Introduction
Do you want to earn extra money? Maybe you want to save for a new bike. Maybe you want to help your family pay the bills. Or maybe you just want some extra cash in your pocket.
Using delivery apps to make money is one of the easiest ways to start working today. You do not need a boss. You do not have to sit in an office. You can choose when you work and when you rest.
In this guide, we will look at the best apps you can download right now. We will talk about how they work, how much they pay, and how you can get started. If you have a car, a scooter, or even just a bicycle, there is an app for you!
Key Takeaway: Delivery apps give you the freedom to work whenever you want. You are the boss of your own schedule!
1. DoorDash: The Most Popular Way to Deliver Food
DoorDash is one of the biggest delivery apps to make money in the United States and Canada. People who work for DoorDash are called "Dashers."
As a Dasher, you pick up food from restaurants and bring it to people's homes. It is very simple. You see an order on your phone. You see how much money you will make. You can say "Yes" or "No."
How it works:
- Open the app and "Start Dashing."
- Wait for an order to pop up.
- Drive to the restaurant and grab the food.
- Drive to the customer and drop it off.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Types | Car, Scooter, Bike (in some cities) |
| Payment Frequency | Weekly or Daily (with Fast Pay) |
| Requirements | Must be 18+, have a valid ID, and pass a background check |
DoorDash is great because there are always orders. Since so many people use it, you will rarely be bored.
2. Uber Eats: Deliver Food and People
You have probably heard of Uber. They help people get rides. But did you know they also have a huge food delivery business? It is called Uber Eats.
One cool thing about Uber Eats is that you can do it alongside driving people. If you already drive for Uber, you can just turn on "Eats" in the same app. This makes it one of the most flexible delivery apps to make money.
Pros of Uber Eats:
- Instant Pay: You can take your money out up to 5 times a day!
- Big Map: They are in almost every big city around the world.
- Promotions: They often give you extra money if you complete a certain number of deliveries in a few hours.
"Uber Eats is great because I can switch between delivery and driving people depending on how I feel that day." — Expert Driver Tip
3. Instacart: Get Paid to Shop for Groceries
Some people do not like delivering hot food. They worry it will get cold. If that is you, try Instacart! Instacart is for grocery shopping.
With Instacart, you are a "Full-Service Shopper." You go to stores like Walmart or Kroger. You pick out the milk, eggs, and bread that the customer wants. Then, you drive the groceries to their house.
Why Instacart is different:
- You spend more time inside a store and less time driving.
- The tips are often higher because grocery orders are expensive.
- You get to learn where everything is in your local store!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher base pay for large orders | Heavy lifting (cases of water) |
| Inside the AC while shopping | Longer time per order |
Using delivery apps to make money like Instacart is perfect for people who enjoy shopping and staying organized.
4. Amazon Flex: Deliver Packages for the Giant
Amazon is the biggest store in the world. They need a lot of help getting packages to houses. Amazon Flex lets you use your own car to deliver these packages.
Unlike food apps, you sign up for "blocks." A block is a set amount of time, like 3 or 4 hours. You go to an Amazon warehouse, fill your car with boxes, and follow a route.
What to know about Amazon Flex:
- High Pay: They often pay $18 to $25 per hour.
- Set Schedule: You know exactly how much you will make before you start.
- Hard Work: You might have 30 or 40 boxes to deliver in one shift.
Amazon Flex is one of the best delivery apps to make money if you want a guaranteed hourly rate.
5. Grubhub: The Reliable Food Delivery Choice
Grubhub has been around for a long time. Many drivers like it because you can "schedule blocks." When you schedule a block, Grubhub tries to make sure you get enough orders to keep you busy.
Grubhub Features:
- Priority: If you schedule a shift, you get orders before drivers who didn't schedule.
- Set Areas: You usually stay in one specific part of town.
- Good Support: Their driver support is often rated higher than other apps.
Grubhub is a solid choice. It is a very stable delivery app to make money. Many drivers use it at the same time as DoorDash to make sure they always have work.
6. Shipt: Personal Shopping with a Focus on Service
Shipt is owned by Target. It is very similar to Instacart. You shop for groceries and home goods. However, Shipt focuses a lot on "Preferred Shoppers."
If a customer likes your work, they can request you again. This is great because you can build a relationship with your customers. They might give you bigger tips because they know you do a good job!
Shipt Requirements:
- You must be 18 years old.
- You need a reliable vehicle (1997 or newer).
- You need to be able to lift 40 pounds.
Expert Note: Building a list of "Preferred Customers" on Shipt is the best way to earn $20+ per hour consistently.
7. Gopuff: No More Waiting at Restaurants
Gopuff is a bit different. They deliver snacks, drinks, and household items. They have their own small warehouses called "Micro-fulfillment centers."
As a driver, you don't go to different restaurants. You just go to the Gopuff warehouse. You wait there, grab the orders, and deliver them.
Why Gopuff is awesome:
- No waiting for food: The orders are usually ready when you arrive.
- Central location: You always start your trips from the same spot.
- Simple items: You aren't carrying messy soup or huge pizzas.
Gopuff is a fast-growing delivery app to make money that is very popular in college towns!
8. Roadie: Deliver Large Items on Your Way
Roadie is unique. It is owned by UPS. It is used for "on-the-way" deliveries. This means if you are already driving from one city to another, you can pick up an item and drop it off.
Roadie is great for big things. Sometimes you might deliver a lawnmower, a surfboard, or even a lost suitcase from the airport!
Roadie Benefits:
- Long Distance: You can make money while taking a road trip.
- Big Payouts: Large items pay much more than a bag of McDonald's.
- No Food Smells: You are usually delivering retail items or luggage.
If you have a large truck or SUV, Roadie is one of the best delivery apps to make money for you.
9. Spark Driver: Deliver for Walmart
Walmart is the biggest grocery store in many towns. They created the Spark Driver app to handle their own deliveries.
When you use Spark, you go to Walmart. A worker often brings the groceries out to your car. You just have to drive them to the customer. Sometimes, you might also shop for the items yourself, similar to Instacart.
Why choose Spark?
- High volume: Walmart is always busy.
- Multiple orders: You can often deliver to two or three houses in one trip.
- Incentives: They offer "Earnings Incentives" during holidays and weekends.
How to Make the Most Money (Pro Tips)
Just downloading the apps is not enough. You want to be smart. Here is how you can maximize your earnings with delivery apps to make money:
- Work During "Peak Hours": People eat lunch at 12 PM and dinner at 6 PM. These are the best times to work.
- Multi-App: Open two apps at once (like DoorDash and Uber Eats). Take the best order that comes first. Just remember to turn the other one off when you are busy!
- Watch Your Gas: Use apps like GasBuddy or Upside to save money on fuel.
- Be Friendly: A smile and a "Have a nice day" can lead to bigger tips.
- Track Your Miles: Use a free app like Stride to track your driving. This will help you pay less in taxes later!
Quick Tip: Always carry an insulated "hot bag." It keeps the food warm, and customers love it!
Important Costs to Remember
Making money is great, but you have to spend some money too. Being a delivery driver means you are an "Independent Contractor."
Common Expenses:
- Gasoline: This will be your biggest cost.
- Car Maintenance: You will need oil changes and new tires more often.
- Taxes: The app does not take taxes out of your check. You must save some money (usually about 20%) to pay the government later.
- Insurance: Make sure your car insurance covers you for delivery work.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas | $10 - $20 per day |
| Oil Change | Every 3-5 months |
| Taxes | 15% - 25% of earnings |
Do not let these costs scare you. If you are smart, you will still make a lot of profit using delivery apps to make money.
Which App Should You Choose?
Choosing the right app depends on what you like. Use this simple guide to help you decide:
- If you love driving fast and short trips: Choose DoorDash or Uber Eats.
- If you love shopping and walking in stores: Choose Instacart or Shipt.
- If you have a big car and like long drives: Choose Roadie or Amazon Flex.
- If you want to stay in one place: Choose Gopuff.
The best thing to do is sign up for three different apps. Sometimes one app is slow, but the other is busy. Having choices is the secret to success.
Conclusion
Working with delivery apps to make money is a wonderful way to take control of your life. You don't have to ask for time off. You don't have to deal with a mean boss. You just need a phone, a vehicle, and a good attitude.
Whether you are delivering a hot pizza, a week's worth of groceries, or a giant TV, you are providing a service that people need. It is hard work, but it is also rewarding. Start small, try a few different apps, and see which one feels right for you. Before you know it, you will be an expert driver with extra cash in the bank!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old do I have to be to use delivery apps to make money?
In most cases, you must be at least 18 years old. For some apps like Amazon Flex or for delivering alcohol, you must be 21 years old.
2. Do I need a car to deliver?
Not always! In big cities, many apps let you use a bicycle, a scooter, or even walk. Check the app's rules for your specific city.
3. How do I get paid?
Most apps pay you through direct deposit to your bank account once a week. Many also have an "Instant Pay" option where you can get your money the same day for a small fee.
4. Is it safe to do delivery work?
Generally, yes. Most deliveries are "contactless," meaning you just leave the food at the door. It is always smart to stay in well-lit areas and trust your gut feelings.
5. How much can I actually make?
It depends on your city and how many hours you work. Most drivers make between $15 and $25 per hour before expenses. During busy holidays, you can make even more!