Delivery apps feel expensive because the final total is a stack of fees, not one fee.
This guide explains what each Uber Eats line item means and how to reduce your total in real checkout flow.
Last updated: 2026-02-23
If you need current merchant commission tables (Lite/Plus/Premium, pickup 7%-10%, self-delivery 15%), see: Uber Eats Merchant Fees (US, 2026)
If you need an operator-focused product review (pros/cons and dashboard features), see: Uber Eats for Merchants Review (2026)
Fees vary by city, merchant type, order type, and promotions. Always confirm final pricing at checkout.
Quick Summary
- Uber Eats checkout commonly includes Delivery Fee, Service Fee, and sometimes Small Order Fee
- Service fee is order-size based and some Uber Help pages describe it as typically 5% of subtotal
- Where available, Saver/Wait & Save can lower your delivery cost in exchange for longer ETA
- Priority is usually faster but adds cost
- Uber One (US) is shown at $9.99/month or $96/year, with $0 Delivery Fee and discounted eligible orders
- Regional fee structures can differ a lot (US vs UK vs Canada)
What fees are included in Uber Eats “delivery charge”?
Uber Help describes these core pieces:
- Delivery Fee: changes by distance, demand, courier supply, and market conditions
- Service Fee: changes by order size; some Help pages describe it as typically 5% of subtotal
- Small Order Fee: applies below store-defined subtotal thresholds and can disappear if you add items
If you order from nearby stores, you will often see lower delivery fees than far-away stores.
Other line items you may see at checkout
Depending on market and merchant category, Uber can also show:
- Priority / Delivery Option fee for faster handling
- Order Handling Fee on some merchants
- Marketplace fee labels in some self-delivery contexts
Uber Help pages also show a Standard option and, in some markets, a Saver/Wait & Save option with lower fees and longer ETA.
Priority vs Standard vs Saver (No Rush): Which is cheapest?
- Priority: usually highest cost, fastest handling
- Standard: middle option
- Saver / Wait & Save: often the cheapest, usually slower
If your goal is lowest total, check Saver first, then compare with Standard.
Cheapest Ways to Reduce Uber Eats Fees in 2026
- Start with Saver / Wait & Save if available.
- Clear the small order threshold before checkout.
- Compare Delivery vs Pickup for the same merchant.
- Prefer nearby stores when food quality is comparable.
- Turn off Priority unless time is critical.
- If you order frequently, test Uber One against your monthly savings.
Regional Snapshot: Why totals differ by country
United Kingdom example (official Uber blog update)
Uber UK’s fee explainer shows:
- Delivery Fee range: £0.29 to £14.99
- Service Fee for restaurant orders: 12%, bounded by £0.99 to £3.29
- Marketplace Fee for self-delivered stores: up to 10%, bounded by £0.99 to £2.99
- Bag Fee: up to £0.60 on applicable orders
Canada example (official Uber Help)
Uber Help (Canada page) shows restaurant service fee ranges:
- Restaurant Service Fee: $2.50 to $6.50 per order
- Different percentage/range structures for retail and convenience
- BC-specific section with separate rules and ranges
This is why generic “one-number fee” advice usually fails.
Is Uber One worth it?
Uber’s membership pages show $9.99/month or $96/year in the US market.
Benefits shown include:
- $0 Delivery Fee on eligible orders above minimum subtotal
- discounted eligible orders (you will see market-specific language such as reduced fees or percentage-off benefits)
A quick break-even check:
- Save $2/order -> about 5 orders/month to break even
- Save $3/order -> about 4 orders/month
- Save $5/order -> about 2 orders/month
Exact savings depend on store eligibility, order minimums, and market rules.
FAQ
Why is Uber Eats delivery fee high sometimes?
Delivery fee changes with distance, demand, and courier availability. High-demand windows can increase fee levels.
What is the Uber Eats service fee?
Service fee is an order-size-based fee shown at checkout. Some Help articles describe it as typically 5% of subtotal.
How do I remove small order fee?
Increase cart subtotal above the store threshold. The threshold and fee amount can vary by merchant and category.
Is Priority worth paying?
Usually only if speed matters. For savings, Standard or Saver tends to be better.
Is Uber One always cheaper?
Not always. It works best for frequent users placing eligible orders above minimum subtotals.
What should I check before placing the order?
Compare delivery options, check line-item fees, and verify the final total on checkout.
Related Guides
- Uber Eats Merchant Fees & Commission Rates (2026)
- DoorDash Fees Breakdown (2025-2026)
- US Delivery App Pricing Guide
- Uber Eats vs DoorDash vs Grubhub Fees (2026)