How to Save Money on Takeaways

Ordering takeaway is one of those little luxuries we all lean on. After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is to cook and clean up. But the convenience comes with a price tag. Between delivery fees, service charges, higher menu prices, and tips, that $12 burrito somehow ends up costing closer to $25.

In fact, the average American spends about $237 a month on takeout and food delivery, which can really add up over time. Do the math, and that's almost $200,000 over a lifetime!

That doesn't mean you have to give it up altogether. There are plenty of easy ways to save money on takeaways, and most of them come down to making a few small changes when you order. We've put together our top tips to make ordering in a little cheaper.

1. Order directly from the restaurant

Third-party apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub are convenient, but they tack on service fees, delivery charges, and sometimes even higher menu prices. Many restaurants, including chains like Chipotle, Panera, and local pizza shops, offer cheaper delivery or pickup options if you order directly through their app or website.

Tip: Many restaurants offer exclusive deals or discounts for direct orders. Next time you're craving your favorite dish, check the restaurant's website or give them a call to inquire about any special offers they may have.

2. Compare apps before you order

Even if ordering directly is usually cheaper, it pays to check delivery apps before placing your order. Food apps sometimes run special promotions, offer discounts, or waive delivery fees that make them cheaper than the restaurant's own app on certain days. Comparing prices ensures you're getting the best deal without missing out on special offers.

Tip: Before you hit "order, take a quick look at GrabOn for DoorDash offers and Grubhub promo codes to get a little extra value.

Curious which apps give you the most value? Our guide to the top 9 food delivery apps breaks down deals, fees, and perks so you know where to order next.

3. Look for weekly or daily specials

A bunch of restaurants run special deals to drive traffic on slower days. For example, Papa John's has "Tuesday Pizza Deals, Domino's offers "Mix and Match meal discounts, and Olive Garden features lunch specials. Even local spots run "happy hour deals on Uber Eats and DoorDash, letting you score discounted appetizers, sides, or drinks.

Tip: Always check the "Deals or "Specials section on the restaurant's app or website before ordering.

4. Use pickup whenever possible

Delivery charges and tips add up fast. Skipping them by choosing pickup can save you $5-$10 per order. Chains like Five Guys, Shake Shack, and Blaze Pizza make pickup super easy through their apps. Some local sandwich shops even throw in a free frink for pickup customers.

Tip: Many restaurants tuck their best promos under the pickup option, so check the app or website first before paying extra for delivery fees.

5. Order during off-peak hours

Delivery apps tend to hike up their fees during the lunch and dinner rush. If you can order a little earlier or later, this can cut down delivery charges and get your food to you faster. For example, DoorDash and Postmates sometimes drop their fees mid-afternoon or after 8 PM, making it a perfect time to grab a snack or a lighter meal.

Tip: Try shifting your usual order times by 30-60 minutes. You might catch lower delivery fees or off-peak discounts.

6. Get free stuff with loyalty perks

Many popular chains reward repeat customers with perks for takeout and mobile orders. For example, Dunkin' offers DD Perks, Starbucks has Starbucks Rewards, and Jersey Mike's runs Jersey Mike's Rewards. You can redeem your points for free drinks, sides, or even full meals, which lets your regular orders pay for themselves over time.

Tip: Focus rewards on high-priced items like combo meals or family packs to get the most bang for your points.

7. Skip extras and customize wisely

Extras like guac, cheese, fries, or bottled beverages can quickly add several dollars to your order and raise your total. Chains like MOD Pizza, Qdoba, and Subway let you customize everything, but cutting out unnecessary toppings or sharing sides can keep your meal satisfying while saving money.

Tip: Only add extras you really love. Skip stuff you'll barely notice, like small sides or single toppings.

8. Save more with meal combos

Value meals or combo packs almost always cost less than ordering items individually. For example, Taco Bell Cravings Boxes, Chick-fil-A meal bundles, and McAlister's Deli sandwich-and-soup combos cost way less than getting them separately. Even higher-end chains like Panda Express offer family meals that feed more people for less.

Tip: Before finalizing your order, don't forget to check if a combo option covers what you wanted individually.

9. Use cashback and payment offers

Several payment apps and credit cards run food-related deals. American Express, for instance, offers cashback on Grubhub orders, PayPal gives rotating rewards, and Apple Pay frequently partners with Uber Eats for 3% daily cashback on purchases. Stacking these with in-app deals can help you score small savings that add up in the long run.

Tip: Track which apps and cards give the best bonuses or perks, and stick to those for consistent savings.

10. Sign up for restaurant newsletters and alerts

A lot of chains and local restaurants send exclusive discounts, birthday perks, or early access promotions via email or text. Brands like Panda Express, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Chipotle occasionally release limited-time coupons or free item offers only to subscribers. Signing up means you'll always be first in line for deals and freebies.

Tip: Create a dedicated email for restaurant alerts so you can quickly spot new deals without cluttering your main inbox.

More Ways to Save on Takeout

• Look for direct order discounts. Many restaurants offer online-only deals like free sides, $5 off your first order, or pickup promotions. Chains like Chipotle, Panera Bread, and local pizzerias often have these.
• Use group orders to split fees. Apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats offer group order options where friends or coworkers can add items to one cart. Everyone gets what they want, and you all save by sharing a single delivery charge instead of paying multiples.
• Look at delivery subscriptions. DashPass or Grubhub+ pays off if you order more than twice a month. You get free delivery + member-only discounts.
• Look for coupons before ordering. Before you hit checkout, take a moment to search for food delivery coupons. A quick code can cut a few dollars off your total and make takeout more affordable.
• Check social media drops. Local restaurants sometimes post flash codes or "first 50 orders deals on Instagram.

FAQs

What times or days are best for cheaper takeout deals?
Non-peak hours tend to be cheaper. Late morning, mid-afternoon, or after dinner rush. Also, many restaurants have weekday specials on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, or lunch-only deals. Apps tend to drop delivery fees during slower hours, too.

How can I compare deals across different delivery apps without spending too much time?
A few smart moves:

• Use apps like GrabOn or coupon aggregators to spot codes.
• Keep the restaurant's name and your order in mind, then check the same order on 2-3 apps before confirming.
• Save your favorite takeout meals so you can quickly compare their cost across platforms.

How do I stop overspending on extras like drinks or sides?
Stick to what you really want. Drinks, sauces, and add-ons are where margins are high. Grabbing your own soda from the fridge instead of adding a $3 bottled one can save a lot over time.

How do I stop ordering takeout every night?
Set a budget or limit takeout to certain days of the week. Prepping quick meals (like frozen pasta or pre-chopped veggies) also helps you avoid defaulting to delivery. You can also check out our detailed guide on how to save money on food.

What's the cheapest cuisine to order for takeout?
Pizza usually gives you the best value, especially with combo deals or large sizes you can stretch over multiple meals. Chinese and Mexican takeout also tend to be more filling for the price.