Should I tip before or after delivery on app-based orders?

Most platforms show tips to drivers before acceptance. You can often adjust after delivery on some apps, but the initial amount strongly affects pickup priority.

How much extra should I tip in bad weather?

Add roughly 5–10 percentage points or a flat $2–$4. On $45, moving from 20% ($9) to 25% ($11.25) acknowledges hazard and slower routes.

Do I need to tip on pickup orders placed through delivery apps?

Pickup does not require tip — no one drives to you. Curbside handoffs may warrant $2–$3 as a courtesy but it is not standard.

Tip scenario

Food Delivery Tip Calculator

Tip on a $45 delivery order at 20% ($9). See $5 minimum guidance and bad-weather adjustments.

Delivery drivers cover fuel, vehicle wear, and unpaid waiting time. Bankrate found 52% of food delivery users always tip in 2025. On a $45 order, 20% is $9.00. Many guides recommend at least $5 even on small orders because base pay per delivery is often only a few dollars before tips.

Bill Amount

Pre-tax bill amount before tip

Tip Percentage

Select a preset or enter a custom percentage

Number of People

Split the total bill and tip evenly

Tip Amount

$9.00

20% of $45.00

Total Amount

$54.00

Bill + tip

Tip Reference for $45.00 Bill

Tip %	Tip Amount	Total
15%	$6.75	$51.75
18%	$8.10	$53.10
20%	$9.00	$54.00
22%	$9.90	$54.90
25%	$11.25	$56.25

Key Considerations

$45 at 20% equals $9.00 tip and $54.00 food-plus-tip total before delivery and service fees.
Pre-tipping on apps affects acceptance speed — low displayed tips can mean longer waits.
Rain, snow, or heat justify 25–30% ($11.25–$13.50 on $45) when conditions are harsh.
Apartment or office handoffs that add 5–10 minutes merit an extra $2–$3 beyond your usual percentage.
Long-distance orders (10+ miles) often deserve $12–$15 tips because the driver commits half an hour or more.

Quick Numbers

Tip at 20%	$9.00
Order total with 20% tip	$54.00
Minimum suggested tip	$5.00
Bad weather tip at 25%	$11.25
Bad weather tip at 30%	$13.50
Bankrate always-tip rate (2025)	52% of delivery users

How This Compares

Delivery tips compensate vehicle costs that restaurant servers do not bear. Percentages mirror dining (15–20%), but the $5 floor matters on $15–$25 orders where 15% might not cover the driver's time and fuel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I tip before or after delivery on app-based orders?: Most platforms show tips to drivers before acceptance. You can often adjust after delivery on some apps, but the initial amount strongly affects pickup priority.
How much extra should I tip in bad weather?: Add roughly 5–10 percentage points or a flat $2–$4. On $45, moving from 20% ($9) to 25% ($11.25) acknowledges hazard and slower routes.
Do I need to tip on pickup orders placed through delivery apps?: Pickup does not require tip — no one drives to you. Curbside handoffs may warrant $2–$3 as a courtesy but it is not standard.

Source Bankrate Tipping Survey (June 4, 2025). Checked October 2026.