DoorDash offers various promotional opportunities for consumers to receive complimentary items, gift credits, and discounted services. These offers are often tied to specific subscription services, seasonal events, or user engagement programs. Based on current and historical data, consumers can access free food, flowers, and delivery fee waivers through limited-time promotions, as well as earn rewards through third-party platforms.
DashPass Subscriber Promotions
Many of the most substantial freebies available through DoorDash are restricted to subscribers of DashPass, the platform's subscription service. DashPass typically costs $9.99 per month and provides unlimited free delivery on orders of $12 or more from participating restaurants. However, non-members can often access these benefits by signing up for a one-month free trial, which can be canceled at any time.
Anniversary Free Food Event
In August, DoorDash celebrated the first anniversary of DashPass by offering daily freebies to subscribers. From Monday, August 5, to Friday, August 9, DashPass members could claim specific items at no cost from participating merchants. The daily rotation included: * A slice of Ghirardelli cherry cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory * Chips and salsa from Chipotle * A Frosty from Wendy's * An Original Pretzel from Auntie Anne's * An Impossible Whopper from Burger King
These freebies were available exclusively to DashPass subscribers and required an order placement through the DoorDash platform.
Mother’s Day Promotions
During the Mother’s Day period (May 5–11), DoorDash provided enhanced value for DashPass members regarding flower orders. Customers who purchased a bouquet from thousands of local and national florists could receive gift credit: * DashPass Members: Up to $75 in gift credit * Non-Members: Up to $50 in gift credit
This credit was applied automatically after checkout. Additionally, members could utilize the "DoubleDash" feature to add freebies from retailers like Sephora, Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Ulta within a 15-minute window post-checkout.
During the same period, DoorDash offered discounts on digital gift cards: * DashPass Members: 15% off * Non-Members: 5% off * Maximum Discount: $25 per purchase
Election Day Offers
On Election Day (specifically cited for 2020), DoorDash provided fee reductions for users participating in the democratic process. The promotion included: * General Users: Free delivery on all orders with a $15 minimum using promo code VOTE. * DashPass Subscribers: An additional 10% off orders using promo code DPVOTE.
General Promotions and Freebies
DoorDash frequently runs promotions that are accessible to all users, often requiring specific promo codes or minimum order thresholds.
Chipotle Partnership
DoorDash has a history of offering specific freebies for Chipotle orders. A notable promotion offered free chips and guacamole on Chipotle orders of $10 or more. This offer was valid for orders placed exclusively through DoorDash.com or the DoorDash mobile app and was limited to one per person. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still applied to the total order cost.
Separately, on Cinco de Mayo (May 5), DoorDash offered free delivery on Chipotle orders of $10 or more placed through DoorDash, the Chipotle app, or Chipotle.com. The maximum order size for free delivery was capped at $200, excluding tax.
Exclusive Retailer Deals
During special events like Mother’s Day, DoorDash offers exclusive discount codes for major retailers delivered through the platform. Examples from a Mother’s Day promotion included: * Sephora: $10 off $50+ (Code: SEPHORAMOM10) * Ulta: 20% off $50+ (up to $20) (Code: ULTAMDAY20) * Bloom Haus: $20 off $40+ (Code: 20MOM25)
Earning Free DoorDash via Third-Party Rewards
Consumers can obtain DoorDash credit without directly paying for it by utilizing rewards platforms.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks allows users to earn "SB" (points) by completing surveys, taking advantage of promos, finding shopping deals, playing games, or watching videos. Users can redeem 10,000 SB for a $100 DoorDash Gift Card. Once redeemed, the gift code is posted to the user's account profile under "My Gift Cards" within three business days of verifying the purchase. These gift cards are redeemable for eligible orders on the DoorDash website or app in the United States.
Fetch Rewards
The Fetch app allows users to earn points by snapping receipts, playing mobile games, shopping online through the app, and referring friends. These points can be redeemed for a Visa gift card, which can then be used to pay for a DoorDash order.
Referral Programs
DoorDash operates a referral program where existing users can earn credits toward their next meal. When a user refers a friend using a specific link, and that friend signs up and places an order, the referrer receives credit. This is a recurring method for users to accumulate credits to offset the cost of future orders.
User Conduct and Fraud
While DoorDash offers legitimate ways to get free food, the platform also faces challenges with refund fraud. Some users attempt to get freebies by claiming food was not good, was cold, or items were missing. Reports indicate that nearly half of all food app fraud comes from bogus refund requests.
DoorDash monitors user activity regarding refund requests. While customers are allowed a few complaints, pushing luck too far results in being cut off from the refund system. If a user racks up too many bogus refund requests, the platform will not allow them to ask for refunds in the future.