Your rewards credit card may include dining and grocery perks, such as cash back rewards on restaurant, grocery, and convenience store orders, but many issuers also provide statement credits that help cover the cost of food delivery app orders.
If you regularly use service providers like Uber Eats, Grubhub, or DoorDash, these credits can be especially valuable. The following guide will teach you how to best use credit card food delivery credits, enabling you to make strategic moves that maximize your credit card benefits and elevate your dining experiences.
How to stretch your food delivery app credits further
Food delivery app credits are a popular credit card perk that can help you keep more money in your pocket. You can use these credits to cover the costs of delivery and pickup orders from participating restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery stores in your area.
To get the most value, look for cards that let you earn rewards for each dollar spent on food delivery. Many cards offer a specific point per dollar rate, so you can see exactly how many points you’ll earn for your spending. Some cards also let you earn bonus rewards on categories like food delivery or dining, helping you rack up extra points faster. Keep in mind that only eligible purchases will count toward earning these rewards or credits.
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The following tips are helpful whether you have Uber, DoorDash, or Grubhub credits to use:
Compare prices before placing orders
You can benefit from comparing food delivery app pricing to that of a restaurant or retailer’s regular menu prices. Many restaurants and eateries increase the menu prices listed on delivery service platforms to help cover the fees that service providers charge them. However, not all businesses raise their prices. For those that do, some may only hike prices slightly. Researching prices before you order can help you get the most bang for your buck.
Avoid fees by placing a pickup order
Delivery fees can add up fast. But if you can pick up your order instead of having it delivered, you can eliminate delivery fees, saving yourself a considerable amount of money. Many restaurants and stores allow customers to place pickup orders through food delivery apps. Prioritize these retailers when placing orders.
Order appetizers or lunch instead of dinner
Another way to stretch your food delivery app credits is by ordering lower-priced items. If you’re placing a restaurant order, consider ordering appetizers or choosing meals from the lunch menu. While lunch portions will likely be smaller than dinner menu portions, the price could be significantly cheaper.
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Choosing the best credit card for food delivery
When it comes to maximizing your food delivery benefits, choosing the right credit card can make all the difference. With so many cards for food delivery on the market, it’s important to look for those that offer robust rewards, statement credits, and exclusive deals tailored to your dining and delivery habits.
Start by considering cards that offer bonus rewards on dining purchases, including takeout and food delivery services. For example, the American Express(R) Gold Card stands out by offering 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., up to $50,000 per year (then 1X). Plus, it provides up to $120 in annual dining credits, which can be used at select restaurants and food delivery services like Grubhub. Enrollment is required to access these select benefits, so be sure to activate them after account opening. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.
If you frequently use Uber Eats, the Chase Sapphire Reserve(R) is another top contender, earning 3X points per dollar on dining, including eligible delivery services.
When comparing cards, don’t forget to factor in the annual fee and any foreign transaction fees, especially if you travel or order from restaurants worldwide. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those who prefer cash rewards, offering 3% cash back on dining purchases—including food delivery—with no foreign transaction fee and no rotating categories.
It’s also important to consider the credit score impact, as premium credit cards with elevated rewards may have stricter approval requirements. Take time to review the rewards points structure, statement credits, and any bonus points or dining credits offered. Some cards require enrollment to access these perks, so always check the terms and conditions.
Ultimately, the best credit card for food delivery will depend on your individual spending habits and preferences. If you’re a frequent Grubhub user, the Amex Gold Card may be your best bet, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve(R) is ideal for those who use a variety of food delivery services. By comparing the features, rewards, and fees of different cards, you can find the best credit card to maximize your rewards and minimize your costs on food delivery purchases. Whether you prefer earning cash rewards, Membership Rewards points, or accessing exclusive deals, the right card can help you get more out of every meal delivered to your door.
➤ SEE MORE:5 ways foodies can get more from credit cards
Maximizing Uber Eats with credit cards
If you have a credit card that provides Uber Eats credits, you can save money when ordering food through Uber Eats. Using your credit card as the payment method for Uber Eats transactions can also unlock additional rewards or credits, such as cash back or bonus points, depending on your card’s benefits.
Here are some tips to help stretch the value of your Uber Cash credits:
- Always check if enrollment is required to activate certain benefits or promotional offers—some cards require you to register or enroll before you can access Uber Cash credits or other rewards. Review your card’s terms to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Set your credit card as the default payment method in the Uber app to ensure you receive all available benefits and rewards for each Uber Eats transaction.
Don’t ignore offers
As you browse stores in your area, be sure to take note of available offers. Uber will present you with deals that could help you get more value. Many of the offers shown are store-specific or restaurant-specific. It’s common to see buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers, percentage-based discounts, and set-dollar-amount discounts advertised.
Load Uber Cash perks into one Uber account
If you have multiple credit cards that provide Uber Cash perks, you can load them into the same Uber account. By doing this, you’ll have more Uber Cash to use, which means you can place larger orders instead of placing multiple separate smaller orders.
Consider investing in an Uber One membership
If you place frequent Uber Eats orders, consider becoming an Uber One member. Here are some perks available to Uber One members:
- $0 delivery fee on eligible orders
- Earn 6% Uber Cash on eligible Uber rides
- Get up to 10% off eligible Uber Eats orders
- Access members-only promotions
Your credit card may offer a complimentary Uber One membership, so check to see if you can take advantage of this perk. If you don’t have a card with this benefit, an Uber One membership will cost you $9.99 per month or $96 with annual billing.
Maximizing credit card DoorDash credits
Some credit cards include DoorDash benefits, such as DoorDash credits. These cards may offer monthly statement credits or statement credits monthly specifically for food delivery orders placed through DoorDash, helping you save on your recurring expenses. Only eligible purchases booked through DoorDash will qualify for these credits. To get the most value from DoorDash credit card perks, consider the following tips:
Browse the deals tab
Before placing a DoorDash order, be sure to check the deals tab. This section of the app features store-specific and restaurant-specific offers that can help you maximize the value of your app credits. Typical deals include free items, BOGO offers, and discounts offering a specific dollar amount or percentage off your order.
Don’t ignore special promotions
That’s not the only way to save money. Occasionally, DoorDash runs special promotions that can help you reduce the cost of your next order. A recent example is 50% off eligible grocery orders. You can find these promotions advertised within the app. Placing an order when there’s a special promotion like this can help you stretch your food delivery app credits.
Consider becoming a DashPass member
If you’re a frequent DoorDash user, you may be a good candidate for a DashPass membership.
As a DashPass member, you can benefit from the following perks:
- $0 delivery fees on eligible orders
- Access members-only discounts
- Earn 5% back in DoorDash credits on eligible pickup orders
Some rewards credit cards offer a complimentary DashPass membership, so verify whether your card includes this benefit. If your card doesn’t include this benefit, you can expect to pay $9.99 per month or $96 annually for a DashPass membership.
➤ SEE MORE:DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® review
Look for ways to maximize card benefits
The benefits included with your credit card can add value to your life. In addition to food delivery, credit cards can provide value in categories such as online grocery purchases, grocery shopping at U.S. supermarkets, food markets (like Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh), and meal kit delivery services.
➤ SEE MORE:Best credit cards for groceries
Some cards also offer rewards or benefits for travel purchases, prepaid hotels, rental cars, rental cars booked through travel platforms, application fee credits for Global Entry, and even airport lounge access, which can lead to additional savings.
Maximizing card benefits may also involve making other eligible purchases, understanding the benefits tied to card membership, and being aware of annual limits that reset each calendar year.
By making strategic moves, you can maximize the value you receive from these perks. The next time you place a food delivery service order, look for opportunities to stretch your food delivery app credits further.
