Deliver or drive, on your schedule

At a glance

Compare the apps

Swipe sideways on a phone. Rules vary by city and state, so the app's own sign-up has the final word.

The details

Every app, explained

Know before you sign up

What "independent contractor" really means

• You're your own boss. You pick when to work and which orders to take. No interview, no set schedule.
• You pay your own costs: gas, car wear, phone and data. These add up fast; use the calculator below.
• No taxes are taken out. You'll get a 1099 tax form instead of a W-2, and you owe income tax plus self-employment tax at tax time.
• No benefits. No health insurance, paid time off or unemployment from the app in most states.
• Check your car insurance. Many personal policies don't cover driving for work. Ask your insurer about a rideshare or delivery add-on; it's often a small monthly cost.

Do the math

What you really keep

App earnings aren't take-home pay. Enter a day (or a week) of work to see what's left.

Getting started

What you'll need

1. 1

   Sign up for two or three apps at once. Background checks take anywhere from minutes to several days, and having more than one app keeps you busy when one is slow.

2. 2

   Turn on the fastest cash-out in each app once you're approved, and check the fee before you use it.

3. 3

   Start a mileage log on day one. A free app or a notebook works. It can save you real money at tax time.

4. 4

   Set aside money for taxes from every payout, in a separate account if you can.

Stay safe

Safety basics

• Only accept orders and riders through the app, and never take payment outside it.
• Never share your login, verification codes or bank details with anyone who contacts you. Scammers pose as app "support" to steal your earnings.
• You can decline or cancel anything that feels unsafe. Use the app's safety tools to share your trip and call for help.
• Don't text while driving. Pull over to read the next order.