Food delivery apps have made takeout more convenient than ever, but that convenience often comes with a hidden cost: fees that quietly inflate your total. Between service charges, delivery fees, small order fees, and tip prompts, your $12 burger could quickly balloon into a $25 bill. The good news? There are proven ways to reduce or eliminate these extra charges while still enjoying your favorite meals at home.

Here’s how to stop delivery fees from draining your food budget—and how to stack savings along the way.

Where the fees come from

Delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates include multiple layers of fees that go beyond what the restaurant charges for food. These often include:

• Delivery fees: Usually $1.99 to $5.99 depending on distance, time of day, and demand
  
• Service fees: Typically a percentage of your subtotal (often 10–15%)
  
• Small order fees: Added if your total is below a minimum threshold (e.g., $10 or $12)
  
• Tipping prompts: Suggested tips of 15–25%, sometimes auto-selected
  

What starts as a cheap combo meal could nearly double in price once these fees are added.

How to avoid delivery fees altogether

1. Use free pickup instead of delivery
   Most apps let you order ahead and pick up your food with no fees. This keeps all promo pricing and lets you skip the line. If the restaurant is close by, it’s often just as fast as delivery.
   
2. Join subscription programs
   Both DashPass (DoorDash) and Uber One (Uber Eats) offer monthly or annual plans that waive delivery fees and reduce service charges. If you order at least twice a month, these programs usually pay for themselves.
   
3. Order directly from the restaurant
   Many fast food chains have their own delivery platforms with lower fees or none at all. For example:
   
   • Taco Bell
     
   • McDonald’s
     
   • Chipotle
     
   • Panera Bread
     
4. Ordering directly can also ensure full access to loyalty programs, customizations, and combo discounts.
   
5. Take advantage of delivery promos
   Apps regularly offer free delivery on certain restaurants, first-time user offers, or time-limited deals. Check the “Promotions” or “Offers” tab before placing your order.
   
6. Stack with cashback tools
   If you’re ordering from a brand that participates in Fluz, you can earn money back by paying with a gift card purchased at checkout. For instance, when you earn cashback with a Chipotle gift card or buy a Panera Bread gift card with cashback, you offset part of your total cost—even if you can’t avoid every fee.
   

Some fast food brands that offer both delivery and cashback opportunities include:

• Taco Bell
  
• Domino’s
  
• Panera Bread
  
• Chipotle
  
• Starbucks
  

You can use the gift card at checkout in the restaurant’s app or site and still earn loyalty rewards while lowering your net spend.

Final tip: Plan smarter, not harder

Fees are often the price of convenience—but with the right strategy, you can keep that price low. Whether it’s switching to pickup, using promo codes, subscribing to a delivery plan, or choosing to earn cashback with a fast food gift card, you can enjoy your go-to meals while keeping your wallet full.