Why I'm Never Ordering Costco Groceries From Uber Eats Again

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Back in May 2024, when Uber and Costco revealed their new partnership, I was excited. Since I earn 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats orders with my credit card, I thought this would be an easy way to start saving on Costco orders. I even got $60 off my first Costco order with an Uber Eats promotion. I felt as if good things were coming my way.

Since then, I've used Uber Eats to order Costco groceries one more time. And that was one time too many. Though it was super convenient to have my Costco products delivered to my door -- no lines, no parking lot chaos, no shopping cart mania -- it was expensive and didn't get me everything I wanted.

If you're new to Uber Eats or are a Costco member, here's why I wouldn't use the app to order your groceries.

Costco products are more expensive through Uber Eats than in store

Costco nearly always marks up products on delivery apps and costco.com versus what you'd find in warehouses. In theory, this helps pay for delivery services and supports the delivery shoppers on those apps. But the markups can leave you spending more than what you would have spent in person.

For example, I recently bought groceries at my local Costco near Newark, New Jersey (the Clifton store). If I had purchased these same products through Uber Eats, I would have spent about $27 more. Here's a breakdown of the price differences.

Data source: Author's receipt, Uber Eats

Don't forget about fees and tipping the delivery driver

Although Costco items are marked up, you still have to pay delivery and service fees to Uber Eats. Depending on if you have an Uber One membership, this could add another $12 or so to your total.

For instance, if I wasn't an Uber One member through my credit card, I would have to pay about $14 in delivery and service fees (this includes taxes, too). That would bring my estimated total to about $172, rounding up (with my Uber One membership, it's about $162).

Finally, there's the tip to the delivery driver. I always tip at least 15% on my Uber Eats orders. Since my credit card earns a hefty amount of cash back for Uber Eats, I would effectively be giving them my cash back to deliver my goods. On this order, I would have given the driver about $25. That would bring my total to roughly $200 (or $187 with my Uber One membership).

That's a hefty sum for convenience. Do the math for yourself, but you're probably better off shopping at your local warehouse to save yourself $50 to $70.

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