Is Grubhub Worth It? 2026 Driver Review & Pay Breakdown
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: January 20, 2026
Grubhub Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: Grubhub is a major player in food delivery, offering a flexible way to earn money. While earnings can vary, it provides consistent work for many drivers.
Why We Love It
- Flexible schedule options
- Daily or instant payouts
- Widespread availability
The Catch
- ✕Earnings can be inconsistent
- ✕Vehicle expenses add up
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What is Grubhub & How Does It Work?
Grubhub is a popular food delivery app that connects customers with local restaurants. As a driver, you pick up food from these restaurants and deliver it to customers, earning money for each delivery.
It's a gig app that lets you set your own hours and work when it suits you. It's similar to other delivery services but has its own unique features and demand in different areas.
At A Glance
- TypeDelivery
- PlatformiOS & Android Apps
- CostFree
- Est. YearN/A
How It Works
Sign Up and Get Approved
Apply to become a driver, pass a background check, and set up your driver profile. You'll need a valid driver's license and insurance.
Accept Delivery Offers
Go online in the app when you want to work. You'll receive offers for deliveries, showing you the restaurant, customer location, and estimated earnings.
Pick Up and Deliver
Drive to the restaurant, pick up the order, and then deliver it to the customer. Once complete, you'll earn your pay and be ready for the next order.
Is Grubhub Legit? (Company Background)
When considering any gig app, it's important to know if it's a trustworthy platform. Let's look at Grubhub's standing.
- Established Platform: Grubhub has been operating for many years and is a well-recognized name in the food delivery industry. It is a legitimate company with a strong market presence.
- Dedicated Driver Section: The Grubhub website includes a clear 'Partner with us' section specifically for drivers. This shows they actively recruit and support their delivery network.
- Widespread Use: Millions of customers across the USA use Grubhub daily to order food. This high demand means there are consistent opportunities for drivers to find work.
- App Store Presence: Grubhub's driver and customer apps are readily available and highly rated on both the iOS App Store (4.7 stars) and Google Play Store (4.6 stars). This indicates a functional and professional platform.
Verdict: Legit
Grubhub is a fully legitimate company. It is a well-established service with a strong presence in the gig economy, offering real earning opportunities for drivers across the United States.
How Much Do Grubhub Drivers Actually Make?
Understanding how much you can earn is key for any gig worker. Grubhub offers competitive pay, but your actual earnings can change based on several factors.
- Average Hourly Rate: Drivers typically report earning an average of $15 to $22 per hour. This rate can vary depending on your location, how busy it is, and the orders you accept.
- Signup and Referral Bonuses: Grubhub often offers signup bonuses for new drivers and referral bonuses for existing drivers. These amounts vary greatly by market and can provide a nice boost to your initial earnings.
- Tips Are Extra: Customers can add tips to their orders, and drivers keep 100% of these tips. Tips can significantly increase your overall earnings, especially during peak hours.
- Factors Affecting Pay: Your earnings depend on the number of deliveries you complete, the distance traveled, and customer tips. Working during busy times like evenings and weekends can lead to higher pay.
Bottom Line: Grubhub offers a solid earning potential for gig workers, especially when working during peak hours and in active markets. It's a reliable way to make extra money.
How & When Does Grubhub Pay?
Getting paid quickly and easily is important for gig workers. Grubhub provides flexible payment options to ensure you receive your earnings promptly.
- Payment Method: Grubhub primarily pays drivers through direct deposit into their bank account. This is a secure and common way to receive your earnings.
- Minimum Cashout: There is no minimum amount required for direct deposit payouts. All your earnings will be sent to your bank account on the scheduled payment days.
- Cashout Speed: Earnings are typically processed daily. Grubhub also offers an Instant Cash Out option, allowing you to access your funds immediately for a small fee.
- Approval Process: Once a delivery is completed, your earnings are usually processed quickly. There isn't a long approval wait time for individual deliveries.
- Tax Considerations: As an independent contractor, you are responsible for tracking and reporting your income for tax purposes. Grubhub will provide necessary tax documents at the end of the year.
Bottom Line: Grubhub offers convenient payment methods, including daily direct deposits and instant cash out options. This ensures drivers can access their earnings quickly and reliably.
Pros and Cons of Driving for Grubhub
The Good
- Flexible Schedule. You can choose your own hours and work when it fits your personal schedule.
- Competitive Hourly Pay. The average hourly rate is generally good, especially during busy periods.
- Instant Payouts. Access your earnings quickly with the Instant Cash Out feature.
- Keep 100% of Tips. All customer tips go directly to you, boosting your overall income.
- Easy to Use App. The Grubhub driver app is intuitive and straightforward for managing deliveries.
The Bad
- Inconsistent Demand. Order volume can vary, leading to slower periods and lower earnings at times.
- Vehicle Expenses. You are responsible for gas, maintenance, and insurance costs for your vehicle.
- Background Check Required. The signup process includes a background check, which can take some time.
- Market Dependent. Earnings and order availability can differ significantly based on your city or region.
Grubhub Driver FAQ
Is Grubhub legit or a scam?
Grubhub is a legitimate and well-established food delivery service. It has been operating for many years, has a strong presence in the market, and offers real earning opportunities for drivers.
What are the background check requirements for Grubhub drivers?
To become a Grubhub driver, you must pass a background check. This typically looks into your driving record and criminal history to ensure safety and reliability for deliveries.
What vehicle requirements does Grubhub have?
You generally need a reliable car, a valid driver's license, and proof of auto insurance. Some markets may also allow scooter or bicycle deliveries, so check local requirements.
How much can you make delivering for Grubhub?
Grubhub drivers typically earn between $15 and $22 per hour on average. Your actual earnings depend on factors like location, time of day, and the number of deliveries you complete.
How do tips work for Grubhub drivers?
Drivers keep 100% of the tips customers provide. Tips are a significant part of a driver's earnings and are added directly to your total pay for each delivery.
Can you cash out instantly with Grubhub?
Yes, Grubhub offers an Instant Cash Out feature. This allows you to transfer your earnings to your bank account immediately, usually for a small fee, instead of waiting for the regular daily payout.
What are the busiest times to deliver for Grubhub?
The busiest times for Grubhub deliveries are typically during lunch (around 11 AM - 2 PM) and dinner (around 5 PM - 9 PM) hours, especially on weekends. Working these hours can lead to more orders and higher earnings.
