What Uber Eats is and how to use it
Uber Eats is a food delivery service run by Uber that lets you order meals from restaurants and have them brought to your address. You download the app or visit the website, search for restaurants near you, add items to a cart, and pay through the app. A driver picks up your order from the restaurant and delivers it to you. The whole process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the restaurant and delivery network are.
You need a valid payment method — a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account — to place an order. Uber Eats also accepts some digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Your account needs a delivery address, and most areas in the United States have Uber Eats service, though coverage varies by city and neighborhood.
The app shows you the estimated delivery time, the restaurant's rating, individual dish ratings, and the total cost including the delivery fee, service fee, and any taxes or small-order fees. You can track the driver in real time once they pick up your order, and you can contact them through the app if there is a problem.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Eats charges a delivery fee, a service fee on your order total, and sometimes a small-order fee if your order is below a certain amount — all of these appear before you pay.
- You can tip the driver before or after delivery, and the tip goes to the driver, not to Uber.
- If your order arrives late, cold, or with missing items, you can report it in the app and request a refund or credit for part or all of your order.
- Restaurants set their own prices on Uber Eats, which are often higher than eating in or ordering directly from the restaurant.
- Uber Eats Pass is a paid membership that waives delivery fees on orders over a certain amount, but you still pay service fees and tips.
Understanding the fees you will pay
Uber Eats charges three separate fees on top of your food cost. The delivery fee goes to the driver and Uber and varies by distance and demand — it can range from under $2 to $10 or more during busy times or in areas far from restaurants. The service fee is a percentage of your order total, usually between 10 and 15 percent, and goes to Uber. Some restaurants also charge a small-order fee if your order total is below a threshold they set, often $10 to $15.
Taxes are calculated on your subtotal and added at checkout. If you live in a state or city with sales tax on prepared food, that will show up as a separate line item. You can see all fees and taxes before you complete your order, so there are no surprises at payment time.
If you order frequently, Uber Eats Pass is a monthly or annual membership that waives delivery fees on orders over a set amount — usually $15 to $20. You still pay the service fee, taxes, and any small-order fees, and you still tip the driver. The membership costs money, so calculate whether you order often enough for it to save you money.
What to do if your order is wrong or late
Open the Uber Eats app and go to your order history. Find the order that had a problem and tap "Help" at the bottom of the order details. You will see options like "Item missing," "Order arrived late," or "Food quality issue." Select the problem that matches what happened.
Describe what went wrong in the text box — for example, "The burger was cold and the fries were missing" or "The order arrived 45 minutes after the estimated time." Uber Eats will usually offer you a refund or credit to your account. For missing items, you may get a partial refund. For late delivery or quality issues, you may get a credit for a percentage of your order or the full amount, depending on how serious the problem was.
If Uber Eats denies your refund request, you can appeal by tapping "Contact Support" in the help section. You can also contact your credit card company or bank if you paid by card and dispute the charge with them, though this should be a last resort because it can affect your Uber account.
How tipping works and what drivers see
When you place your order, the app asks you to set a tip before the driver accepts the job. You can tip a dollar amount or a percentage of your order total. The tip appears to the driver before they decide whether to take your order, so a higher tip can mean faster pickup and delivery. You can also add or change your tip after delivery is complete, up to one hour after the driver drops off your food.
The entire tip goes to the driver — Uber does not take a cut. Drivers rely on tips as a significant part of their income because the base pay Uber provides is often low. If you do not tip, your order may sit longer before a driver accepts it, especially during slow times.
There is no required tip amount. Standard tipping is usually 15 to 20 percent of your order total, but you can tip less or nothing if you choose. Some people tip based on distance or difficulty — a longer delivery or a complex order might warrant a higher tip.
Restaurant prices and why they are higher on Uber Eats
Most restaurants charge more for food ordered through Uber Eats than they do for the same meal eaten in the restaurant or ordered directly. This is because Uber Eats takes a commission from the restaurant — usually 15 to 30 percent of each order — and restaurants raise their menu prices to offset this cost. A burger that costs $12 in the restaurant might cost $14 or $15 on Uber Eats.
Some restaurants set different prices for different platforms. A pizza place might charge one price on their own website, another on Uber Eats, and another on DoorDash. You can sometimes save money by calling the restaurant directly and ordering for pickup, or by using the restaurant's own app or website if they have one.
Promotions and discounts vary too. Uber Eats sometimes offers discounts on specific restaurants or order types, and restaurants sometimes run their own promotions. Check both the Uber Eats app and the restaurant's website to see which has the better deal.
Your account, payment, and personal information
Your Uber Eats account is separate from your Uber (ride-sharing) account, though they use the same login if you have both. You can manage your payment methods, delivery addresses, and account settings in the app. Uber stores your payment information securely and does not share it with restaurants or drivers.
Your delivery address and phone number are shared with the driver so they can find you and contact you if they need to. You can add delivery instructions — for example, "Leave at front door" or "Call when you arrive" — and the driver will see these before they deliver. You can also contact the driver through the app during delivery.
If you want to delete your account, you can do so in the app settings. This will remove your payment methods and delivery history, though Uber may keep some information for legal or tax reasons. You can also pause your account temporarily if you do not want to receive orders for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order alcohol through Uber Eats?
Yes, in most states and cities. Alcohol orders require you to verify that you are 21 or older, and the driver will check your ID when they deliver. Not all restaurants offer alcohol through Uber Eats, and some cities restrict which types of alcohol can be delivered. Check your local laws and the app to see what is available in your area.
What happens if the driver cannot find my address?
The driver will call or text you using the phone number on your account. Answer and give them directions or landmarks to help them locate you. If they still cannot find you after a reasonable time, they may return the order to the restaurant. You can contact Uber Eats support through the app to report the issue and request a refund.
Can I change my order after I place it?
Only if the restaurant has not started preparing it yet. Open the app, go to your active order, and tap "Contact Restaurant" to ask if they can add or remove items. If they have already started cooking, they usually cannot change it. Once a driver has picked up your order, you cannot change it at all.
Is my food safe and sanitary?
Restaurants are responsible for food safety and follow the same health codes whether you eat in or order delivery. Drivers are not required to have special food-handling training, but they are expected to transport food properly. If you receive food that looks unsafe or smells wrong, do not eat it and report it to Uber Eats for a refund.
What if I am not home when the driver arrives?
Leave delivery instructions in the app — for example, "Leave at front door" or "Ring the doorbell twice." The driver will follow these instructions. If you are not home and did not leave instructions, the driver will try to contact you. If they cannot reach you, they may return the order to the restaurant after waiting a few minutes.