Can You Use Gift Cards on Grubhub?

We’ve all been there. You’re craving your favorite burger, you find a gift card buried in your wallet, and a wave of hope hits. Could tonight be the night for a free, delivered meal? If Grubhub is your app of choice, you need to know the rules of the gift card game.

So, let’s get right to the big question: Can you use gift cards on Grubhub?

The short answer is yes, but it completely depends on where the gift card came from. Grubhub’s own gift cards work like a dream. But that card from your favorite local pizza spot? That’s a different story.

This guide will walk you through the ins and outs, so you can turn that piece of plastic into a delicious meal without any hassle.

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How Do Grubhub Gift Cards Work?

Think of a Grubhub gift card as a universal key for the app. It’s designed specifically for the platform, so it works smoothly.

You can pick one up at many grocery stores or buy a gift card with a credit card directly from Grubhub’s website in just a few minutes. Using it is simple:

• Open the Grubhub app and head to your account settings.
• Find the “Payment” section and tap “Add Gift Card.”
• Type in the number and PIN, and the balance is yours.
• Now, when you check out, you can choose your gift card balance to pay for everything, the food, the delivery driver’s tip, and all the fees.

It’s the most flexible way to pay on Grubhub.

Can You Use Gift Cards on Grubhub for All Restaurants?

This is the best part. Once that balance is in your Grubhub account, it’s good for any restaurant you see on the app. The payment is handled by Grubhub, so the restaurant doesn’t need to do anything special.

The only limits are the usual Grubhub ones, the restaurant must be open and delivering to your address. Your gift card doesn’t add any extra restrictions.

Can You Use Restaurant Gift Cards on Grubhub?

This is where we hit the most common snag. When people wonder, “Can you use restaurant gift cards on Grubhub?” The honest answer is almost always no.

Let’s say you have a gift card for Chipotle, Starbucks, or Olive Garden. You cannot type that card’s number into Grubhub’s payment page. The two systems Grubhub’s and the restaurant’s just don’t talk to each other.

The only way to use that restaurant gift card is to order directly from the restaurant, either through their own app/website or in person. On Grubhub, it’s a no-go.

Why Doesn’t Grubhub Accept Restaurant Gift Cards?

It’s not about being difficult; it’s about how the machinery works behind the scenes. Grubhub is a separate company that partners with restaurants. When you order, Grubhub takes your payment, keeps a fee for the service, and sends the rest to the restaurant.

Your restaurant’s gift card is part of its own private system. Grubhub has no way to check its balance or take money from it.

You know, it’s a lot like trying to use a Starbucks card to pay for your movie ticket. They’re just two separate systems that weren’t built to work together. It’s not personal, it’s just how it’s set up.

From the restaurant’s point of view, keeping their gift cards on their own turf makes sense. It lets them run their own special deals and, honestly, it keeps things more secure.

You wouldn’t want just any app to be able to dip into your gift card balance, right? This way, the restaurant has full control, which helps protect everyone from potential gift card scams that can pop up when too many parties are involved.

Best Ways to Use Restaurant Gift Cards with Grubhub

Don’t let that restaurant gift card gather dust! You just need a different strategy.

• Embrace the Takeout Night: Use your restaurant’s gift card by ordering directly from them for pickup. Many have easy online ordering on their own sites.
• Play to Their Strengths: Use your Grubhub gift card for the ultimate convenience of delivery. Save your restaurant-specific card for when you’re out and about or can swing by for pickup.
• Mix and Match: There’s no rule against having both! Use each card for what it’s best at.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Grubhub Gift Card Experience

A little know-how goes a long way. Keep these points in mind:

• Check Your Balance First: Before you get your heart set on a feast, check your gift card balance in the Grubhub app. Make sure it will cover the full total, food, fees, tip, and tax. Remember, gift card taxes are applied to your order total, not to the card itself.
• It’s Okay to Split the Bill: If your gift card doesn’t cover the whole amount, no problem. Grubhub will use your card balance first and then charge the remainder to your backup credit or debit card.
• Combine for More Savings: Your gift card balance can usually be used on top of Grubhub promo codes, so you can double up on discounts.

And a final, important note: always check the fine print. While laws protect you from cards that expire too quickly, it’s smart to know the policy on whether gift cards expire for your specific card.

Wrapping It Up

So, can you use gift cards on Grubhub? Yes, if it’s a Grubhub gift card. It’s your all-access pass to delivered meals.

The trick is to pick the right tool for the job. Want flexibility? Go with a Grubhub card. Love a specific spot? Their restaurant gift card is your ticket.

Either way, you’re on your way to a good meal.