Whether you’re under the weather or too busy to cook, food delivery apps can be a lifesaver. Our favorite restaurant delivery services can also save the day when you’re adjusting to life after vacation. After all, who wants to cook after a long flight?

While food delivery apps are convenient, it can be pricey to order from apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash. The good news is it’s possible to save on food from your favorite delivery apps. Read on to learn our top tips for saving on food delivery apps.

1. Try RetailMeNot’s Instant Cash-Back Program

Did you know that RetailMeNot has an instant cash-back offer for restaurants, including DoorDash and restaurants that offer 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 while earning cash back in your RetailMeNot account at the same time.

Taking advantage of this RetailMeNot offer for restaurants is easy. Follow these simple steps:

• Download the RetailMeNot app for Apple or Google.
• Review the “Cash Back on Gift Cards” section on the homepage of the app.
• Click into “View All” to see which restaurants offer instant cash-back when you purchase a gift card.
• Choose your restaurant and purchase a gift card.
• Use your gift card for your meal (or save it for later). Either way, you earn cash back from RetailMeNot.

2. Check Your Email

Once you register with food delivery apps, services will often send promotional emails with discounts. Regularly check your email for these offers because they can be as good as gold.

“Grubhub is my favorite for this because the savings can be significant,” says Trae Budge, smart shopping expert at Truetrae.com. “Prior to ordering, I always search ‘Grubhub’ in my email inbox to see if there’s a valid offer that I can use.” 

3. Choose the Right Credit Card

Knowing which credit card to use can mean major savings on food delivery apps. Best of all, you don’t even have to do anything special.

“Some credit cards give you more rewards for food delivery and grocery store purchases, so pay attention to how you’re paying,” says Andrea Woroch, money-saving expert. “Otherwise, consider getting a card like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers 3% back on dining and groceries.”

4. Order Directly From Restaurants

Third-party sites often take big cuts of delivery costs from participating restaurants. You can support local restaurants by ordering directly through their website or app. You can also call them up the old-fashioned way. The local guys earn more, and you pay less. Everyone wins!

“Grubhub and other third-party apps tack on tons of fees for both the customer and the restaurant. Try going to your favorite restaurant’s website directly to see if they offer delivery. Many of us are starting to offer direct delivery again to help combat the exorbitant fees,” says Dana Morrissey, partner and events, catering and marketing director for Manna Hospitality Group.

5. Shop Around

One of the greatest secrets to saving on food delivery is ordering a lunch special as late as possible. Just be sure to check how late your restaurant of choice serves lunch. Another option is to look for happy hour specials.

“If you have to go the third-party route, many stores have loyalty programs, lunch specials and discounts for off hours (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.),” says Morrissey.

6. Look Into Membership Deals

Sometimes, it pays to be a member. This is especially true when it comes to saving big on food delivery apps.

“If you’re ordering frequently, it might make sense to pay for a membership with a delivery app to score free shipping and extra benefits, but before signing up, look to other services you use because they may come with a free delivery membership,” says Bodge. 

“Examples of this are the Grubhub+ membership that comes with Amazon Prime, the free one-year DoorDash membership that comes with some Chase credit cards and a monthly $10 Uber (also Uber Eats) credit that comes with AmEx Gold,” says Bodge.

7. Choose Pickup Instead of Delivery

Yes, delivery is the ultimate convenience. However, if you don’t feel like cooking but want to save a few bucks on delivery fees, choose the pickup option rather than delivery. Maybe you can grab that sushi during your commute home and have dinner arrive with you. 

“If you’re ordering takeout after a long day at work (and not sick in bed), consider picking up your order on the way home to avoid delivery fees, surcharges and driver tips,” says Bodge.

8. Order Extra

Another way to save on those delivery fees is to order a few meals at the same time. When you do this, you can have enough food to eat for several lunches and dinners. It’s multiple meals delivered with just one delivery fee.

“To make the best use of any extra fees, order enough food for leftovers the next day. It’s one less meal to worry about,” says Bodge.

The post 8 Hacks to Save on Food Delivery Apps appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.

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