Free Perks And Discounts For Doordash Drivers A Detailed Guide

For many drivers in the gig economy, maximizing savings and earnings is essential. DoorDash, one of the leading food delivery platforms in the United States, offers a range of benefits specifically designed for its drivers, known as “Dashers.” These perks aim to reduce operational costs and improve financial efficiency for independent contractors. This article provides a detailed overview of the free and discounted offerings available to DoorDash drivers, including fuel and auto care discounts, cashback programs, health and tax benefits, and more.

Overview of DoorDash Driver Benefits

DoorDash partners with various third-party providers to offer exclusive benefits to its drivers. These programs are designed to support Dashers in managing the costs associated with delivery work, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, health insurance, and tax filing. Some of the most notable benefits include:

• Fuel and auto care discounts through partners like Shell and CarAdvise.
• Cashback on the DasherDirect prepaid Visa card.
• Discounts on health insurance and retirement savings plans.
• Access to DashPass for free deliveries and reduced fees.

These benefits are accessible through the Dasher app or through external partner websites and programs. Some may require additional steps, such as applying for a card or enrolling in a subscription service. It is important to review the terms and conditions of each benefit to understand eligibility and usage requirements.

Fuel and Auto Care Discounts

Fuel and auto maintenance are among the largest ongoing expenses for DoorDash drivers. To help reduce these costs, DoorDash has partnered with several companies to provide exclusive discounts and cashback opportunities for Dashers.

Shell Fuel Rewards

Through the Shell Fuel Rewards program, Dashers can receive discounts on fuel purchases. According to the documentation, Dashers can earn 25¢ off per gallon on the first fill-up and 6¢ off on subsequent fill-ups. This program is available to all Dashers and can be accessed through the Dasher app or the Shell website. The exact terms of the program may vary depending on location and time of use, so it is recommended to review the program details on the official Shell website.

CarAdvise Auto Care Discounts

CarAdvise offers Dashers discounts at popular service centers such as Jiffy Lube and Firestone. These discounts allow Dashers to access essential auto care services at reduced rates. The documentation does not specify the exact discount percentages or available services, but it indicates that credits are available at participating locations. Dashers are encouraged to check the CarAdvise website for the most up-to-date information on available services and discounts.

DasherDirect Fuel Cashback

The DasherDirect card, a prepaid Visa card, offers cashback on fuel purchases. Dashers can use the card at any Visa-accepting location, and the cashback is automatically tracked through the Dasher app. While the documentation does not specify the exact cashback rate, it suggests that the benefit is significant enough to help reduce fuel costs over time.

Cashback and Financial Perks

In addition to fuel and auto care discounts, DoorDash offers financial tools and cashback opportunities to help Dashers manage their earnings more effectively.

DasherDirect Prepaid Visa Card

The DasherDirect card is a key financial tool for Dashers. It allows them to receive their earnings on a prepaid debit card, which can be used at any Visa-accepting location. The card also offers cashback on certain purchases, including fuel, which helps reduce expenses. Dashers can apply for the card directly through the Dasher app. The card also provides access to instant cash advances in some cases, though the availability of this feature may depend on location and eligibility.

Beem Financial App

The Beem app is another financial tool that can help Dashers save more. While not a DoorDash-specific benefit, the documentation suggests that Dashers can use Beem to track earnings, receive instant cash advances, and manage finances more effectively. The app may be particularly useful for Dashers who need quick access to funds or want to better track their expenses and income.

Health and Tax Benefits

Independent contractors like DoorDash drivers often face unique challenges when it comes to health insurance and tax filing. DoorDash partners with several companies to help Dashers access affordable health plans and tax tools.

Stride Health and TurboTax Discounts

Stride Health offers health insurance plans specifically designed for independent contractors, including Dashers. These plans are typically more flexible and affordable than traditional health insurance options. The documentation does not provide specific pricing or plan details but indicates that Dashers can access these plans through the Dasher app or the Stride Health website.

DoorDash also partners with TurboTax through Everlance to provide tax filing discounts for Dashers. These tools allow drivers to track mileage, manage expenses, and file taxes more efficiently. The exact discount amount or eligibility criteria is not specified in the documentation, so it is recommended to review the TurboTax and Everlance websites for the most current information.

CalSavers Retirement Savings Program

For Dashers interested in planning for the future, the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program is available in some states. This program allows independent contractors to set up retirement savings accounts, similar to a 401(k), with minimal effort. While the availability of this benefit may vary by location, it is an important option for Dashers looking to build long-term financial security.

DashPass for Dashers

DashPass is DoorDash’s subscription service that provides free deliveries and other benefits to customers. However, the documentation indicates that Dashers can also access DashPass to receive exclusive perks. These benefits include:

• Free deliveries on qualifying orders.
• 10% off grocery orders.
• Reduced delivery fees on participating restaurants.

Using DashPass can help Dashers save money on their personal food and grocery purchases, making it a valuable benefit for drivers who frequently order food for themselves.

Eco-Friendly Delivery Options

For Dashers interested in more sustainable delivery options, Zoomo offers e-bike rental programs with a free two-week trial available in select cities. This option is particularly useful for Dashers who want to reduce their carbon footprint or save on gas and vehicle maintenance costs. The availability of this benefit may depend on location and program participation.

Early Access Scheduling

DoorDash has introduced a feature called Early Access Scheduling, which allows eligible Dashers to schedule their shifts up to six days in advance. This feature helps drivers plan their work more effectively and can increase earnings by allowing them to secure higher-paying deliveries in advance. To qualify for Early Access Scheduling, Dashers must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain a customer rating of at least 4.6.
• Have a completion rate of at least 95%.
• Accept and complete at least 5 deliveries in the previous week.
• Or, have completed at least 500 lifetime deliveries on the DoorDash platform.

Once eligible, Dashers can access the Early Access Scheduling feature through the Dasher app by clicking the “Schedule” button. This feature is currently available in the United States and Canada.

Additional Tips for Maximizing Earnings

While the documentation does not provide a comprehensive list of all possible earning strategies, it does mention a few key tips for Dashers looking to improve their income. These include:

• Completing multiple deliveries in the same area (stacking orders) to reduce travel time and increase earnings per hour.
• Optimizing delivery times by working during peak hours when order demand is highest.
• Maintaining a high customer rating and completion rate to qualify for premium features like Early Access Scheduling.

It is also recommended that Dashers familiarize themselves with the DoorDash app and its various features to maximize efficiency and earnings.

Conclusion

DoorDash offers a variety of benefits and discounts specifically designed for its drivers. These include fuel and auto care savings, cashback on the DasherDirect card, health insurance and tax filing tools, retirement savings options, and access to DashPass. Additionally, Dashers can take advantage of eco-friendly delivery options and scheduling features to improve both their earnings and efficiency.

By leveraging these perks, drivers can reduce their operating costs and improve their financial stability. It is important for Dashers to review the terms and conditions of each benefit to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and understand how to access and use these tools effectively.

Sources

1. How to Get Dasher Discount on DoorDash
2. DoorDash Hacks for Drivers