How Do Grubhub Drivers Get Paid? Payment Methods and Schedules Explained

The gig economy has transformed how people earn their livelihoods. Among the many platforms fueling this shift, Grubhub is a popular choice for food delivery drivers looking to make a living on their terms. Learn how Grubhub drivers get paid. 

As of 2023, the platform had 65,000 active drivers. If you are also looking to join the team, understanding how payments work is a critical first step. 

Grubhub has a structured payment system. From base pay to tips, bonuses, and the various payment methods, the platform ensures drivers are compensated for their efforts. 

However, knowing the specifics of payment schedules, potential earnings, and the best ways to optimize income can make a big difference.

In this guide, we will highlight how Grubhub drivers get paid, so you can make an informed choice about joining the platform. 

How Do Grubhub Drivers Earn Money?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Grubhub drivers earn money:

Delivery Pay

Each delivery a driver completes earns them a base pay, which is determined by several factors:

• Mileage: The distance between the restaurant and the customer’s location influences the base pay; longer distances typically result in higher compensation.
• Delivery Type: The nature of the delivery, such as standard orders versus catering or large orders, can affect the base pay rate.
• Time Spent Delivering: The total time required to complete the delivery, including wait times at the restaurant and travel time to the customer, is considered.
• Market Conditions: Local market dynamics, including demand, competition, and cost of living, play a role in determining base pay rates.

Tips

Grubhub allows customers to tip drivers directly through the app, and drivers retain 100% of these tips. Tips are visible to drivers after they accept an order, providing transparency and allowing them to gauge the total potential earnings from each delivery.

Bonuses and Incentives

To motivate drivers and meet delivery demands during peak times, Grubhub offers various bonuses and incentives:

• Missions: Drivers can earn extra pay by completing a set number of deliveries within a specified timeframe.
• Peak Pay: During high-demand periods, such as lunch or dinner hours, Grubhub may offer additional pay to encourage more drivers to be available.
• Challenges: Occasionally, drivers are presented with specific challenges that, when completed, result in bonus earnings.

How Do Grubhub Drivers Get Paid?

There are two main payment methods on Grubhub:

Weekly Direct Deposit

Grubhub offers a standard weekly payment option through direct deposit. Drivers receive their earnings from all completed deliveries, including base pay, tips, and any bonuses or incentives.

• Pay Period: The Grubhub pay period begins on Monday and ends on Sunday.
• Payment Processing: Payments are typically processed at the start of the week, and funds are deposited into the driver’s bank account by Thursday.
• Setting Up Direct Deposit: To enable direct deposit, drivers need to link their bank account details within the Grubhub for Drivers app. This setup ensures a seamless and automated transfer of earnings.

Instant Cash Out

For drivers who prefer immediate access to their earnings, Grubhub provides the Instant Cash Out feature. This option allows drivers to transfer their available earnings to their linked bank accounts or debit cards in real-time.

• Availability: Instant Cash Out is accessible 24/7, making it a highly flexible option for drivers who require quick access to funds.
• Requirements: Drivers must have a minimum balance in their Grubhub account to use this feature. Additionally, they need to link a valid debit card to enable instant transfers.
• Fees: While Instant Cash Out is convenient, it incurs a small transaction fee, which is deducted from the transferred amount. This fee may vary based on the banking institution or debit card used.
• Limitations: Drivers can use Instant Cash Out up to a specified number of times per day (usually 5). It’s worth noting that earnings from tips may take a few hours to become available for cash-out, as they are processed after delivery completion.

The platform maintains transparency with its drivers. All the earnings statements are available on the app and can be viewed at any time. 

These statements show the total amount earned from each delivery, broken down into base pay, tips, and bonuses. Additionally, drivers can also check out the funds available for instant cash out, and those scheduled for weekly direct deposit.

How to Maximize Your Earnings on Grubhub?

Here’s how you can make more money on Grubhub:

Drive During Peak Hours

One of the most effective ways to increase your earnings as a Grubhub driver is to schedule your shifts during peak hours. These are typically lunchtime, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and dinner hours, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

During these times, the demand for food delivery spikes, resulting in more frequent orders. Grubhub often offers peak pay incentives during high-demand periods, providing additional bonuses for completing deliveries. 

By aligning your availability with these busy times, you can complete more orders in less time, significantly boosting your overall income.

Prioritize High-Paying Orders

Grubhub allows drivers to see an estimate of their earnings for each delivery before accepting an order. By analyzing the payout and considering factors such as distance and delivery time, you can focus on the most lucrative opportunities. 

High-paying orders often include larger tips or come from customers placing bulk or premium food orders. Accepting these deliveries can help maximize your earnings while minimizing time spent on less profitable routes. 

However, it’s also important to maintain a balance, as declining too many orders can impact your driver metrics.

Plan Efficient Routes

Time and fuel efficiency play a crucial role in determining your profitability. Planning your routes carefully can help minimize travel time and reduce fuel consumption. Use navigation tools like Google Maps or Waze to identify the quickest paths and avoid traffic. 

Additionally, you can group deliveries that are located close to each other, ensuring you can complete multiple orders in one trip. This strategy not only saves time but also allows you to earn more within the same driving hours.

Deliver Outstanding Customer Service

Exceptional service can lead to higher tips and repeat orders. Simple actions, such as timely communication with customers about order delays or ensuring food is handled carefully, make a significant difference. 

Using an insulated delivery bag keeps orders fresh and professional. Customers who receive excellent service are more likely to tip generously, further enhancing your income potential.

Go for Grubhub Incentives

Grubhub frequently offers special promotions or challenges to encourage drivers to complete more deliveries. These incentives, often referred to as “Missions,” provide additional bonuses for completing a set number of deliveries within a specific timeframe. 

Keep an eye on app notifications and plan your shifts around these offers to maximize your earnings. 

Additionally, areas with higher customer demand may have localized promotions, so understanding your market can further increase your opportunities for bonus payouts.

How Can Fundo Help?

As a Grubhub driver, you may encounter situations where you need quick access to funds. This can be for urgent car repairs or for managing bills during a slow week, or multiple other situations. 

Traditional loans can be challenging for gig workers due to irregular income, but Fundo in this scenario offers a tailored solution.

Fundo specializes in same-day cash advances designed for gig workers. With an easy application process, drivers can request up to $10,000. If approved, funds are disbursed quickly, ensuring drivers can meet their financial needs without delay.

Don’t let unexpected expenses disrupt your work. If you need immediate financial support, apply for a cash advance with Fundo today and stay focused on your deliveries!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Money Can You Make as a Grubhub Driver?

Grubhub drivers’ earnings vary based on factors like location, hours worked, and delivery efficiency. On average, drivers earn approximately $18.75 per hour, with reported ranges from $9.86 to $30.77 per hour, that’s how Learn how Grubhub drivers get paid, including payment methods, schedules, and tips for maximizing earnings. Discover everything you need to know about Grubhub driver payments!. Actual income, however, depends on delivery volume, tips, and expenses such as fuel and vehicle maintenance.

How do I get my earnings from Grubhub?

Grubhub offers two primary payment methods for drivers:

• Weekly Direct Deposit: Earnings are processed weekly, with payments sent via direct deposit on Thursdays, reflecting deliveries completed from Monday through Sunday of the previous week. 
• Instant Cash Out: For immediate access, drivers can use the Instant Cash Out feature to transfer available earnings directly to their bank account or eligible debit card, up to $500 per day.

Need cash fast to keep your Grubhub or rideshare business running smoothly? Fundo offers quick and hassle-free cash advances tailored for drivers like you. Cover expenses, fuel up, or handle emergencies with ease. Apply Now for a cash advance from Fundo and keep moving forward!