5 Ways to Make Your Next Takeout Meal Cheaper

If you don't want to cook but you'd prefer to eat dinner on your couch instead of having to put on actual clothes to go sit in a restaurant, takeout is the answer. Unfortunately, it's an answer that sometimes results in a lower checking account balance than you'd probably prefer. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy restaurant meals at home for less money.

1. Consider a subscription

If you find yourself turning to delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub time after time, consider signing up for a subscription. Yes, this will cost you a chunk of money either upfront or monthly, but if you order often enough, it'll pay for itself. As an example, DoorDash's subscription, DashPass, costs $9.99 per month or $96 for a whole year, but DoorDash says users save $4 to $5 per order. Based on this, even using the service just twice a month means it'll pay for itself. Plus, you get access to deals and can earn 5% in DoorDash credit if you opt for pickup (more on that below).

You may also be eligible for a free subscription for a period through a credit card or another service you pay for. I got a free DashPass subscription thanks to my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, and I also got a free Grubhub+ subscription because I'm an Amazon Prime member.

2. Use the right credit card

In addition to that aforementioned free DashPass subscription, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also has dining as a bonus category, meaning I earn 3 points per $1 spent on takeout and delivery. Want a great takeout credit card of your very own? Check out our list of the best credit cards for dining and restaurants. The cash back or rewards points you can earn with one of these cards will help defray the cost of your takeout.

3. Opt for breakfast or lunch over dinner

Dinner menu prices at restaurants are usually higher than for other meals. I know, I know -- sometimes you want nothing more than to finish work, put your feet up, and order dinner to be delivered. But if you instead treat yourself to breakfast or lunch at a restaurant, you could save a few bucks.

4. Order a larger portion to make a second meal

I've found that this trick works especially well at burrito joints like Chipotle, and it's one I rely on often. For $3.45 through the Chipotle app, you can have an extra portion of chicken added to your burrito. I opt for this, cut said burrito in half, and voila! Two meals for just a few dollars more. I'll also point out that extra beans can be yours for free to bulk up that burrito with even more protein.

5. Pick up your order

Here I am, giving advice I rarely follow myself! But it's true -- if you pick up your order instead of having someone bring it to you, you can eat the same great food for less money. And some subscription services (including DashPass) give credit back for picking up an order. As an example, I built my regular sushi takeout order in DoorDash to see what my savings would be if I took my own advice.

As a pickup order, my sushi tab came to $14.68 ($13.50 for the sushi, plus tax), and I would receive $0.68 back in DoorDash credit (5%) after the order was completed. If I ordered for delivery, my total would come to $19.36 ($13.50 for the sushi, plus fees and taxes totaling $1.86 and a $4 tip). Figuring in that $0.68 credit, I'd save $5.36 by picking up my order. Not too bad!

If you just can't get enough takeout, try the above tips to make the hit to your personal finances a bit softer. Bon appetit!