What Uber Eats is and how to place an order
Uber Eats is a food delivery service run by Uber. You use the Uber Eats app or website to browse restaurants in your area, add items to a cart, pay online, and have the food delivered to your address. A driver picks up your order from the restaurant and brings it to you — the whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, though it varies by location and how busy the restaurant is.
To place an order, you need the Uber Eats app (available on iPhone and Android) or you can go to ubereats.com on a computer. You'll need to create an account with your email or phone number, add a delivery address, and link a payment method — a debit card, credit card, or Uber Cash balance all work.
Once you're set up, search for a restaurant or browse by cuisine type. The app shows you which restaurants are currently open and how long delivery will take. Add items to your cart, review any special instructions (like "no onions"), and proceed to checkout. You'll see the food cost, delivery fee, and any service fees before you confirm the order.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Eats delivers food from restaurants to your home using a driver, and you pay the restaurant cost plus a delivery fee and service charge.
- You need the Uber Eats app or website, an account, a delivery address, and a payment method to place an order.
- Delivery times range from 30 to 45 minutes on average, but depend on restaurant availability, how busy they are, and your location.
- You can track your order in real time once the driver picks it up, and you'll see the driver's location on a map.
- Tipping the driver is optional but expected; you can add a tip when you place the order or after delivery is complete.
Understanding the costs: fees and what they cover
When you order from Uber Eats, you pay four separate amounts: the food price, a delivery fee, a service fee, and any restaurant fees. The app shows you each one before you confirm, so you know the total before your card is charged.
The delivery fee goes to Uber and the driver. It typically ranges from $2 to $5 depending on distance and demand, but can be higher during busy times or in areas far from restaurants. The service fee is a percentage of your food total (usually 10 to 15 percent) that Uber keeps. Some restaurants add their own small order fee if your cart is under a certain amount — this is set by the restaurant, not Uber.
You do not pay tax on the food itself through Uber Eats in most places, but some cities and states require it to be added at checkout. The app will show tax if it applies to your order. Tipping is separate and optional — you can add it when you order or after the driver delivers your food.
How to track your order and what each status means
Once you confirm your order, the app moves to a tracking screen. You'll see a timeline showing where your order is: confirmed, being prepared at the restaurant, picked up by the driver, and out for delivery.
When the driver picks up your food, the app switches to a map view showing the driver's location and your address. You can see the driver's name, photo, and vehicle, and the estimated time until arrival updates as they drive. If the driver is delayed or takes a wrong turn, the time estimate adjusts automatically.
If something goes wrong — the restaurant is taking longer than expected, the driver is stuck in traffic, or the order is cancelled — you'll see a notification in the app. You can contact the driver or Uber support directly through the app if you have questions.
What to do if your order arrives late or is incorrect
If your food arrives significantly later than the estimated time, you can report it in the app. Open the order, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Report an issue." Describe what happened — for example, "arrived 20 minutes late" — and Uber may issue a credit to your account.
If items are missing or the food is wrong, take a photo of what you received and report it the same way. Uber will ask you to describe the problem and may offer a refund or credit. Keep the food in case Uber asks you to return it, though most of the time they do not.
If the driver never shows up and the order is marked delivered when it was not, report it when ready. Uber can contact the driver and investigate. You have a window of time (usually 24 hours) to report a missing order before the case closes.
Payment methods and how to add or change your card
Uber Eats accepts debit cards, credit cards, and Uber Cash (a prepaid balance you load into your account). You can also pay with PayPal or Google Pay on some accounts. When you first set up your account, you'll add at least one payment method.
To add a new card, open the app, tap your account icon in the top right, go to "Payments," and select "Add payment method." Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). The card will be verified with a small temporary charge that Uber removes within a few days.
To change which card is your default, go to the same Payments section and tap the card you want to use. You can delete old cards by swiping left on them (on iPhone) or holding and tapping delete (on Android). Your payment method is stored securely and is not shared with restaurants or drivers.
Promo codes and how to use them
Uber Eats offers promo codes that reduce your total bill. These come as emails, in-app notifications, or through promotions Uber runs. A code might say "Get $10 off your next order" or "Free delivery on orders over $15."
To use a promo code, go to your cart, scroll down, and tap "Add promo code." Type or paste the code and tap explore. The discount will show on your bill before you confirm the order. Each code has restrictions — some work only on certain restaurants, some only on your first order, and some expire after a set date. The app tells you if a code does not work for your current order.
You can stack some discounts (like a promo code plus a restaurant coupon), but not others. If a code is not working, check the expiration date and make sure you meet any minimum order requirements.
Scheduling orders in advance and using Uber Eats Pass
Scheduled orders let you pick a time in the future for your food to arrive. When you're in your cart, tap "Schedule for later" instead of "Place order now." Choose a date and time (usually up to seven days ahead), and your order will be sent to the restaurant at that time. Delivery will happen around your scheduled time, though it may be a few minutes early or late depending on restaurant speed.
Uber Eats Pass is a subscription that costs a monthly fee and gives you free delivery on most orders over a certain amount (usually $15). If you order from Uber Eats multiple times a week, the subscription can save you money on delivery fees. You can cancel anytime, and the subscription does not affect service fees or restaurant fees — only delivery.
To check if Uber Eats Pass is worth it for you, look at how much you spend on delivery fees in a typical month. If you spend more than the subscription cost, it pays for itself. You can try it free for a limited time before committing to a paid membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my order after I place it?
If the restaurant has not started preparing your food yet, you can cancel the order in the app and place a new one with different items. Once the restaurant starts cooking, you cannot change the order. If you realize too late, contact Uber support through the app and ask if they can reach the restaurant in time.
What if I'm not home when the driver arrives?
You can add delivery instructions in the app before you order — for example, "Leave at front door" or "Ring the doorbell twice." The driver will follow these instructions. If you're not home and did not leave instructions, the driver will try to contact you. If they cannot reach you, they may return the food to the restaurant.
Do I have to tip the driver?
Tipping is optional, but drivers depend on tips as part of their income. You can add a tip when you place the order or after delivery is complete. The app suggests a percentage (usually 15, 18, or 20 percent), but you can enter any amount or no tip at all.
Why is my delivery fee so high?
Delivery fees depend on distance from the restaurant, how busy Uber is at that moment, and how many drivers are available. During peak hours (lunch and dinner), fees go up. If you're far from restaurants, the fee will be higher. Ordering during slower times or from restaurants closer to you can lower the fee.
Can I order from restaurants that are not in the Uber Eats app?
No, you can only order from restaurants that have partnered with Uber Eats. Some restaurants deliver through their own website or other services instead. You can search by restaurant name in the app to see if they're available, or call the restaurant directly to ask which delivery services they use.