Zomato has introduced an additional fee for customers opting for cash-on-delivery (COD) payments, charging up to ₹21 extra per order, according to inc42.com. The fee varies across transactions and is displayed separately from other charges like platform fees and delivery partner fees. The new charge has been observed on orders placed earlier this month, though the exact rollout date and pricing criteria remain unclear.
Inc42 reviewed multiple orders where Zomato levied the new pay-on-delivery fee, finding amounts such as ₹5, ₹13, and ₹21. The variation suggests the fee is not fixed and might depend on factors like order value, location, restaurant, or customer profile. Zomato also encourages customers to pay online to avoid this additional charge. The company has not yet provided details on the fee structure or rationale despite inquiries from inc42.com.
This move is part of Zomato's ongoing efforts to increase monetisation from its food delivery business. Earlier this year, in March, Zomato raised its platform fee by nearly 20% to ₹14.90 per order. Adding a COD fee aligns with broader industry trends where food delivery platforms seek to reduce the costs associated with cash transactions and improve revenue streams amid competitive pressures.
The introduction of the COD fee marks another monetisation push by Zomato, which has been adjusting customer-facing fees throughout 2026. The company’s strategy to encourage digital payments while imposing charges on cash payments reflects a shift in operational focus, with the fee now visible on orders placed as recently as September 2026.