Do you love getting food delivered but dread the costly delivery fees? You’re not alone! There’s nothing like your favorite food delivered right to your hostel or apartment until you look at the final bill. Those extra charges add up quickly, making relatively inexpensive meals a budget buster. There are delivery fees, service charges, and tips, so a $10 meal becomes a $20 splurge.
But here’s some good news! You can enjoy takeout without breaking the bank by using discount apps, stacking promo codes, earning cashback, and tracking your spending with budgeting apps like Blitz. A bit of strategy can go a long way in satisfying your cravings as well as your budget.
In this guide, we’ll outline the best strategies for saving money on food delivery without sacrificing convenience. You will learn about the best discount apps, hidden promo codes, and how Blitz can help prevent spending where you don’t need to. Ready to start saving? Let’s dive in!
Why Food Delivery Gets Expensive (And How to Fix It)
Ordering food delivery is a luxury that comes at a price. The convenience is nice, but those fees! Not so much. Here’s how food delivery becomes expensive and some of ways to fix it without sacrificing your favorite meals.
1. The Hidden Costs of Food Delivery
Food delivery isn’t just about paying for your meal — sneaky fees are everywhere. Delivery charges, service fees, and surcharges can add $5 to $15 per order. That cheap burger? It’s not so cheap anymore.
If your order doesn’t meet the minimum price, you’ll face a small order fee. Restaurants want larger orders, so they charge more if yours is too low. Ordering during peak hours? Expect surge pricing, where fees jump because many people are ordering.
2. How Blitz Helps You Identify Where You’re Overspending on Food
Blitz is like your personal finance coach for takeout. Its AI-powered tool tracks your food delivery spending and shows your monthly totals. Seeing those numbers can be a stiff dose of reality!
For example, if you spend $300 a month on takeout, Blitz will flag it and suggest ways to reduce costs. This will help you to discover cost-effective tweaks and enjoy delivery without maxing out your savings.
Blitz also helps you set a weekly takeout budget and suggests meal planning as a cheaper option. Planning can save you money while letting you treat yourself when you want!
Read: How to Save Money on Travel as a Student Without Missing Out on the Fun?
Best Apps to Save Money on Food Delivery
Food delivery is convenient, but extra fees can quickly add up. The good news is that some apps can save you a few bucks when you dine on your favorite foods. Here are the best food delivery apps.
1. Uber Eats – Best for Frequent Users
If you tend to order takeout a lot, check out the Uber Eats Pass. It offers free delivery and a 5% discount on orders over $15 for $9.99 monthly. This deal is great for regular users. Instead of paying extra for each order, you save money over time while enjoying delivery convenience.
Blitz monitors your Uber Eats spending and provides budget options. You can only save more when using Uber Cash or gift cards with promo codes.
2. DoorDash – Best for Cashback & Rewards
DoorDash’s DashPass also costs $9.99 a month. It reduces service fees and provides free delivery on qualifying orders. If you frequently order from DoorDash, this adds up to big savings over time.
Blitz monitors your monthly spending to keep your takeout budget in check. Many students use DoorDash’s exclusive promo codes available on UNiDAYS, making it easier to save while enjoying their favorite restaurants.
3. Grubhub – Best Student Discounts
Grubhub+ Student is free if you have an Amazon Prime Student. This makes it a top choice for college students wanting to save money. It provides free delivery on eligible orders and is a game changer for regular takeout orders.
Blitz allows you to create spending alerts so you won’t overspend. Checking the Grubhub app for “Perks” is another simple way to snag free food and other bonus deals, which in turn helps keep your food spending in check.
4. Too Good To Go – Best for Cheap Restaurant Leftovers
Students looking to save money and prevent food waste will love Too Good To Go. This app lets you buy excess food from restaurants at significant discounts, sometimes 50%-80% off. It’s a wonderful way to experience quality cuisine at a discounted price.
By using Blitz, you can also track how much money you save using Too Good To Go. If you use the app regularly, you will save enough to contribute more to an emergency fund or other savings goals without skimping on eating out.
5. Fetch Rewards – Best for Cashback on Takeout
Fetch Rewards turns your food delivery receipts into rewards. Just scan your receipts with Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. You collect points that can be traded for gift cards at various big-name restaurants. It’s a simple way to earn cash back on takeout.
Blitz helps track your cashback earnings and reminds you to redeem rewards for free meals. The more you order, the more you save, making Fetch Rewards perfect for anyone who frequently orders food delivery.
Read: How to Save Money on Gym Membership as a Student
Hidden Ways to Save Money on Food Delivery
Food delivery can be expensive, but here are some sneaky ways to save so you can still enjoy the convenience. From hidden deals to shared costs, here are tips for fitting food delivery into your budget.
1. Use Blitz to Find the Best Food Delivery Deals
Blitz helps you find the best food delivery deals easily. It analyzes your spending habits and recommends apps and promo codes to save you money. If you order pizza a lot, Blitz finds the best discounts on various apps, so you will not miss out.
With Blitz, you save time searching for promo codes or comparing prices across apps. It works for you, so you always get the best price on your favorite meals.
2. Look for First-Time User Discounts
Many food delivery apps will give one-off discounts to first-time users, typically between $10 and $20 off. The trick is to sign up with different email addresses, like your school and personal email, to nab multiple first-time deals.
By switching between apps and signing up with new accounts, you can enjoy discounts on several orders. Just keep track of your deals to maximize savings without overspending.
3. Order in Groups to Save on Fees
Ordering solo? You pay full delivery fees. Ordering with friends or roommates? You split those fees and save more money. Some delivery apps even offer group order discounts when several people order together.
Next time you crave takeout, ask your roommates if they want to join in. You’ll reduce fees and might unlock extra savings based on the app you use.
4. Use Browser Extensions for Extra Discounts
Tools like Rakuten and Honey automatically find and apply promo codes for food delivery apps. They help you discover discounts you might not know about. Blitz takes it a step further. It tracks your savings with these extensions so you can see your monthly savings in real-time. If you want to cut costs, install a browser extension and let it do the work. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save by applying a few extra coupons at checkout.
Read: Top 10 Online Jobs for College Students: Earn from Your Dorm
How to Manage Your Food Delivery Spending with Blitz
Want to save smarter? Try Blitz to track your food spending in real-time. You don’t have to give up convenience to control food delivery costs. Blitz lets you track spending, set budgets, and provide emergency cash when needed. Here’s how it helps you manage food delivery expenses.
Blitz’s AI budget tracker shows how much you spend on takeout. If the number surprises you, don’t worry — Blitz helps set limits and sends alerts when you near your budget. Enjoy food delivery without overspending.
If you’re low on cash and need a meal, Blitz has you covered. It offers instant advances up to $99 with no credit checks or interest. This helps you cover food costs without stress. If it sees you overspending, for instance, Blitz can also suggest budget-friendly options, such as meal planning.
FAQs About How to Save Money on Food Delivery Apps
What’s the best food delivery app for saving money?
Grubhub+ Student is ideal for students. It offers free delivery with Amazon Prime Student. If you want the biggest discounts, try Too Good To Go. It helps you get restaurant leftovers for up to 80% off. Both apps make dining out cheaper and keep your budget intact.
Can I use multiple food delivery apps to save money?
Yes! Switching between Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub allows you to take advantage of first-time user deals and seasonal promotions. Many apps also have exclusive deals that change often. Rotating apps helps you maximize savings and gives you the best delivery perks.
How does Blitz help me save on food delivery?
Blitz tracks your takeout spending and alerts you when you exceed your budget. It finds the best promo codes and suggests cheaper options, helping you cut back without sacrificing convenience. By analyzing your spending habits, Blitz ensures you maximize every dollar spent.
What’s the best way to get free food from delivery apps?
You can use referral programs, promo codes, and cashback apps like Fetch Rewards. Many food delivery services give you credits for referring friends or using a promo code for the first time. With Fetch Rewards, you can scan receipts from Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub to earn points for gift cards.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Students and frequent food delivery users can save money by using discount apps, tracking spending, and finding cashback offers. Using Small changes, like using promo codes or Blitz to track your expenses, can make a big difference. You don’t have to stop ordering food — just be smarter about it and take advantage of every deal possible!
Blitz takes the stress out of saving, tracking your spending, alerting you when you might be overspending, and discovering the best deals available on food delivery services tailored to your exact needs. Consider it your budgeting best friend, ensuring your cravings don’t destroy your budget. Download the app here.
Now, it’s time to take action! Install Blitz starting today, keep track of your spending, and take advantage of food delivery promotions that fit your budget. The next time you get a takeout, you’ll ensure you’re getting the best price possible.
