What Grubhub is and how to place an order

Grubhub is a platform where you browse restaurants in your area, place a food order, and pay through the app or website. The restaurant prepares your food, and Grubhub arranges for a delivery driver to bring it to you. You do not order directly from the restaurant — you order through Grubhub, which takes a commission from the restaurant and charges you a delivery fee.

To place an order, you read the Grubhub app or visit grubhub.com, enter your delivery address, and see which restaurants near you are available. You browse the menu, add items to your cart, review the total (which includes the food price, delivery fee, and any taxes or small-order fees), and check out. Grubhub then sends your order to the restaurant kitchen.

The whole process takes about five minutes. Most orders arrive within 30 to 60 minutes, though this varies by restaurant, distance, and how busy the platform is that day.

Key Takeaways

  • Grubhub charges you a delivery fee (usually $2 to $5) plus a service fee (a percentage of your order total), separate from the restaurant's prices.
  • You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or Grubhub balance, and you set a tip for the driver at checkout or after delivery.
  • Your order goes to the restaurant, not directly to a driver, so the restaurant must accept it before a driver is assigned.
  • You can track your order in real time once a driver picks it up, and you can contact the driver or Grubhub support if something goes wrong.
  • Grubhub+ is a paid membership that waives delivery fees on orders over $12, but you still pay service fees and tips.

How payment works on Grubhub

When you check out, Grubhub shows you the full cost before you pay. The total includes the restaurant's menu prices, a service fee (usually 10 to 15 percent of your order), a delivery fee (typically $2 to $5, but higher in rural areas or during busy times), and any applicable taxes. Some restaurants add a small-order fee if your order is under a certain amount, usually $10 to $15.

You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or a Grubhub balance (money you have loaded into your account). Grubhub does not accept cash or payment at the door. The charge appears on your card statement as "Grubhub" and processes when ready.

The tip is separate. You can set a tip percentage or dollar amount at checkout, or you can add or change the tip after the driver delivers your food (you have up to one hour after delivery to adjust it). The driver does not see your tip until after they complete the delivery.

Setting up your Grubhub account

To use Grubhub, you need to create an account with an email address or phone number, a password, and a delivery address. You can sign up through the app or website in about two minutes. Grubhub will ask for your payment method (debit or credit card) before you place your first order.

Your account stores your delivery addresses, saved payment methods, and order history. You can add multiple delivery addresses if you order from different locations — for example, your home and your workplace. Each time you open the app, you can choose which address to deliver to, and Grubhub will show you restaurants near that location.

You can also link your Grubhub account to a Google account or Apple ID to sign in faster. This is optional but saves time on repeat visits.

Tracking your order and what to do if something is wrong

Once the restaurant accepts your order and a driver is assigned, you can see the driver's location on a map in the app. The app shows you the driver's name, vehicle, and estimated arrival time, and it updates as the driver moves. You can contact the driver directly through the app if you need to give special instructions (for example, "leave it at the side door").

If your order is late, incomplete, or arrives damaged, you can report it in the app under "Help" and request a refund or credit. Grubhub will ask you to describe the problem. For missing items or food quality issues, take a photo if you can — it helps Grubhub process your claim faster. Most refund requests are resolved within a few business days and appear as a credit to your Grubhub account or your original payment method.

If you cannot reach the driver or the app is not working, you can contact Grubhub support through the app or by phone. The phone number is listed in the app under "Help."

Understanding Grubhub+ membership

Grubhub+ is a paid membership that costs $9.99 per month (or $95.88 per year if you pay annually). The main benefit is that delivery fees are waived on orders over $12 from participating restaurants. You still pay the service fee, taxes, and tip.

Grubhub+ also gives you a small discount on certain orders and early access to special promotions. The membership is month-to-month, so you can cancel anytime. If you order frequently (more than once or twice a week), the membership can save you money. If you order rarely, it probably is not worth the cost.

You can try Grubhub+ free for one month when you first sign up. After that, you are charged monthly unless you cancel.

Restaurants that are and are not on Grubhub

Not every restaurant uses Grubhub. Some restaurants have their own delivery service or only take orders by phone. When you enter your address, Grubhub shows you only the restaurants that deliver to that location and are currently accepting orders. If a restaurant you want is not listed, it either does not use Grubhub or does not deliver to your area.

Some restaurants on Grubhub mark themselves as "temporarily closed" or "not accepting orders" during slow hours or when the kitchen is backed up. You can still browse their menu, but you cannot place an order until they reopen.

How Grubhub makes money and why fees are high

Grubhub charges restaurants a commission (usually 15 to 30 percent of each order), charges you a service fee and delivery fee, and takes a cut of your tip. This is how the company pays for the app, the customer service team, and the drivers (who are independent contractors, not Grubhub employees).

The fees are higher than ordering directly from a restaurant because you are paying for convenience — someone else handles the logistics and guarantees the delivery. If you want to avoid fees, you can call the restaurant directly and ask if they deliver or if you can pick up the order yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Grubhub if I do not have a smartphone?

Yes. You can place orders on grubhub.com using a computer or tablet. You will still need a payment method and a delivery address, but you do not need the app.

What happens if the restaurant cancels my order?

If the restaurant cancels, Grubhub notifies you in the app and refunds your payment automatically. This usually happens if the restaurant runs out of an item you ordered or closes unexpectedly. The refund appears in your account within a few minutes.

Can I change my order after I place it?

It depends on how fast the restaurant works. If the restaurant has not started preparing your food, you can cancel the order in the app and place a new one. If the restaurant has already started cooking, you cannot change it. Grubhub will refund you if you cancel before the restaurant begins.

Do I have to tip the driver?

Tipping is not required, but it is customary. Drivers rely on tips as part of their income. You can set any tip amount you want, including zero, but most people tip between 15 and 20 percent of the order total or a flat $2 to $5.

What if my food never arrives?

If your order does not arrive within a reasonable time (usually more than 90 minutes after the driver picked it up), contact Grubhub support through the app. Provide your order number and a description of what happened. Grubhub will investigate and refund you or send a replacement order if the driver lost or abandoned your food.