Walmart's delivery app: drivers choose offers for delivery, shopping or returns. Independent contractors, age 18+, in all 50 states. Needs auto insurance, a license and a Social Security card; motor vehicle and criminal checks may apply.
Why I recommend it: The page gives no pay rates, so check the in-app earnings estimate and subtract gas and vehicle wear before you commit.
Delivery driving with your own vehicle in blocks you choose in the Flex app. Requires age 21+, a driver's license, a qualifying vehicle and a smartphone. Amazon cites typical pay of $18 to $25 an hour.
Why I recommend it: Expect vehicle costs (gas, wear, insurance) to come out of that range. The page doesn't mention background checks, pay timing or contractor status, so read the terms before you sign up.
Delivery with a car, scooter or bicycle (bikes in select cities). Dashers are independent contractors who pick their own hours. Minimum age is 18 (19 or 21 in some states). A Social Security number is used for a background check.
Why I recommend it: Quick to start and good for covering a short gap. As a contractor you pay your own taxes and vehicle costs. Instant cash-out needs DoorDash's debit card. DoorDash recently agreed to a $131.5 million NYC wage settlement; see the library's article on it.
New York City's worker and consumer protection agency found DoorDash unlawfully withheld pay from roughly 260,000 delivery workers between 2022 and 2026. The company agreed to a $131.5 million settlement announced 22 September 2026 — more than $115 million direct to workers, about $16 million in penalties — and admitted it did not comply with the city's pay rules. The deal also settles how on-call time between deliveries is calculated.
Why I recommend it: If you deliver in New York, this is money owed to you — payments were slated to begin this autumn, so check the city agency's own page for how to claim rather than waiting for an app notification. The wider lesson is that a city pay floor only works when someone audits it; this took a complaint process and years. The figures here are the city's and the company's own statements.