Whether the weather is bad or you’re too busy to cook, food delivery apps can be your savior. You can also save time while adjusting to post-holiday life by using delivery services from your favorite restaurants. After all, who wants to cook after a long flight?
Food delivery apps are convenient, but ordering from apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash can be expensive. The good news is you can save money on food using your favorite delivery app. Read our top tips to save 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 offering DoorDash and delivery? This program is available when you purchase a gift card through the RetailMeNot app.
You can instantly use this gift card to pay for your meal and earn cash back in your RetailMeNot account.
It’s easy to take advantage of this RetailMeNot offer for restaurants. Just follow these simple steps:
- Download the RetailMeNot appappleorgoogle.
- Check the “Cashback on Gift Cards” section on the app’s home page.
- Click See All to see restaurants that offer instant cashback when you purchase a gift card.
- Select a restaurant and purchase a gift card.
- Use the gift card for a meal (or save it for later). In either case, you can earn cashback from RetailMeNot.
Download the RetailMeNot app
2. Check your email
When you sign up for a food delivery app, the service often sends you promotional emails with discounts. These offers are worth as much as gold, so check your emails regularly.
“Grubhub is my favorite because of the huge savings,” says Trae Budge, smart shopping expert. Truetrae.com. “Before ordering, I always search for ‘Grubhub’ in my email inbox to see if there are any active offers available.”
3. Choose the right credit card
Knowing which credit cards to use can help you save big on food delivery apps. Best of all, you don’t even have to do anything special.
“Some credit cards offer more rewards on food delivery and grocery store purchases, so be careful how you pay.” Andrea WollockSavings expert. “Otherwise, consider getting a card like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, which gives you 3% back on meals and groceries.”
4. Order directly from the restaurant
Third party sites often significantly reduce delivery costs from participating restaurants. You can support local restaurants by ordering directly from our website or app. You can also call it the old-fashioned way. Your salary will be lower while the locals are earning more. Everyone wins!
“Grubhub and other third-party apps impose hefty fees on both customers and restaurants. Try visiting your favorite restaurant’s website directly to see if they offer delivery. Many of us are starting to offer direct delivery again to combat exorbitant fees,” said Dana Morrissey, Partner and Director of 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 your lunch specials as late as possible. Just make sure to ask when your chosen restaurant opens late for lunch. Another option is to look for happy hour specials.
“If you need to go the third-party route, many stores offer loyalty programs, lunch specials, and after-hours (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) discounts,” Morrissey says.
6. Consider membership benefits
In some cases, becoming a member may cost money. This is especially true when it comes to big savings with 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 perks. But before you sign up, look at other services you use, as they may come with a free delivery membership,” Bodge says.
“Examples include the Grubhub+ membership that comes with Amazon Prime, the free 1-year DoorDash membership that comes with some Chase credit cards, and the $10 monthly Uber (also Uber Eats) credit that comes with Amex Gold,” Bodge says.
7. Choose pickup over delivery
Yes, shipping is the ultimate convenience. However, if you don’t feel like cooking but want to save a few bucks on delivery, choose the pick-up option instead of delivery. Maybe you can buy some sushi on the way home and have dinner taken to you.
“If you’re ordering takeout after a long day at work (unless you’re laying in sick), consider picking up your order on the way home to avoid delivery fees, surcharges, and tipping the driver,” says Bodge.
8. Additional orders
Another way to save on shipping costs is to order several meals at the same time. This way you will have enough food to eat for several lunches and dinners. Deliver multiple meals for one delivery fee.
“To make the most of your extra money, order enough food to have leftovers for the next day. That’s one less meal to worry about,” Bodge says.
The post 8 Hacks to Save Money on Food Delivery Apps appeared first on The Real Deal on RetailMeNot.
Source: The Real Deal by RetailMeNot – www.retailmenot.com
