By pattipati.nageswar@gmail.com 
In a world where convenience is king, food delivery apps like Zomato have become a staple in our lives. But with regular use, those delivery fees, platform charges, and restaurant markups can quickly add up, making your convenience a costly affair. What if you could enjoy the luxury of restaurant food at your doorstep without burning a hole in your pocket?
The secret lies in becoming a savvy Zomato user. We’ve dug deep to bring you five proven, actionable hacks that will help you save significant money on your orders. Let’s turn you from a casual spender into a smart saver!
Hack #1: Master the Art of Stacking Offers
This is the golden rule of Zomato savings. Never, ever place an order without checking the offers tab first. The real magic happens when you “stack” or combine multiple offers for maximum discount.
How to Stack Like a Pro:
- Check for Bank/Card Offers: This is your primary layer of saving. Zomato frequently partners with banks like HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and Axis to offer cashback (e.g., 15% off) or flat discounts.
- Look for Coupon Codes: Scroll through the list of available coupons. You might find codes for “FIRSTORDER” (if you’re new), “ZOMATO” for a general discount, or specific ones like “FREEDEL” for free delivery.
- Combine with Zomato Pro/Gold: If you’re a Pro member, your discount stacks on top of other offers!
A Stacking Example:
Imagine your cart total is ₹500.
| Offer Type | Without Stacking | With Smart Stacking |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Offer (15% off) | ₹75 off | ₹75 off |
| Coupon Code (₹50 off) | Not Applied | ₹50 off |
| Zomato Pro (15% off) | Not Applied | ₹64 off* |
| Total Saving | ₹75 | ₹189 |
*Pro discount is calculated on the reduced amount after other discounts.
Pro Tip: The order in which discounts are applied can vary. Always check the final checkout price before confirming. For a deeper dive, read our guide on The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Zomato’s Offer Mechanics.
Hack #2: Become a Zomato Pro (Do the Math First!)
Zomato Pro (or Gold in some regions) is a subscription service that offers a flat discount (usually 15-20%) on your bill at partner restaurants. The key question is: Is it worth it for you?
The Pro Membership Calculator:
| Your Scenario | Verdict | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Order 3+ times a month | Worth It | The savings from 3 orders will likely exceed the annual subscription cost. |
| Usually order for 2+ people | Worth It | The discount is on the total bill, so higher bills mean higher absolute savings. |
| Order once a month or less | Not Worth It | You might not break even on the subscription fee. Stick to other coupons. |
How to Maximize Pro:
- Look for the Pro/Gold Badge: Always filter for “Pro Restaurants” to ensure your discount applies.
- Share with Family: While technically against T&Cs, many families use a single Pro account for orders placed from the same household, maximizing its value.
Unsure? Check out our detailed analysis: Zomato Pro vs. Eating Out: A Cost-Benefit Analysis.
Hack #3: The “Pick-Up” Power Play
This is arguably the most underrated hack for saving a substantial amount. If the restaurant is nearby or on your way home, opt for “Pick-Up” instead of delivery.
What You Save By Picking Up:
| Cost Component | Delivery | Pick-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Fee | ₹30 – ₹60 | ₹0 |
| Platform Handling Fee | ₹5 – ₹15 | ₹0 |
| Restaurant Packaging Charges | Often higher for delivery | Sometimes lower |
| Tips | Optional, but often added | ₹0 |
| **Total Extra Savings ** | ₹40 – ₹90+ per order |
Bonus: You often get your food faster and hotter since it doesn’t spend time with a delivery partner. This is perfect for your weekly treat or when you’re already out and about.
Hack #4: Strategic Ordering & Cart Management
How you build your cart can significantly impact the final price.
- Hit the Minimum Order Value (MOV): Delivery is often free if you cross a certain cart value (e.g., ₹199 or ₹299). If you’re just short, add a small, low-cost item like a garlic bread, can of soda, or cookie to qualify for free delivery. It’s cheaper than paying a ₹40 delivery fee!
- Compare Dish Prices: Some restaurants inflate dish prices on Zomato to cover commission costs. Cross-check with the restaurant’s own menu or website. Sometimes, calling and ordering directly can be cheaper, especially for large orders.
- Avoid the “Convenience” Surcharge: Steer clear of single-serve items like 100ml tetra-pack juices or tiny water bottles that have a huge markup. You’re better off buying these in bulk from a local store.
For more on this, see our article: The Psychology of Food Delivery Apps: How to Avoid Overspending.
Hack #5: Time Your Orders Right
Believe it or not, when you order can affect how much you pay.
- Lunch vs. Dinner: Lunch menus and combos are often cheaper than their dinner counterparts. If your schedule allows, ordering a hearty lunch can be more economical.
- Off-Peak Ordering: During peak hours (7-10 PM, weekends), restaurants are swamped, and delivery partners are in high demand. While the price of food might not change, you might find fewer “free delivery” options. Ordering an early dinner or a late lunch can sometimes yield better offers.
- Festive & Sale Seasons: Keep an eye out during major festivals or Zomato’s own sale events (like their anniversary). They often release site-wide coupons with higher discount caps.
BONUS HACK: The Loyalty Loop
Don’t ignore the power of loyalty.
- Zomato Credits: Always rate your orders and provide feedback. Zomato often rewards this with small credits (e.g., ₹25-₹50) that can be used on your next order.
- Favorite Restaurants: Regularly ordering from a few favorite restaurants might make you eligible for unannounced “regular customer” discounts or priority service.
The Final Bill: Your Action Plan
| Hack | Potential Saving Per Order |
|---|---|
| Stacking Offers | ₹50 – ₹150+ |
| Using Zomato Pro | 15-20% off bill |
| Choosing Pick-Up | ₹40 – ₹90+ |
| Strategic Cart Management | ₹20 – ₹50+ |
| Timing Your Orders | Varies (10-15%) |
By consciously applying even two or three of these hacks, you can easily save 25-40% on your monthly Zomato spending. It’s all about being mindful, planning just a little bit, and knowing where to look.
Ready to eat smarter? Open Zomato, apply these hacks, and enjoy your next meal knowing you got the best deal possible!
You May Also Like:
- Swiggy vs. Zomato: Which App Saves You More Money in 2024?
- How to Identify Authentic Restaurant Reviews on Food Apps
- Healthy Eating on a Budget: A Food Delivery Guide
- The Hidden Costs of Convenience: A Deep Dive into Delivery App Economics
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