants. Go directly to your favorite restaurant’s website and see if they offer delivery. Many of us have started offering direct delivery again to solve the problem of exorbitant fees,” says Dana Morrissey, director of partners and events, catering and marketing at Manna Hospitality Group.
5. Go shopping
One of the biggest tips for saving money on food delivery is to order lunch specials as late as possible. Find out how late lunch is served at your chosen restaurant. Another option is to look for happy hour specials.
“If you must go the third-party route, many stores offer loyalty programs, lunch specials, and after-hours (2-5 p.m.) discounts,” says Morrissey.
6. Check out our membership specials
Sometimes it pays to be a member. This is especially true when it comes to big savings on food delivery apps.
“If you order frequently, it may make sense to pay for a membership with a delivery app to get free shipping and additional benefits, but before you sign up, look into other services you use because they may come with a free shipping membership,” says Bodge.
“Examples of this include the Grubhub+ membership that comes with Amazon Prime, the free one-year DoorDash membership that comes with select Chase credit cards, and the $10-a-month Uber (or Uber Eats) credit that comes with AmEx Gold,” says Bodge.
7. Choose pickup instead of delivery
Yes, shipping is the most convenient. However, if you don’t want to cook but want to save a little on delivery fees, choose the pickup option rather than delivery. Maybe you can even grab that sushi for dinner during your commute home.
“If you’re ordering takeout after a long day at work (and not feeling sick), consider picking up your order on the way home to avoid delivery fees, surcharges and driver tips,” says Bodge.
8. Additional orders
Another way to save on delivery fees is to order a few meals at the same time. This will allow you to eat enough food for several lunches and dinners. You can have multiple meals delivered for just one delivery fee.
“To make the most of the extra money, order enough food for leftovers the next day. It’s one less meal to worry about,” says Bodge.
The post 8 Hacks to Save Money on Food Delivery Apps first appeared on RetailMeNot’s The Real Deal.
