Pick the right gig app before you sign up.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of all four delivery apps, built from each platform’s own sign-up pages and the IRS.
Requirements vary by city and state, so confirm the final details in each app.
DoorDash vs Uber Eats vs Instacart vs Amazon Flex: Gig Jobs Compared
Quick jump: DoorDashUber EatsInstacartAmazon FlexFree gig job start plan builder
| App | Minimum age | Vehicles | Cash-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | 18 in most states, 19 in 12 states, 21 in California (new applicants) | Car, scooter, bike in select cities | Weekly, or daily for $1.99 |
| Uber Eats | 18 by bike or on foot, 19 by scooter or car, 21 for cars in CA and NY State | Car, scooter, bike, on foot | Weekly, or up to 6 times a day for a fee |
| Instacart | 18 | Car for full-service, none for in-store | Check the Shopper app |
| Amazon Flex | 21 | Mid-size car or larger | Choose your days, weekday to weekly |
1. DoorDash
DoorDash delivers restaurant food, groceries and convenience orders. You choose when to Dash, and DoorDash states there is no minimum number of hours.
Minimum age: 18 in most states. It is 19 in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and West Virginia, and 21 in California for new applicants. Vehicles: car, scooter, or bike in select cities. Cash-out: weekly, or daily for a $1.99 fee per transaction, subject to eligibility. Tips: you keep 100%.
Good to know: DoorDash’s own insurance covers up to $1,000,000 during an active delivery, but it does not replace the auto insurance you must carry for motorized delivery. Bike Dashers need only a valid ID.
2. Uber Eats
Uber Eats lets you deliver by car, scooter, bike or on foot in many cities. The app shows what a delivery will earn before you accept it.
Minimum age: 18 by bike or on foot, and 19 by scooter or car (21 for cars in California and New York State). You need: a government ID or driver’s license in your name, a Social Security number and a background screening. Cash-out: up to six times a day for a fee, or automatic weekly bank transfers. Tips: you keep 100%.
Good to know: Uber’s sign-up page does not mention insurance, so ask in the app and check with your own insurer. Many markets require proof of residency.
3. Instacart
Instacart shoppers pick groceries in a store and deliver them to customers. Some locations also use in-store shoppers, who stay inside the store and do no deliveries.
Minimum age: 18, verified with ID technology. Screening: criminal and motor vehicle record background checks, plus photo verification, with checks refreshed over time. Vehicle: full-service shoppers use a car and carry auto insurance that meets state minimums. Earnings: you earn per batch and see an estimate before you accept.
Good to know: In-store shoppers are employees in some locations, while full-service shoppers are independent contractors. DoorDash announced on October 29, 2026 that it will acquire Instacart for about $17 billion, with closing expected at the end of 2027 or in the first half of 2028.
4. Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex delivers packages, and in some areas other order types such as groceries, using your own vehicle. You reserve delivery blocks in the app up to a week ahead, or take offers when you mark yourself online.
Minimum age: 21. You need: a valid driver’s license, a qualifying vehicle (mid-size car or larger), a smartphone, a Social Security number, bank details and insurance. Earnings: Amazon states most drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, and actual earnings vary by location, tips and delivery time. Cash-out: choose your days, from every weekday to once a week.
Good to know: Amazon is the only one of the four to publish an hourly range, and it comes with a note that your earnings can be lower or higher. Each offer shows its earnings before you accept.
Free Gig Job Start Plan Builder
Step 1. Which gig app do you want to start with?
Step 2. When do you plan to work?
Step 3. Tap the next steps you want in your plan.
Step 4. Click any text in the gig plan below and type or modify to make it yours.
Replace the sample name and contact details with your own, and confirm age, vehicle and insurance rules for your city and state in the app before you sign up.
Gig Start Plan: DoorDashUber EatsInstacartAmazon Flex
Daniel Brooks | Columbus, OH | (555) 010-3391 | daniel.brooks@email.com | November 14, 2026
My Goal
Start delivering with DoorDashdelivering with Uber Eatsshopping and delivering with Instacartdelivering with Amazon Flex, track every business mile and set money aside for taxes. Review this plan after 4 weeks.
Requirements Check
- Minimum age: 18 in most states, higher in some states (21 in California for new applicants)
- Vehicles: car, scooter, or bike in select cities
- You need: a valid ID, a Social Security number, a compatible phone and a background check
- Earnings: base earnings plus 100% of tips
- Minimum age: 18 by bike or on foot, 19 by scooter or car (21 for cars in California and New York State)
- You need: a government ID or driver’s license, a Social Security number and a background screening
- Many markets also ask for proof of residency
- Earnings: base fare, promotions and tips, with 100% of tips kept
- Minimum age: 18, verified with ID technology
- You need: criminal and motor vehicle record checks and photo verification
- Full-service shoppers use a car and carry state-minimum auto insurance
- In-store shoppers work only inside the store and are employees in some locations
- Minimum age: 21
- You need: a valid driver’s license, a qualifying vehicle (mid-size car or larger), a smartphone, a Social Security number, bank details and insurance
- Schedule: reserve delivery blocks up to a week ahead
- Earnings: Amazon states most drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, and actual earnings vary
How I Cash Out
Check the Shopper app for your cash-out options, and look at the estimate before you accept each batch.
Choose your cash-out days in the app, from every weekday to once a week, to a bank account or the Flex Debit Card.
My Schedule
Work two evening shifts and one weekend shift each week, then review your net earnings after 4 weeks.
Schedule shifts between school drop-off and pickup, with a 30-minute buffer before pickup.
Track hours, miles and earnings for 4 weeks before you change your other income.
My Next Steps
- Confirm you meet your state’s minimum age for the platform.
- Check that your auto insurance meets your state minimum, and ask your insurer about delivery use.
- Make sure your phone runs the current app with enough storage and data.
- Have your license, ID and Social Security number ready for the background check.
- Track every business mile with an app or notebook. The 2026 IRS business rate is 72.5 cents a mile.
- Move part of every cash-out into a separate account for taxes.
- Mark the estimated tax dates: April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.
- Choose weekly or faster cash-out, and check any fee first.
- Save receipts for your phone, parking, tolls and insulated bags.
- Try two apps and compare your net earnings after 4 weeks.
- Set a weekly net earnings goal after gas and wear on your car.
- Plan safe delivery hours and share your location with someone you trust.
Tax Notes (IRS)
- File a tax return if your net self-employment earnings reach $400, even for a side job.
- Report all income, even if you do not receive a Form 1099.
- Self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security and 2.9% Medicare).
- Keep records of all income, miles and expenses.
To save your gig plan: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the gig plan prints. To copy it, select the text inside the gig plan and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
Gig Job Requirements and Earnings Information Compared
| App | Insurance | Screening and ID | Earnings information |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | Required for motorized delivery, plus up to $1,000,000 in DoorDash coverage during an active delivery | National background check, motor vehicle record, SSN trace | Base earnings plus 100% of tips, no income claims |
| Uber Eats | Not stated on the sign-up page, so ask in the app | ID or license, SSN, background screening, proof of residency in many markets | Base fare, promotions and tips, with an offer shown first |
| Instacart | State-minimum auto insurance for full-service shoppers | Criminal and motor vehicle record checks, photo verification | Per batch, with an estimate shown first |
| Amazon Flex | Entered during account setup | License, SSN, bank details | Most drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, per Amazon |
Which Gig App Fits You?
| If you | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Are 18 and have no car | DoorDash bike delivery, Uber Eats bike or foot, Instacart in-store | Bike and foot options start at 18, and in-store roles stay inside the store |
| Are under 21 | DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart | Amazon Flex requires age 21 |
| Want scheduled blocks | Amazon Flex | You reserve blocks up to a week ahead |
| Want to cash out fast | DoorDash, Uber Eats, Amazon Flex | Daily, up to six times a day, or your choice of days |
| Want an earnings range to test | Amazon Flex | Amazon states $18 to $25 an hour for most drivers |
| Prefer groceries to restaurant food | Instacart, DoorDash | Both deliver grocery orders |
What Is Left Per Hour? An Example
Gross earnings are not what you keep. This example subtracts the IRS 2026 business mileage rate of 72.5 cents a mile from each hour, as a rough guide to car costs. It is an illustration, not a promise, and taxes come out of what is left.
| Example | Gross per hour | Miles per hour | Left per hour before taxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | $20 | 8 | $14.20 |
| B | $20 | 12 | $11.30 |
| C | $25 | 12 | $16.30 |
| D | $25 | 18 | $11.95 |
Your own numbers will differ. Track your hours, miles and earnings for 4 weeks, then compare each app on net earnings per hour.
Gig Work Taxes for 2026
Gig workers are independent contractors, so no tax is taken out of your earnings. The IRS points out these rules.
- Report everything. You must report all income, even if you do not receive a Form 1099.
- File at $400. You must file if your net self-employment earnings are $400 or more, even for a side job.
- Self-employment tax is 15.3%. That is 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare, and you can deduct about half of it when figuring your adjusted gross income.
- Estimated taxes. The dates are April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.
- Forms. You may receive a 1099-K, 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC by January 31, and you file Schedule C and Schedule SE with your Form 1040.
- Keep records. Save receipts and a record of all income and business miles.
The standard mileage rate for 2026 is 72.5 cents per business mile. Using it is optional, and you can deduct actual vehicle costs instead. Here is what it adds up to.
| Business miles in a year | Deduction at 72.5 cents a mile |
|---|---|
| 500 | $362.50 |
| 1,000 | $725.00 |
| 2,500 | $1,812.50 |
| 5,000 | $3,625.00 |
| 10,000 | $7,250.00 |
Talk to a tax professional or use IRS free help before filing, because your deduction depends on your records and situation.
Mistakes to Avoid With Gig Jobs
- Counting gross as take-home. Subtract gas, wear and taxes first.
- Skipping insurance. Check that your coverage fits delivery use.
- Forgetting mileage. Track every business mile from day one.
- Spending every cash-out. Move part into a separate tax account.
- Missing quarterly dates. Put all four on your calendar.
- Working unsafe hours. Share your location with someone you trust.
Gig Start Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are ready to start when the counter reaches 5.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gig Jobs
Which gig job earns the most?
No app can promise it. Amazon states that most Flex drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, while DoorDash, Uber Eats and Instacart publish no hourly figure. Compare your net earnings per hour after gas and wear on your car.
Which gig job can I start without a car?
DoorDash allows bikes in select cities and needs only a valid ID for bike delivery. Uber Eats allows bike or foot delivery at 18, and some Instacart locations hire in-store shoppers.
What is the minimum age for each app?
DoorDash is 18 in most states, with higher limits in some states. Uber Eats is 18 by bike or on foot and 19 by scooter or car, with 21 for cars in California and New York State. Instacart is 18 and Amazon Flex is 21.
Do I need car insurance?
DoorDash requires your own auto insurance for motorized delivery. Instacart full-service shoppers carry state-minimum coverage, and Amazon Flex asks for insurance during setup. Uber’s page does not mention it, so check in the app and with your insurer.
Can I work for more than one delivery app?
Many gig workers use several apps, but read each platform’s terms and your insurer’s rules first. Comparing two apps for 4 weeks is a simple way to find the better one for your area.
How fast can I cash out from a delivery app?
DoorDash offers daily cash-out for a $1.99 fee, Uber Eats allows up to six cash-outs a day for a fee, and Amazon Flex lets you choose your cash-out days. Check the app for current fees.
Do I owe taxes on gig earnings?
Yes. The IRS says you must report all income, even without a Form 1099, and you must file if your net self-employment earnings reach $400. Self-employment tax is 15.3%.
Can I deduct mileage?
The 2026 IRS standard mileage rate for business is 72.5 cents per mile. Using it is optional, and you need records of your business miles. Ask a tax professional how it applies to you.
When are estimated taxes due?
The IRS dates are April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15. If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
What does DoorDash buying Instacart mean for me?
DoorDash announced the $17 billion deal on October 29, 2026. It is expected to close at the end of 2027 or in the first half of 2028 and needs shareholder and regulatory approval. DoorDash says it expects more earning opportunities for shoppers.
Conclusion
The best of these gig jobs is the one that fits your age, vehicle and schedule and leaves you the most per hour after costs and taxes. Compare the four delivery apps above, start with the one you qualify for, track your miles from the first day and review your numbers after 4 weeks.
Related Reading
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Sources: DoorDash: Requirements for Dashers; Uber: Deliver with Uber Eats; Instacart: Ensuring the Integrity of the Instacart Platform; Everlance: Instacart requirements; Amazon Flex; Amazon Flex driver jobs; Amazon Flex blog: cash-out choices; DoorDash press release (SEC): Instacart acquisition; IRS: Manage taxes for your gig work; IRS: Self-employment tax; IRS: 2026 standard mileage rates. The sample plan name, phone and email are fictional. Requirements change, so confirm them in each app.