Uber Eats is a food delivery service where drivers pick up orders from restaurants and deliver them to customers
Uber Eats operates in two directions: customers order food through an app or website, and drivers accept those orders and deliver them. You can use Uber Eats as a customer to have restaurant meals brought to your address, or you can work as a delivery driver earning money per completed delivery. The service connects independent restaurants, large chains, and grocery stores with people who want food delivered rather than picking it up themselves.
The platform charges customers a delivery fee, service fee, and sometimes a small order minimum. Drivers keep a portion of what customers pay, though the exact amount varies by location and order size. Uber Eats operates in most major U.S. cities and many international locations, though availability depends on your specific address.
Key Takeaways
- Customers pay a delivery fee plus a service fee on top of the restaurant's menu price, and some restaurants have order minimums before delivery is available.
- Drivers use their own vehicle, phone, and gas to make deliveries and receive payment per order, with earnings varying by location, time of day, and order distance.
- As a driver, you need a valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and a background check to start, and you can pause or resume work whenever you want.
- Delivery times depend on restaurant preparation time and distance, and customers can track their driver's location in real time through the app.
- Both customers and drivers rate each other after each transaction, and low ratings can affect a driver's access to orders or a customer's service.
How customers order and pay on Uber Eats
To order as a customer, you read the Uber Eats app or visit the website, enter your delivery address, and browse available restaurants. The app shows you which restaurants deliver to your location and displays their menus with prices. You add items to a cart, review the total cost (which includes the restaurant's prices plus Uber Eats' delivery and service fees), and pay with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method saved in your account.
Once you place an order, you can watch its status in real time. The app shows when the restaurant is preparing your food, when a driver has picked it up, and tracks the driver's location as they head to your address. You receive notifications at each stage and can contact the driver through the app if needed. Delivery typically takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the restaurant is and how far away you live.
If your order arrives damaged or incomplete, you can report it in the app and request a refund or credit for future orders. Uber Eats handles these disputes between you and the restaurant or driver.
How drivers earn money and what the work involves
Drivers accept delivery orders through the Uber Eats app and choose which ones to take. You are not required to accept every order — you can decline orders and wait for ones that work for you. Once you accept an order, you drive to the restaurant, wait for the food to be ready (which can take anywhere from a few minutes to 20 minutes depending on how busy they are), pick it up, and deliver it to the customer's address.
Your earnings come from a combination of the delivery fee the customer pays, tips customers add in the app, and sometimes small bonuses Uber offers during busy times. The exact breakdown varies by city and changes frequently. You keep most of what you earn, though Uber takes a percentage. You are responsible for your own vehicle expenses, gas, phone plan, and any tolls or parking fees.
You work on your own schedule — you can log into the app whenever you want and log out whenever you want. There is no minimum number of hours you must work or shifts you must take. However, your access to orders can be affected if your rating drops below a certain threshold (usually around 4.6 out of 5 stars) or if you cancel too many orders.
Requirements to become an Uber Eats driver
To drive for Uber Eats, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and own or have regular access to a vehicle. Your vehicle must be insured, and you must provide proof of that insurance. Uber requires a background check, which typically takes a few days to a week. The background check looks at your driving history and criminal record.
You also need a smartphone with the Uber Driver app installed and a reliable internet connection. Some cities have additional requirements — for example, certain areas require commercial vehicle insurance or specific vehicle registration. You can check your city's requirements in the Uber Driver app before you start the sign-up process.
Once you are approved, you can start accepting orders when ready. You do not need to pass any test or complete training, though Uber provides optional resources about how to deliver safely and maintain good ratings.
How ratings and customer service work
After each delivery, both the customer and driver rate each other on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Customers rate drivers on whether they arrived on time, handled the food carefully, and followed delivery instructions. Drivers rate customers on whether the delivery address was accurate, whether they were treated respectfully, and whether they tipped or paid as promised.
Your rating as a driver is visible to customers when they accept your delivery, and your rating as a customer is visible to drivers (though drivers cannot see it before accepting your order). If your driver rating drops below approximately 4.6 stars, Uber may deactivate your account and stop sending you orders. If your customer rating drops significantly, some drivers may decline your orders, though Uber does not automatically deactivate customer accounts for low ratings.
If there is a problem with a delivery — food arrived cold, items were missing, or the driver did not follow instructions — you can report it in the app. Uber investigates these reports and can issue refunds, credits, or take action against drivers who repeatedly violate policies.
Differences between Uber Eats and other delivery services
Uber Eats competes with DoorDash, Grubhub, and local delivery services. The main differences are in which restaurants are available in your area, the fee structure, and how the driver payment model works. Some restaurants partner with only one or two delivery services, so availability varies by location.
Delivery fees and service fees differ between platforms and change based on demand and distance. During busy times, fees may be higher. Some services offer subscription plans (like DoorDash's DashPass) that reduce fees for frequent users, while Uber Eats offers occasional promotions and discounts through the app.
Driver earnings models also differ slightly. DoorDash and Grubhub use similar per-order payment structures, but the base pay and tip percentages vary. If you are considering driving for multiple services, you can sign up for more than one and choose which orders to accept from each platform.
Common issues and how to resolve them
The most common customer complaint is that food arrives late or cold. Delays usually happen because the restaurant is busy, not because the driver is slow. If your order is significantly delayed, you can contact the driver through the app or request a refund. Cold food is harder to prevent, but you can ask the driver to pick up your order quickly and deliver it directly without making other stops first.
For drivers, the most common issue is low pay on certain orders. If an order offers very low payment relative to the distance, you can decline it and wait for a better one. However, if you decline too many orders in a row, Uber may temporarily pause your access to new orders. You can also work during peak hours (lunch and dinner time) when orders typically pay more.
If you believe you were charged incorrectly as a customer, or if you believe your payment was calculated incorrectly as a driver, you can contact Uber support through the app. Response times vary, but Uber typically investigates payment disputes within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Uber Eats if I do not have a smartphone?
As a customer, you can order through the Uber Eats website on a computer, though the app is more convenient. As a driver, you must have a smartphone with the Uber Driver app — there is no web-based alternative for accepting and managing deliveries.
What happens if the restaurant is closed when I arrive to pick up an order?
If a restaurant is unexpectedly closed or stops accepting orders, you should contact Uber support when ready through the app. You will not be penalized for canceling the order, and you may receive a small payment for your time. Customers are refunded in full.
Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Uber Eats?
Requirements vary by state and city. Some areas require commercial or rideshare insurance, while others do not. Check your local regulations and contact your insurance company before you start driving. Uber provides some liability coverage during active deliveries, but it does not replace your personal insurance.
How long does it take to get paid as a driver?
Uber deposits driver earnings weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday, to a bank account you link during sign-up. You can see your earnings in the app in real time, but the actual deposit takes one to three business days depending on your bank.
Can I request a specific driver or refuse a specific driver?
As a customer, you cannot request a specific driver before placing your order. Once a driver accepts your order, you can see their name and rating. If you are uncomfortable with a driver, you can cancel the order, though you may be charged a cancellation fee if the restaurant has already started preparing your food.