What is Grubhub, and how does it work? (2024)

If you’re an American, it’s hard to ignore the Grubhub name when you’re looking for online eating options. Here’s what you need to know before placing your first order.

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  • What is Grubhub?
  • How does Grubhub work?
  • How to sign up for Grubhub
  • How to use Grubhub
  • What is Grubhub Plus?

What is Grubhub?

Grubhub is an app- and web-based meal delivery service founded in 2004. While its full history is more complex, the short version is that it grew its reach through a merger with Seamless and a series of takeovers, eventually getting bought itself by the Netherlands’ Just Eat Takeaway.

Just Eat operates in many countries around the world, but the Grubhub brand exists mainly in the US, where it covers over 4,000 cities across all 50 states. There are over 300,000 participating restaurants in the country.

How does Grubhub work?

Once users create an account (see below), they can use the Grubhub website or mobile app (for Android and iOS) to browse local restaurants, add menu items to a cart, then select a payment method and check out. While the service is of course focused around delivery, you can skip an associated fee if you opt to pick up food yourself.

Note that partner restaurants don’t handle delivery. Instead your food is picked up by Grubhub drivers, who get paid on a gig basis, much like Uber drivers or Instacart shoppers. For this convenience, restaurants pay Grubhub a portion of their revenue. That’s why it often costs more for online orders than it does for dine-in or take-out.

How to sign up for Grubhub

The app and website offer a variety of ways to sign up. If you want to sign up with your email address, you’ll be prompted to enter your first and last name and create a password. You can also sign up by linking an existing Amazon, Apple, Google, or Facebook account. Either way, you’ll be asked to set a default delivery address.

Be prepared to attach a online payment method to your account, too. Options include credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or PayPal. If a restaurant supports it, you may be able to use cash, but don’t count on it.

How to use Grubhub

What is Grubhub, and how does it work? (1)

Joe Hindy / Android Authority

Assuming you’re using the mobile app, the first thing to do is adjust your filters via the Home tab. You can switch between Delivery and Pickup, and if you hit the Preorder tab, you can schedule an order up to 4 days in advance. If you don’t preorder, Grubhub assumes you want your food ASAP.

In the top bar you’ll see your current delivery address next to a map pin. Tap on this to change where orders go. Make sure your address is as precise as possible, conforming to what you’d find in an app like Google Maps — drivers don’t have time to wander around a neighborhood looking for you.

Use the Sort button to filter local restaurant listings. The app defaults to a “recommended” view, but you can also search by price, rating, distance, or delivery speed. Of these, speed and price (low-to-high) are probably the most useful.

Tap in the Search field to look for something more specific, such as doner kebabs or a particular restaurant.

Once results pop up, select a restaurant to see its menu and add items to your cart. Once you’re ready, continue to checkout, making sure order details are correct. You also get a chance to add special delivery instructions, which can be essential if you live in an apartment or condo complex, or you’re staying at a hotel.

Once you select a payment method, you’re ready to place your order. The order is confirmed by email, and you can keep track of its progress via app notifications and the Orders tab.

What is Grubhub Plus?

Grubhub Plus is a monthly subscription plan that waives delivery fees on orders over a certain minimum ($12 before taxes, tips, and fees). You also get improved customer support, and various perks and rewards, such as charitable donations or occasional free meals.

There are limitations. Restaurants must specifically be participating in Plus, something marked by a listing badge. And even when a restaurant is part of the Plus network, your order loses free delivery if it includes alcohol.

Plus costs $9.99 US per month after a free trial. The trial period can vary, but lasts no more than 30 days.

Read more: How does Uber Eats work

FAQs

Yes, albeit with a giant asterisk next to that. It’s supported only a on per-restaurant basis, and there’s no way of telling ahead of ordering. Assume you’ll be using online payments for most if not all orders.

The answer to this could change at any moment, but DoorDash is typically cheaper for small orders, i.e. ones under $20. If your order is $50 or higher, you should automatically go with Grubhub.

The service is now owned by a Dutch company, Just Eat Takeaway, which completed a $7.3 billion acquisition in 2021.

No. In fact, you’re not allowed to use them with many of Grubhub’s rivals either, since SNAP benefits are intended for groceries, not restaurant food. You can use them with some grocery delivery services.

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    What is Grubhub, and how does it work? (2024)

    FAQs

    What is Grubhub, and how does it work? ›

    Grubhub is an online food delivery marketplace, where restaurant owners can list their establishments for hungry diners to order from.

    What is GrubHub and how does it work? ›

    Grubhub is a part of Just Eat Takeaway.com, a leading global online food delivery marketplace, and features 375,000 merchants in over 4,000 U.S. cities. We help restaurants grow their businesses and experiment with new concepts. We provide drivers flexible opportunities to work and earn.

    How much do GrubHub drivers make without tips? ›

    During active delivery time you are guaranteed to be paid at least 120% of the local minimum wage at your pickup location, plus $. 34 per mile compensation driven during active delivery time. And, of course, you will continue to receive 100% of tips.

    How does a GrubHub driver get paid? ›

    Drivers are able to cash their earnings out up to $500 a day using the Instant Cash Out feature, which is free for Chase Bank customers and $. 50 each for all other bank customers. If you do not wish to use the Instant Cash Out feature, payments are sent on Thursdays to your bank via direct deposit.

    Which is cheaper Uber eats or Grubhub? ›

    Grubhub is the cheapest for orders of around $50

    For smaller midsized orders of around $25 or $30, Uber Eats was typically less, but only by a dollar or so. If you're consistently ordering for two or three people, your bill is probably in the range that would make Grubhub the cheapest option.

    Is it worth it to use Grubhub? ›

    So, is Grubhub+ worth it? Depending on the restaurant, delivery fees can add several dollars to your order total, so the monthly subscription expense may be worth it if you order in often enough. Roughly speaking, you'd need to order delivery at least two or three times per month to come out ahead in savings.

    Is it ok to not tip Grubhub drivers? ›

    Grubhub suggests leaving around a 20% tip for drivers. Check out our blog post and find out everything you need to know about best tipping practices.

    Do Grubhub drivers see your tip? ›

    Yes, Grubhub drivers are able to see their total payment amount they will recieve for each order, which includes 100% of the diner's tip. For more information about how Grubhub drivers are paid, visit our Pay page.

    Can you make $1000 a week with Grubhub? ›

    Well, it's not necessarily straightforward, but it's absolutely possible to make $1000 a week with GrubHub if you take a few key steps. But remember: in order to make the most of your deliveries via GrubHub, it's vital to take a few steps to optimize your delivery value.

    Does Grubhub give you a bag? ›

    Grubhub sends our delivery partners an insulated delivery bag and a Grubhub Driver Card after completing your first delivery, so it's important to always keep your mailing address updated on the app! We'll send you an email with the tracking number once it becomes available.

    How long is Grubhub waitlist? ›

    How long will I have to wait? It's hard to say! Availability is market specific and Grubhub engages waitlisted applicants on a first come, first served basis. Should your wait exceed 30 days, Grubhub will check in with you to see if you'd like to remain on the waitlist or have your application removed.

    What is the cheapest food delivery app? ›

    Cheapest Food Delivery App | 4 Options
    • Technically, DoorDash offers customers the least amount of fees. ...
    • DoorDash is just a tad bit cheaper than Uber Eats. ...
    • DoorDash is known to be significantly less expensive than Grubhub. ...
    • The best food delivery apps are Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.
    Sep 25, 2023

    Does Grubhub pay you for mileage? ›

    Guaranteed minimum pay​​

    $0.34 per mile compensation is paid per mile you drive during an active delivery period.

    Do Grubhub drivers get paid besides tips? ›

    Remember, guaranteed minimum earnings are determined before tips. This means delivery partners still keep 100% of tips in addition to the minimum pay rate. *Extra earnings may come through order bonuses, increased offer pay, and/or an Appreciation bonus.

    How long does it take for Grubhub to pay you? ›

    If you choose not to or are unable to use the Instant Cash Out feature, payments are sent on Thursdays via direct deposit. Payments reflect the amount you earned as a delivery partner with Grubhub but have not yet cashed out using the Instant Cash Out feature from Monday through Sunday of the previous week.

    What is a Grubhub service fee? ›

    Deliver the way you want to with flexible delivery service options. For a 10% service fee per delivery, you can expand your reach using Grubhub's fleet of delivery drivers or supplement with your own.

    How do I place an order on Grubhub? ›

    Enter your delivery address on the left-hand side of the Grubhub homepage, and use the search bar on the right-hand side to type in a restaurant name, food item, allergen, or cuisine. You can also use the filters below to select delivery or pickup, cuisine and more to browse available restaurants.

    Do you tip Grubhub? ›

    If everything goes smoothly with your delivery and the weather is good, 20% is the standard cost of having the mealtime brought to your doorstep. Never tip less than five bucks, though.

    Do you have to answer the door for Grubhub? ›

    Contact-free delivery lets customers request the order be left at their door, in their lobby, or another place at the delivery location when they're not available or simply prefer less direct contact.

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