5 Uber Eats Tricks Restaurants Don’t Want You to Know

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Apply Promo Codes and Points to Every Order

Let’s be real. Uber Eats promo codes are like free money just sitting there waiting to be used.

You’d be surprised how many people forget to check before hitting “Place Order.”

Here’s what to look for next time:

• Rewards points can knock off a few bucks if you order often.
  
• Email deals sometimes include random $10 discounts you didn’t know existed.
  
• Coupon websites often hide codes that work even when Uber Eats “has no promotions.”
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Before every checkout, take 20 seconds to search “Uber Eats promo code” and apply the best one you find.

Make It Easy: Use Capital One Shopping to automatically test and apply every working discount code for you.

2. Skip the “Priority Delivery” Option (It’s a Waste)

Sure, your food might arrive ten minutes faster, but that extra $2–$4 could buy tomorrow’s coffee.

Unless you’re starving after a 10-hour day, “priority” is basically paying for impatience.

Here’s why you can skip it guilt-free:

• Regular delivery times are almost identical during off-peak hours.
  
• Drivers earn the same, so you’re not tipping for better service. just extra speed.
  
• You’ll feel smarter when your burger tastes the same, but your wallet’s heavier.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Next time you order, leave “priority” unchecked and set a timer. Bet, it still shows up on time.

3. Schedule Deliveries Before Rush Hour to Avoid Price Spikes

Ordering when everyone else is hangry? That’s when Uber Eats quietly bumps up prices.

If you time it right, though, you’ll pay less and get faster delivery.

Small changes make a big difference:

• Order 30–60 minutes before peak meal times (think 11:30 AM or 5 PM).
  
• Avoid Friday nights, when surge pricing can double fees.
  
• Save favorite times in the app so you don’t forget when prices drop.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Plan. Place your dinner order before the crowd rush hits, then relax while they wait longer and pay more.

Make It Easy: Use a dry-erase meal planner board to jot down what days you’ll order and when.

4. Skip Fancy Restaurants That Charge Higher Menu Prices

Here’s a sneaky secret: most restaurants mark up their menu prices on Uber Eats.

The fancier the place, the higher the markup. sometimes up to 25%.

You can avoid those hidden markups easily:

• Stick to casual spots or family-owned restaurants that keep pricing fair.
  
• Check the restaurant’s own site. Some offer cheaper direct ordering.
  
• Save your “treat” restaurants for dine-in nights when you actually enjoy the experience.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Compare one menu item between the app and the restaurant’s website before placing your next order.

5. Use Uber Cash or Gift Cards to Set a Budget

Impulse ordering is fun until your bank app reminds you what you’ve done.

Uber Cash or gift cards create a built-in limit so you only spend what’s preloaded.

Think of it like training wheels for your budget:

• Load $50 or less each month for food delivery.
  
• Gift cards often come with bonus credits during promotions.
  
• Preloading funds stops those late-night “oops” orders from going overboard.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Add Uber Cash at the start of each month and stick to that amount. When it’s gone, you’re done.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌