What payment methods Grubhub accepts
Grubhub takes credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers — but not all methods work the same way, and some restaurants on the platform may not accept every option you have. The most common route is a credit or debit card linked to your Grubhub account, which works at nearly every restaurant. Digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are also widely accepted. Bank transfers through Plaid (a service that connects your bank account to apps) are available in most states, though they process slower than cards.
What matters most is that you add a payment method to your Grubhub account before you order. You cannot pay the driver cash on delivery the way you might with some other services — Grubhub requires payment upfront through the app or website. If a restaurant has restrictions on payment type, Grubhub will show you which methods that location accepts before you complete your order.
Key Takeaways
- Credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal all work on Grubhub, but individual restaurants may restrict which ones they accept.
- You must add and confirm a payment method in your account before ordering — cash on delivery is not an option.
- Bank transfers through Plaid are available but take longer to process than card payments.
- Grubhub charges the payment method on file when you place the order, not when the driver arrives.
- If a payment fails, Grubhub will attempt to charge a backup method if you have one saved, or cancel the order if no backup exists.
How to add and manage payment methods in your account
Start by opening the Grubhub app or website and going to your account settings — usually found under a profile icon or menu. Select "Payment methods" or "Saved cards" (the exact label varies by app version). From there, tap "Add payment method" and choose the type: credit card, debit card, digital wallet, or bank account. For cards, you enter the number, expiration date, and CVV. For digital wallets, Grubhub redirects you to Apple Pay or Google Pay to confirm. For bank transfers, you authorize Grubhub to connect to your bank through Plaid, which takes a few minutes.
Once a payment method is saved, you can set it as your default — the one Grubhub charges first when you order. You can also delete old cards or change which one is primary at any time. If you want to use a different payment method for a single order, most versions of the app let you select a different saved method at checkout, before you confirm the order.
When Grubhub charges your payment method
Grubhub charges your account immediately when you place the order, not when the driver picks it up or drops it off. The charge appears on your statement as "Grubhub" or sometimes "Grubhub Inc." depending on your bank. This includes the food cost, delivery fee, service fee, and any taxes or tips you added at checkout.
If you add a tip after the driver has already been paid (through the app after delivery), that tip is charged separately, usually within a few hours. If your primary payment method fails at checkout, Grubhub will try a backup method if you have one saved. If all payment methods fail, your order is cancelled and you are not charged.
Differences between payment methods and what each costs
Credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets all charge the same total to you — Grubhub does not add extra fees for using one over another. The difference is in how fast the transaction clears and how much fraud protection you get. Credit cards offer the strongest consumer protection if something goes wrong; debit cards pull money directly from your account, so the funds leave immediately; digital wallets are as secure as your phone's security settings.
Bank transfers through Plaid are free but slower — they can take one to three business days to process, so you will not see the charge on your account right away. Some people use bank transfers to avoid credit card fees if they are paying for a group order, though Grubhub itself does not charge differently. If you use a prepaid card, it works like a debit card as long as the card has a Visa or Mastercard logo.
What happens if a payment fails or is declined
If your card is declined at checkout, Grubhub shows an error message and does not process the order. Common reasons include insufficient funds, an expired card, or the card issuer blocking the transaction as fraud. If you have a backup payment method saved, you can choose to use that instead and resubmit the order. If you do not have a backup, you need to fix the problem with your primary card or add a new payment method before trying again.
If a charge is declined after you have already placed the order (rare, but possible), Grubhub will attempt to charge your backup method if one exists. If that also fails, the order is cancelled and the restaurant is notified. You will receive a notification in the app explaining why the order was cancelled. Contact Grubhub support through the app if you believe the decline was an error — they can sometimes reprocess the order or help you troubleshoot with your bank.
Refunds and how they return to your payment method
If you cancel an order before the restaurant starts preparing it, Grubhub refunds the full amount to your original payment method. The refund usually appears within three to five business days, though it can take longer depending on your bank. If the restaurant cancels the order, you also receive a full refund. If you cancel after the restaurant has already started cooking, Grubhub may issue a partial refund or no refund, depending on the restaurant's policy — this is shown before you confirm cancellation.
If you dispute a charge with your bank or credit card company, Grubhub will investigate, but the process can take weeks. It is faster to contact Grubhub support directly through the app first — they can often issue a refund immediately if there is a legitimate problem, such as a duplicate charge or an order you never placed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay with a different card for each order?
Yes. You can save multiple cards to your Grubhub account and choose which one to use at checkout for each order. Set one as your default so Grubhub uses it automatically, or select a different saved card before you confirm the order.
Does Grubhub accept prepaid cards or gift cards?
Prepaid cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo work like regular debit cards. Grubhub does not sell or accept its own gift cards for payment, but you can add a prepaid Visa or Mastercard to your account and use it to pay for orders.
What if I want to split the cost with someone else?
Grubhub does not have a built-in split payment feature. One person must pay the full amount with their saved payment method. You can ask the other person to reimburse you through a separate payment app like Venmo or Cash App.
Is my payment information safe on Grubhub?
Grubhub uses encryption to protect your payment data and does not store full card numbers on its servers. Your card details are handled by payment processors that meet industry security standards. However, like any online service, you should use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication if available.
Can I use a business account or corporate card?
Yes. Any Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card can be added to Grubhub, including business cards. The card holder's name does not have to match the Grubhub account name, so a manager can order for a team using a corporate card.