What changed with Uber Eats fees

Uber Eats raised its fees in 2024, though the exact increase varies by city and restaurant. The company now charges higher delivery fees, service fees (a percentage of your order), and small-order fees. These are separate from what the restaurant charges for the food itself.

The increases hit different users differently. A $15 order in one city might add $4 in fees; the same order elsewhere might add $6. Uber Eats does not publish a single fee schedule — fees depend on your location, the restaurant's distance from you, current demand, and whether you have an Uber One membership.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Eats now charges a delivery fee (usually $2 to $5), a service fee (a percentage of your food total), and sometimes a small-order fee if you spend under a certain amount.
  • The total fee you pay is not the same across cities or even across restaurants in the same city.
  • Uber One membership ($9.99 per month or $99.99 per year) removes delivery fees and lowers service fees, but only if you meet a minimum order amount.
  • You can see all fees before you complete your order — the app shows the delivery fee, service fee, and any small-order fee in the checkout screen.
  • Some restaurants offer lower prices if you order directly from them instead of through Uber Eats, because the restaurant avoids paying Uber's commission.

How the three types of fees work

Delivery fees are what Uber charges to send someone to pick up and drop off your food. These typically range from $2 to $5 in most cities, but can be higher during busy times or if the restaurant is far from you. Uber Eats does not always show you this fee until you enter your address.

Service fees are a percentage of your food subtotal — usually between 10 and 15 percent, though some cities see higher rates. This is Uber's cut of the order. Unlike delivery fees, service fees do not change based on distance or time of day; they are a fixed percentage.

Small-order fees apply when your food subtotal falls below a minimum threshold, which varies by location. If you order $12 worth of food in a city where the minimum is $15, you might pay an extra $2 or $3. This fee does not appear if you meet the minimum.

Uber One membership and when it saves money

Uber One costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Members get free delivery on Uber Eats orders over a certain amount (usually $15 to $20, depending on your city) and a lower service fee — typically 5 percent instead of 10 to 15 percent. You still pay the small-order fee if your subtotal is too low.

The membership breaks even if you order from Uber Eats roughly twice a month. If you order weekly or more, the annual plan usually costs less than paying per-order fees. However, if you order fewer than six times a year, the membership will cost you more than paying fees as you go.

Uber One also includes discounts on Uber rides and access to other Uber services, but those benefits vary by city and change frequently. Check your app to see what is included in your area.

Why fees went up and what they cover

Uber Eats raised fees to cover higher labor costs for delivery workers, increased insurance and regulatory costs, and inflation. The company also faces competition from DoorDash and Grubhub, which have raised their own fees in the same period. Restaurants have also raised menu prices, which increases the service fee (since it is a percentage of the total).

The delivery fee pays the driver who picks up and delivers your food. Uber sets this amount based on distance, time, and current demand. During lunch and dinner rushes, delivery fees are typically higher because more orders are waiting and fewer drivers are available.

The service fee covers Uber's operating costs: the app, payment processing, customer support, and the company's profit margin. It is not paid to the driver.

How to see fees before you pay

Open the Uber Eats app and search for a restaurant. When you add items to your cart and proceed to checkout, the app shows a breakdown: food subtotal, service fee, delivery fee, and any small-order fee. You can see the total before you confirm the order. If the fees are higher than you expected, you can remove items or choose a different restaurant.

Some restaurants show lower prices on their own website or app than on Uber Eats, because they do not have to pay Uber's commission. If you order directly from the restaurant, you may save money — though you lose the convenience of the Uber Eats app and may have to arrange your own payment and delivery.

Comparing Uber Eats to other delivery apps

DoorDash and Grubhub charge similar fees: delivery fees of $2 to $5, service fees of 10 to 15 percent, and small-order fees. Both offer membership programs (DashPass and Grubhub+) with similar benefits to Uber One. The exact fees vary by city and restaurant, so the cheapest option for one order might be the most expensive for another.

To compare, search for the same restaurant on each app and check the total at checkout. You may find that one app is consistently cheaper in your area, or that prices vary depending on which restaurant you choose. Prices also change based on demand and time of day, so the cheapest option today might not be the cheapest tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid paying delivery fees?

Yes, if you have Uber One and your order meets the minimum amount (usually $15 to $20). You can also pick up the food yourself at the restaurant instead of having it delivered, though Uber Eats does not offer a pickup option — you would need to order directly from the restaurant or use a different app.

Why is my delivery fee different from my friend's for the same restaurant?

Delivery fees depend on your location relative to the restaurant, current demand, and the time of day. If you live farther away or order during a busy time, your fee will be higher. Uber Eats calculates fees individually for each order.

Do I have to pay the small-order fee?

Only if your food subtotal is below the minimum threshold for your city. You can avoid it by ordering more food or choosing a restaurant with a lower minimum. Uber One members still pay this fee.

Is the service fee the same everywhere?

No. Service fees vary by city and can range from 10 to 15 percent or higher. Uber Eats does not publish a standard rate, so check your app to see what you will pay in your area.

What if I think the fees are too high?

You can compare prices on other apps, order directly from the restaurant, or pick up the food yourself. You can also wait for slower times of day, when delivery fees are typically lower. If you order frequently, Uber One membership may reduce your total cost.