FTC Cracks Down on Hidden Fees in Your Next DoorDash Order
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FTC is looking into unfair or sneaky fees charged by online food delivery services and wants your thoughts by May 18, 2026. This rule could make fees clearer and fairer for anyone ordering food or groceries online, helping you avoid surprise charges. If the rule passes, delivery platforms might have to change how they show fees, making your food orders easier on your wallet and your brain!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Show Total Price Up Front
The FTC proposes a rule that would require online food and grocery delivery platforms to clearly and conspicuously show the total price for local delivery or pickup orders. You would see the full amount you must pay (including mandatory platform fees) before completing an order.
Itemized Fee and Tip Disclosure
The FTC is considering requiring platforms to disclose the existence, nature, purpose, amount, refundability, and recipient of any fees or charges, including optional charges such as tips. You would be told, for example, whether a service charge or tip goes to the delivery worker or to the platform before you pay.
Explain Variable Fee Factors
The FTC asks about rules requiring platforms to clearly disclose the factors that determine variable fees, such as number or type of items, distance, or delivery time. You would be told how your choices (like delivery location or order size) may change the final price.
Show If Fees Are Mandatory or Optional
The FTC proposes addressing practices that fail to disclose whether fees are mandatory or optional and any conditions that could cause mandatory fees. You would see, for each fee, whether it is required and what actions or limitations could lead to additional mandatory charges.
Stronger Enforcement and Consumer Redress
The FTC says a rule could let it seek civil penalties and more readily obtain consumer redress under the FTC Act. If adopted, the rule would make it easier for the Commission to punish and get money back for consumers harmed by deceptive or unfair delivery-fee practices.
National Standard to Reduce State Patchwork
The FTC notes that a federal rule could provide consistent guidelines across States and localities, reducing differences in how delivery fees must be shown or disclosed. You could see more uniform fee displays across platforms nationwide if the rule is adopted.
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Key Dates
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