Becoming a DoorDash driver can be a great way to earn extra income with a flexible schedule. An important part of the setup process is obtaining the DoorDash Red Card, which allows you to pay for customer orders. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to qualify for and apply for the Dasher Red Card.
Table of Contents
DoorDash Driver Requirements
To qualify for a DoorDash Red Card, you must first meet the basic requirements to become a Dasher:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license and car insurance if delivering via car
- Have a smartphone (iPhone or Android)
- Pass a background check
DoorDash will run a background check when you apply to ensure you have a safe driving record and no major offenses. Common disqualifying offenses can include DUIs, felonies, and sexual crimes.
How to Apply for DoorDash
Applying for DoorDash delivery driving is quick and straightforward:
- Visit the DoorDash driver signup page and enter your email and phone number
- Create a password and provide your name
- Select your vehicle type – car, bike, scooter, etc.
- Consent to a background check using your SSN, license info, and address
- Add your payment details to get paid for deliveries
After applying, DoorDash will first verify your identity and run the background check. Once approved, you can start accepting delivery orders right away using the Dasher app.
Receiving Your Red Card
The DoorDash Red Card will arrive in the mail within 1-2 weeks after your first delivery. Here is the process:
- Complete your first delivery: This prompts DoorDash to mail your activation kit
- Provide your mailing address: DoorDash needs to know where to ship the kit
- Activate your Red Card: Once received, activate the card in the Dasher app
The activation kit includes the Red Card, a hot bag for food orders, and the Dasher handbook. If you lose your card later, you can order a free replacement easily through the app.
Using Your DoorDash Red Card
The Red Card allows you to pay for “Red Card Orders” – orders placed at merchants without direct payment integration. Here are some things to know:
- The app will specify when an order requires the Red Card
- DoorDash loads the card with the exact order total – you don’t need cash or your own card
- Works like any debit/credit card for payment – insert chip or swipe
- Keep receipts in case the amount needs to be adjusted later
While the Red Card adds more work per order, it gives you access to more delivery opportunities. You can choose to decline Red Card Orders if you prefer only prepaid pickups.
Maximizing Earnings With the Red Card
Here are some tips to maximize earnings with the DoorDash Red Card:
- Accept strategic orders – Choose Red Card Orders with high tips and minimum additional effort
- Get to know your merchants – Build relationships to improve Red Card order speed
- Consider incentives – DoorDash sometimes offers peak pay for Red Card deliveries
Wrapping Up
Obtaining the DoorDash Red Card is easy once approved to drive. Keep it with you to access more delivery opportunities and potential earnings. Being selective with Red Card Orders, focusing on speed, and taking advantage of incentives can help maximize your hourly wage.
I have been a full-time Dasher for over a year now in a major metro area. The Red Card is invaluable for increasing my delivery options across all types of merchants. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Citations:
[1] https://help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/How-do-I-setup-and-use-the-Dasher-Red-Card?language=en_US
[2] https://help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/Lost-Red-Card?language=en_US
[3] https://www.ridester.com/doordash-red-card/
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/doordash_drivers/comments/g659tk/what_are_the_advantages_of_using_the_doordash_red/?rdt=60722
[5] https://dasher.doordash.com/en-us
[6] https://help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/New-Dasher-Roadmap?language=en_US
[7] https://financialpanther.com/doordash-without-red-card/
[8] https://www.gobankingrates.com/credit-cards/retail/doordash-red-card/
[9] https://www.alphr.com/doordash-get-red-card/
[10] https://www.yourgigeconomist.com/DoorDash-Red-Card.html
[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/doordash/comments/utl1ra/can_i_dash_without_my_red_card/?rdt=56420
[12] https://loriballen.com/doordash-red-card/
[13] https://millennialmoneyman.com/become-a-doordash-driver/
[14] https://help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/About-the-Dasher-Activation-Kit?language=en_US
[15] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT9t7SgKo9o
[16] https://couponfollow.com/research/doordash-dasher-red-card
[17] https://smallbusinessjournals.com/doordash-red-card/
[18] https://doordashstore.com/product.aspx?ID=513519
[19] https://www.ridesharingdriver.com/doordash-driver-requirements-how-to-become-a-delivery-driver/
[20] https://help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/Dasher-Signup-Process?language=en_US
[21] https://www.upperinc.com/blog/how-to-become-a-doordash-driver/
