11 Hacks to Score the Best Deals on Food Delivery Apps

9. Use Referral Bonuses and Create Credit Loops

Referrals are a steady source of credit if you and your circle use multiple apps. Most platforms give account credits to both referrer and referee, though values and limits vary. Coordinate with household members to rotate referral usage—sign up new accounts for eligible family members when allowed and apply referral credits before they expire. Some households create a rotation where one person redeems a referral on a slow week, and credits are used for shared orders. Be transparent and follow the platform’s terms—don’t create fake accounts: track referral expiry dates and note which apps allow credit transfer or family profiles. Combine referral credits with first-time promos to maximize initial savings. While referrals won’t replace regular discounts, they’re low-effort and reliable, especially for occasional splurges or when pairing with a membership trial.