Ordering food through apps like Zomato and Swiggy has become a daily convenience for millions, but the costs can add up fast. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your favorite meals without burning a hole in your pocket.

Here are the best tips and tricks to help you save money every time you order food delivery.

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1. Look for New User Discounts

Both Zomato and Swiggy offer attractive discounts and cashback for new users. These can be up to 50-60% off or flat ₹150 off on your first few orders.

Tip: Use a friend’s referral link or create a new account carefully to enjoy new user offers if eligible.

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2. Use Coupon and Promo Codes

Before placing an order, search for active promo codes on coupon websites like GrabOn, CouponDunia, or app-specific offers pages. These can give you instant discounts, free delivery, or cashback.

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3. Choose Combo Meals or Value Packs

Many restaurants offer combo meals or meal deals on these apps, which are more economical than ordering items separately. This helps reduce the overall bill especially for lunch or family orders.

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4. Take Advantage of Bank and Wallet Offers

Zomato and Swiggy partner with various banks (HDFC, ICICI, Axis) and digital wallets (Paytm, PhonePe, Lazypay) to offer cashback and discounts. Use these payment options whenever possible to get extra savings.

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5. Subscribe to Premium Memberships

Paid memberships like Zomato Pro or Swiggy One offer perks such as free delivery, exclusive discounts, and priority customer service. If you order frequently, these subscriptions can pay off by reducing per-order costs.

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6. Order in Groups

Place bulk or group orders with family or friends to enjoy discounts and free delivery offers which often apply on larger bills.

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7. Schedule Orders During Off-Peak Hours

Sometimes ordering during non-peak hours unlocks special discounts. Check for time-based offers, usually between 2 PM to 5 PM or late-night slots.

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8. Use Gift Cards for Extra Savings

Buying Zomato gift cards with discounts from trusted sellers gives you direct cash savings on your orders. For example, buying ₹1,000 worth of gift cards for ₹950 saves ₹50 instantly.

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9. Check the “Offers” Section Regularly

Both apps have dedicated “Offers” or “Deals” tabs showing discounts, cashback offers, and restaurant-specific deals. Browsing here before ordering can uncover surprise savings.

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10. Combine Offers Carefully

Stacking bank promotions with app coupons and membership benefits can maximize savings. Always read terms and conditions to ensure offers are combinable.

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Summary Table: Food Delivery Savings Tricks

Saving Trick	How It Works	Pro Tip
New User Discounts	Big % off on first orders	Use wisely and only when eligible
Promo Codes	Extra discounts or free delivery	Check sites like GrabOn regularly
Combo Meals	Cost-effective meal bundles	Great for families or group lunches
Bank & Wallet Cashback	Cashback & instant discounts	Use preferred bank cards for max gain
Premium Memberships	Free delivery & exclusive deals	Good for frequent users
Group Orders	Discounts on large orders	Order with friends & family
Off-Peak Orders	Time-based discounts	Check app notifications
Discounted Gift Cards	Direct savings on future orders	Buy from verified sellers only
App “Offers” Section	Access all ongoing deals	Always glance there before ordering
Combine Offers	Stack multiple discounts	Read terms carefully

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FAQs About Saving on Food Delivery Apps

Q1: Can new user discounts be abused?
Apps track usage. Repeatedly creating accounts could lead to bans. Use legitimately to enjoy benefits.

Q2: Are premium memberships worth the money?
If you order more than 3-4 times a month, subscriptions like Zomato Pro or Swiggy One can save you significant delivery fees and offer good discounts.

Q3: How often do Swiggy and Zomato update coupons?
Every few days or during festivals, sales, and special events. Keep checking regularly.

Q4: Is cashback instant or delayed?
Cashback usually posts within a few days to wallet accounts or bank statements depending on offers.

Q5: Are gift cards safe to buy online?
Yes, if purchased from trusted platforms or official sources. Avoid unknown sellers.