What payment methods Grubhub accepts and how they work
Grubhub takes payment through credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers. When you place an order, Grubhub charges your chosen method when ready — not when the restaurant receives the order or when the driver picks it up. The money goes to Grubhub first, not directly to the restaurant.
Credit and debit cards are the most common route. Grubhub accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal work the same way: you authorize the charge, and Grubhub processes it through the card or bank account linked to that wallet. Bank transfers (sometimes called ACH payments) pull directly from your checking account, though this option is less common and may take longer to process.
Grubhub also offers Grubhub+, a subscription membership that charges a recurring monthly fee to your payment method. This is separate from individual order charges but uses the same card or account you have on file.
Key Takeaways
- Grubhub charges your payment method when you place the order, not when the restaurant prepares it or the driver delivers it.
- Credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal), and bank transfers are all accepted, but card options are most reliable.
- The money goes to Grubhub's account first; Grubhub then pays the restaurant after the order is complete.
- You can save multiple payment methods to your account and choose which one to use for each order.
- If a charge fails, Grubhub will attempt to retry it, but your order will not proceed until payment clears.
How to add and manage payment methods on your account
Log into your Grubhub account on the website or app and go to Account Settings, then Payment Methods. Click Add Payment Method and enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). For digital wallets, select the wallet option and follow the prompts to link it to your Grubhub account. For bank transfers, you will need your routing number and account number.
You can save as many payment methods as you want. At checkout, you will see all saved methods and can choose which one to use for that order. To remove a payment method, go back to Payment Methods, find the card or account you want to delete, and select the delete or remove option. Grubhub will not charge you for saving a payment method — you are only charged when you place an order.
If you want to change the default payment method (the one that appears first at checkout), most accounts let you set a preferred method in the Payment Methods section. Check your app or website version to see if this option is available in your region.
What happens when a payment fails or is declined
If your card is declined or your bank transfer fails, Grubhub will show an error message at checkout. The order will not go through, and you will not be charged. Common reasons for decline include insufficient funds, an expired card, a card flagged for fraud, or a mismatch between the address on file and the billing address you entered.
Grubhub may attempt to retry a failed payment once or twice automatically, but this depends on the type of failure. If the first attempt fails, you will be asked to update your payment method or choose a different one before you can complete the order. If you believe the decline was a mistake — for example, your card is active and has funds — contact your bank to check whether they blocked the charge as fraud.
Once a payment goes through, it is final. Grubhub does not hold the charge pending; the money leaves your account when ready. If you need to cancel the order after payment, you will need to request a refund through Grubhub's app or website, and the refund will go back to the same payment method you used.
Refunds and how money returns to your account
If you cancel an order before the restaurant starts preparing it, Grubhub will refund the full amount, including delivery fees and taxes. If you cancel after the restaurant has begun preparing your food, Grubhub may keep a portion of the order as a cancellation fee. The refund policy varies slightly by location, so check your app for the specific terms in your area.
Refunds are processed back to the original payment method you used. If you paid with a credit card, the refund appears as a credit to that card and typically shows up within 3 to 5 business days, though some banks take longer. If you paid with a debit card, the timeline is the same. If you used a digital wallet like Apple Pay or PayPal, the refund goes back to the account linked to that wallet.
If a refund does not appear after a week, log into your Grubhub account and check your order history. You can see the refund status there. If the refund is still missing, contact Grubhub support through the app or website with your order number and the date you requested the cancellation.
Fees and charges beyond the food price
When you check out, Grubhub adds several charges on top of the restaurant's menu price: a delivery fee (usually $2 to $5, but varies by location and distance), a service fee (typically 10 to 15 percent of the subtotal), and taxes based on your location. Some restaurants also charge a small markup on menu items when ordered through Grubhub.
These fees are all charged to your payment method along with the food cost. Grubhub displays the full total before you confirm the order, so you can see exactly what you will be charged. If you have a Grubhub+ membership, you may see reduced delivery fees on certain orders, but the service fee and taxes still explore.
Promotional codes and credits (like a discount for a first order) are applied at checkout and reduce the total you are charged. If you use a code that covers part of the order, Grubhub deducts it from the total before charging your payment method.
Security and protecting your payment information
Grubhub uses encryption to protect your card details when you enter them. This means your card number is scrambled in transit and stored securely on Grubhub's servers. You should never receive a request from Grubhub asking you to confirm your full card number or CVV via email or text — that is a sign of a phishing scam.
To keep your account safe, use a strong, unique password for Grubhub and enable two-factor authentication if your account offers it. Check your saved payment methods regularly and remove any cards you no longer use. If you notice a charge you did not make, contact Grubhub support when ready and also notify your bank or card issuer.
If your card is lost or stolen, remove it from your Grubhub account right away and contact your bank to cancel the card. Grubhub will not charge a card that has been reported as fraudulent, but it is faster to remove it from your account yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a prepaid card or gift card to pay for Grubhub orders?
Yes, prepaid cards and gift cards that carry a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo work the same way as regular debit cards. Add them to your payment methods like any other card. Some restaurant-specific gift cards (like a Chipotle gift card) cannot be used directly on Grubhub, but you can use a general prepaid card or digital wallet instead.
What if I want to pay cash when the driver arrives?
Grubhub does not offer cash payment at delivery in most areas. You must pay online before the order is placed. A few restaurants may accept cash through third-party delivery services, but Grubhub's standard policy requires prepayment by card or digital wallet.
Does Grubhub charge my card if I just browse without ordering?
No. Grubhub only charges your payment method when you complete an order and confirm checkout. Browsing restaurants, adding items to your cart, and even reaching the payment screen will not result in a charge unless you click the final button to place the order.
Can I split payment between two cards or methods?
No, Grubhub does not allow you to split a single order across multiple payment methods. You must choose one payment method for the entire order. If you want to use two different cards, you would need to place two separate orders.
How long does it take for a refund to show up after I cancel an order?
Refunds are processed when ready by Grubhub, but the time it takes to appear in your account depends on your bank or card issuer. Credit and debit card refunds typically appear within 3 to 5 business days. Digital wallet refunds may appear faster, sometimes within 24 hours. Contact your bank if a refund does not appear after a week.