Gift cards are a convenient way to treat yourself to something nice, without feeling like you’re actually spending money.
However, when it comes to getting food, not all of us have the will (or the time) to leave the house, to sit down at a nice restaurant or even grab some fast food.
Therefore, you may be wondering – can you use gift cards with DoorDash, and is there anything you need to be aware of when doing so?
In this article, we’ll cover everything that you need to know.
Can You Use Gift Cards With DoorDash?
DoorDash allows you to use prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards, as well as DoorDash gift cards. However, you cannot use gift cards for specific restaurants.
This means that if you’re planning on ordering DoorDash in the future, it’s better to purchase a DoorDash gift card instead. DoorDash gift cards can be used for any restaurant or service within DoorDash, and isn’t tied to specific chains or locations.
If you have a gift card for a specific restaurant, unfortunately it will not work with DoorDash. However, you can use a gift card exchange or sell your gift card to purchase a DoorDash gift card instead. While you unfortunately may not receive the full value for your gift card, this can be one way to recoup some of the funds, and put them towards something that you will actually use.
Why Can’t You Use Restaurant Gift Cards On DoorDash?
Ultimately, this comes down to how payments are processed when using the DoorDash app.
Keep in mind that when you pay for something with DoorDash, you are never actually transferring any funds to the restaurant yourself. Instead, you send payment to DoorDash, who then transfers money to the restaurant themselves.
You, nor your delivery driver ever actually make any payment to the restaurant – meaning that obscure or abnormal payment options just won’t work.
Similarly, it wouldn’t be possible for DoorDash to set up a gift card redemption system for every restaurant on its platform. While this may work for large, franchised companies, it would be too difficult to handle for smaller independent restaurants.
Therefore, DoorDash has decided not to support restaurant gift cards.
However, since DoorDash gift cards are standardized and simple for them to work with, these are a great replacement option.
Can You Use Prepaid Cards With DoorDash?
Yes! Since prepaid Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards operate similarly to debit cards, these will also work when ordering through DoorDash.
However, there is one problem.
You will want to make sure that you leave enough money left over on the prepaid card to give your DoorDash driver a tip, after your order has been delivered.
If you attempt to tip more than what is available on the card, the payment will be declined, which can put you in an awkward situation.
So, if you are using all of the remaining funds on your prepaid card, make sure to have a few extra dollars saved to tip with.
Tipping in cash is allowed with DoorDash, and many DoorDash drivers actually prefer it as they actually get to keep all of the money.
Where To Buy DoorDash Gift Cards
So, you’ve decided you want to buy a gift card for DoorDash. In many ways, this is a greater purchase than many other gift cards, because you can order whatever food strikes your fancy at the moment!
But, where can you buy DoorDash gift cards? Fortunately, there are a lot of options.
Where To Buy DoorDash Gift Cards Online:
- Amazon.com
- Walmart.com
- PayPal.com
- Target.com
- BestBuy.com
- eGifter.com
- Kroger.com
- Newegg.com
- DoorDash.com
Where To Buy DoorDash Gift Cards In Stores:
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Target
- Best Buy
- Giant Eagle
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Kroger
Most commonly, DoorDash gift cards seem to come in denominations of $25. So, there are plenty of options to choose from, and you’re able to purchase a gift card as large or small as you want. $25, $50, $100 and $200 are the most common options.
Can I Buy A $10 DoorDash Gift Card?
Unfortunately, there is no way to buy a $10 DoorDash gift card. This is because the minimum gift card offered in stores (as well as most online shops) is $25.
While you can still use a gift card with only $10 on it towards your purchase, you cannot buy a brand new DoorDash gift card for only $10.
Can I Buy A $15 DoorDash Gift Card?
Yes – but not in stores. Certain gift card websites (like eGifter) allow you to specify exactly how much money you want to put on the card – meaning you’re not limited to options like the $25 or $50 you’d find in stores.
eGifter requires a minimum of $15 to purchase a DoorDash gift card through their website.
Therefore, this is a good option if you only want to spend the minimum amount on a card.
Can I Buy A $20 DoorDash Gift Card?
Yes! Certain online shops sell $20 DoorDash gift cards. While $25 is the most common option you’ll find, websites like Kroger or eGifter allow you to specify that you only want a $20 card.
$20 is considered a good amount for a DoorDash gift card, as it can pay for a full meal (plus all DoorDash fees) at most places.
Can I Buy A $25 DoorDash Gift Card?
Absolutely! Almost every store listed above will be able to sell you a $25 gift card to DoorDash. In fact, this is one of the most common choices for gift card shoppers!
How To Use DoorDash Gift Cards When Ordering
Using a gift card when ordering through DoorDash is simple, and all of the functionality to use your card is already built into the app and website.
To redeem a DoorDash gift card, first open up the DoorDash app.
Next, go to your account settings. This may be the ‘Account’ button on the bottom of your screen, or may be indicated by the icon with 3 horizontal lines.
There should be an option titled ‘Gift Card’. Click on it, and then click ‘Redeem Gift Card’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
After entering in your code, the balance will be added and permanently tied to your DoorDash account. You can then select your gift card balance as a payment method when placing any order through DoorDash.
Note that the balance is tied to your account, not just your device. This means that even if you redeem the gift card on your phone, you will still be able to use it when ordering through the website, provided you sign into the same DoorDash account.
Do DoorDash Gift Cards Expire?
No, DoorDash gift cards do not expire. However, it is best to redeem the gift cards to your DoorDash account as soon as possible.
Once the gift card has been redeemed, the balance will be fully added to your DoorDash account. You then have the option to pay out of your gift card balance anytime you place a DoorDash order.
This also means that you no longer need to keep the physical card after redemption. It can be safely thrown away or discarded, and you won’t need it to actually use the gift card balance within your DoorDash account.
Redeeming your gift card straight away has a few benefits.
First of all, you don’t have to worry about it being lost or stolen. It’s happened to all of us at one point, and nothing is more frustrating than buying a gift card, only to lose it before you actually get to use it.
If someone else were to find and redeem it before you, there’s unfortunately nothing you can do at that point.
Secondly, by adding the funds to your DoorDash account, you will be able to immediately pay for your DoorDash order using your gift card balance – it will be displayed to you within the app. This can prevent you from accidentally ordering with a regular credit card, and spending money when you didn’t need to!
Redeeming your gift card straight away avoids these problems.
Are DoorDash Gift Cards Worth It?
DoorDash gift cards make an excellent choice over gift cards to specific restaurants.
While DoorDash does come with additional service and delivery fees, you’re given the option to choose from any restaurant that DoorDash supports.
This is especially nice when buying a gift card as a gift for someone. Ultimately, you want to purchase something that will actually be used and enjoyed by the recipient.
Reviews online state that DoorDash gift cards are convenient, easy to use, and make thoughtful presents for those that receive them.
Conclusion
DoorDash does not allow you to use restaurant-specific gift cards. However, using a DoorDash gift card (or a prepaid card) is simple, quick and easy.
DoorDash gift cards make a wonderful gift, because the recipient can use them at any restaurant of their choosing. DoorDash makes this incredibly easy, and it’s a great way to treat your loved ones to a nice meal.
I hope that you’ve found this article helpful. If you have any other questions about DoorDash, please feel free to ask them using the comment form below.
Thanks for reading,
– James McAllister
Leave a Reply