What Uber Eats is and how to use it

Uber Eats is a food delivery service run by Uber. You read the app or visit the website, search for restaurants in your area, add items to a cart, and pay through the app. A driver picks up your order from the restaurant and brings it to your address. The whole process — from placing the order to receiving it — usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how busy the restaurant and delivery network are.

To use Uber Eats, you need a smartphone or computer, an internet connection, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or linked bank account). You must also have a delivery address where the driver can find you. The app shows you which restaurants are open, what they charge, how long delivery will take, and what the total cost will be before you confirm your order.

Uber Eats operates in most major U.S. cities and many smaller ones, but not everywhere. You can check whether it serves your address by entering your zip code on the Uber Eats website or opening the app and typing in your delivery location.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Eats charges a delivery fee (which varies by location and distance), a service fee on your food total, and sometimes a small order fee if your order is under a certain amount.
  • You can see the full cost — including all fees — before you pay, so there are no hidden charges at checkout.
  • Uber Eats+ is a paid membership that waives delivery fees and lowers service fees, but only works at certain restaurants.
  • Tipping the driver is optional but expected; most people tip between 15 and 20 percent of the food cost.
  • You can track your order in real time once the driver picks it up, and you can contact the driver or restaurant through the app if something goes wrong.

How much Uber Eats costs

Uber Eats charges three separate fees on top of your food bill. The delivery fee depends on how far the restaurant is from your address and how busy the service is at that moment — it can range from $2 to $10 or more. The service fee is a percentage of your food subtotal, usually between 10 and 15 percent. Some orders under a certain amount (often $15) also have a small order fee, typically $2.

The app shows you the delivery fee and service fee before you place your order, so you can see the total cost upfront. If the fees seem high, you can close the app and try a different restaurant or delivery service. Some restaurants on Uber Eats charge higher menu prices than they do in person, so comparing prices is worth doing if you order often.

Tipping is separate from these fees and is added at checkout. The app suggests a tip amount (usually 15, 18, or 20 percent of the food subtotal), but you can change it or skip it entirely. Many drivers rely on tips as a significant part of their income, so tipping is customary even though it is not required.

Uber Eats+ membership and savings

Uber Eats+ is a paid membership that costs $9.99 per month (as of 2024, though this may change). Members get free delivery on orders over $15 at participating restaurants and a lower service fee — usually around 5 percent instead of 10 to 15 percent. The membership also includes free delivery on some Uber Eats+ exclusive deals.

The membership only works at restaurants marked with a small plus sign in the app, so not every restaurant qualifies. If you order from Uber Eats several times a month, the membership can save you money on delivery and service fees. If you order rarely, the monthly cost probably will not pay for itself.

You can cancel Uber Eats+ at any time through the app settings, and you will not be charged again after the current month ends. Uber sometimes offers a free trial period for new members, so check the app to see if that is available in your area.

Placing an order and tracking delivery

To place an order, open the Uber Eats app or website and enter your delivery address. Browse restaurants by cuisine type, rating, or delivery time. Tap a restaurant to see its menu, read customer reviews, and check whether it is currently open. Add items to your cart, review any special instructions or dietary notes, and proceed to checkout.

At checkout, you will see your food subtotal, all fees, and the estimated delivery time. You can choose your payment method, add a tip, and enter any delivery notes (such as "leave at door" or "ring the doorbell"). Once you confirm, the order goes to the restaurant.

After the restaurant accepts your order, you can watch its progress in the app. You will see when the driver is assigned, when they pick up your food, and when they are on the way. The app shows the driver's location on a map in real time. If something is wrong — the order is taking too long, the driver is going the wrong direction, or items are missing — you can message the driver or restaurant directly through the app.

What to do if something goes wrong with your order

If your food arrives late, cold, or incomplete, or if the driver cannot find your address, you can report the problem in the app. Open the order details, scroll down, and tap "Help" or "Report an issue." Describe what happened and submit photos if needed. Uber Eats will review your report and may issue a refund or credit to your account.

Refunds for missing or incorrect items usually take a few minutes to process. Refunds for late delivery or other service issues may take longer. You can check the status of your refund in the app under your account or order history.

If you do not receive a refund or credit within a few days, you can contact Uber Eats support through the app. Tap your account icon, select "Help," and choose "Contact Us." You can message support or request a phone call, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Differences between Uber Eats and other delivery services

Uber Eats competes with DoorDash, Grubhub, and Instacart (for grocery delivery). All of them charge delivery fees, service fees, and small order fees in roughly the same range. The main differences are which restaurants are available in your area, how fast delivery is, and whether you have a paid membership.

Uber Eats tends to have faster delivery in densely populated areas because Uber also runs a ride-sharing service and can use some of the same driver network. In smaller towns or rural areas, availability and speed may be similar across all services. Some restaurants partner with only one or two delivery platforms, so the restaurant you want may not be on Uber Eats.

If you already use Uber for rides, you may have Uber Cash or credits that you can spend on Uber Eats. That is not available on other delivery services, so it can be a reason to choose Uber Eats if you have a balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order from restaurants that are not in the Uber Eats app?

No. Uber Eats only delivers from restaurants that have partnered with the service. If a restaurant you like is not in the app, you can call them directly to ask if they deliver on their own or through another service. Some restaurants use multiple delivery platforms, so checking DoorDash or Grubhub may find them.

What happens if the driver cannot find my address?

The driver will call or text you using the phone number on your account. Make sure your address is entered correctly in the app and includes an apartment number, building name, or other details that help the driver locate you. You can also add delivery notes like "building on the left side of the street" or "gate code 1234."

Can I change my order after I place it?

It depends on how quickly the restaurant accepts it. If you catch it within a minute or two, you can usually cancel and place a new order. Once the restaurant starts preparing your food, you cannot change the order through the app. Contact the restaurant directly through the app to ask if they can still modify it.

Do I have to tip the driver?

Tipping is optional, but it is customary. Drivers depend on tips as part of their income. If you cannot afford to tip, you can skip it, but most people tip 15 to 20 percent of the food cost. You can adjust the tip amount after delivery if you want to change it.

Is my payment information safe on Uber Eats?

Uber Eats uses encryption to protect your payment information, and your card details are not shared with restaurants or drivers. Your payment is processed through Uber's find servers. If you are concerned about a charge, you can dispute it with your bank or credit card company, and Uber will investigate.