Food delivery apps have changed how we eat. From sushi to pizza to a healthy salad, your favorites are only a few taps away. But the convenience of food delivery apps — Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub or Postmates, among others — often has hidden costs: service fees, delivery charges and tips that can add up fast. Fortunately, there are a number of clever ways that you can keep food delivery in your life while avoiding burning a hole in your pocket.

Here are 10 tips for one to save money while ordering on food delivery apps without foregoing favourite meals.

1.  Use Promo and Discount Codes

Using promo and discount codes is one of the simplest and best methods of saving money on food delivery apps. Most apps frequently run promotions for new and returning users. For instance, a simple search on the web can help you find a discount code Uber Eats that can save you a lot of cash on your next meal or delivery. Follow social media and subscribe to newsletters for codes as well. Be sure to enter these codes before you check out; you’d be surprised how much you can save with a few taps.

2.  Make the Most of Introductory Offers

All the food delivery apps come with attractive discounts for new users. Introductory offers are intended to draw in new users, and typically consist of flat discounts, delivery at no extra charge, or a percentage off your purchase. If there is a specific app you have never used, go ahead and download that app and see what promotions are available. For example, when using apps like Uber Eats, codes such as Uber Eats 15% Off are often present on first-time customers. You can also sign up for the same app under different email addresses or phone numbers to reclaim these new-user bonuses, but beware of this tactic because some apps have tightened up tracking on users.

3.  Don’t Avoid Ordering Directly From Restaurants When You Can

Ordering from the restaurant’s own website or app can sometimes save you money. Many restaurants charge less if you order directly, instead of through food delivery apps, which take a cut of the cost. Also, a few restaurants and cafes give loyalty points or exclusive deals that can be availed only when ordering through their platform. If your favorite restaurant is a few strides away, try phoning it in instead of heading through a third-party app. Not only does this save you money, but it can also support small businesses a bit more directly.

4.  Subscribe to Membership Plans

Many food delivery apps have their own monthly subscriptions that offer advantages such as free delivery and exclusive discounts. One subscription plan you might be able to take advantage of is Uber Eats’ Uber One, which can save you cash over time, which is helpful if you order often. The service allows you to avoid delivery fees and claims to offer member-exclusive promotions in exchange for a small monthly fee. This plan will prove itself over time for regular customers if not occasional ones.

5.  Have Cashback and Rewards Features Stacked

Several credit cards and cashback apps reward purchases for food delivery. This bonus isn’t always available, but apps such as Rakuten, Honey, and Capital One Shopping may still provide cashback for ordering through food delivery services. Plus, if you’re using a credit card with rotating bonus categories or particular rewards for dining, you may be stacking savings on top of the app’s promotions. See which of your cards offers the most cashback on restaurant purchases and use that whenever you order.

6.  Plan Ahead and Order in Bulk

And instead of making a smaller order a number of times a week, try ordering in bulk. This is why many restaurants, for free delivery or larger discounts, have minimum order requirements. Ordering enough for a couple of meals, or planning ahead to get food, can help you cut costs on delivery fees and tips. You can also keep leftovers in the fridge or freezer and reheat them as needed, which can help save time and money.

7.  Avoid Peak Hours

During lunch and dinner rushes, many food delivery apps use surge pricing or increased fees. You may also have to wait longer. Ordering at off-peak hours can help you avoid these surcharges. Even many restaurants have time-specific discounts, such as early bird specials or late-night deals, available on the app’s promotions tab. Watch for these and you can plan your meals around them, thus maximizing what you get for your money.

8.  You can sign up for YuppTV for free.

Most food delivery apps have referral programs where you get credits or discounts for inviting your friends to sign up. You receive a bonus once your friend places a first order via your referral link. This is a win-win—you get your friends some savings on their first order, they help you save on your next meal when they use the referral code. If you have a large network, these referral credits can really add up.

9.  Set a Budget and Stick to It

It’s easy to get carried away when it comes to food delivery apps, particularly if you’re hungry and everything looks delicious. Establishing a monthly limit for food delivery services can curb your spending. Reference the app’s order history to track how much you’re spending and where to reduce your orders. Some even let you set spending limits or alerts when you’re close to your budget — which can be a helpful reminder to rein it in.

10. Keep an Eye on Extra Fees

Service fees, delivery charges, small order fees and tips can easily make a $10 meal cost $20 or more. Always double–check your final bill before ordering. Some charge additional fees depending on where you are ordering from or what time of day you’re buying from them. You can usually lower such expenses by tacking on additional orders until you meet a minimum, or by selecting eateries closer to where you are. In addition, some apps have options to collect the food yourself, which cuts out delivery fees altogether.

Final Thoughts

Food delivery apps have made life a lot easier, but if you’re not careful, those costs can end up extremely high. From discount code Uber Eats to bulk orders and ordering at off-peak times, there are plenty of tweaks you can make to your ordering routine that will can save you a great deal over time.

Give these 10 tips a try the next few times you order — you can likely expect to see a change in what you spend on food delivery. Eat happy, and save even happier.