Over the last few weeks, prices at the pump have increased all across the world, and for Dashers who deliver by car, this economic reality presents unique and unprecedented challenges. We know that DoorDash needs to take steps to continue to make every dash worth doing, so we’ve taken time to listen to and consider feedback from the Dasher Community Council on how we can best support Dashers through this crisis and help alleviate rising costs.
Today, we’re announcing a Gas Rewards program based on that feedback and aimed at offsetting the elevated gas prices, while helping Dashers preserve their earning potential. Dashers who qualify for both rewards could receive anywhere between $1.65 and $2.00 per gallon.
All U.S. Dashers Are Eligible for 10% Cash Back on Gas. Through DasherDirect, a prepaid business Visa debit card designed for Dashers, Dashers will soon be able to get 10% cash back on gas purchases – at any U.S. station – every time they use their card, even when they aren’t dashing. DasherDirect is open to all U.S. Dashers, with no credit check required to apply, and Dashers can start using a virtual card at digital checkout screens as soon as they’re approved.*
Weekly Gas Bonus for Those Who Dash Most. Each week, Dashers who accept and complete orders totaling 100 miles in a motor vehicle will earn an extra $5 – and those extra earnings will increase the more they deliver. For 175 miles, for instance, Dashers will earn an extra $10, and for 225 miles, they will earn another $15. These incremental rewards can add extra earnings between $1.27 and $1.69 per gallon for those who qualify**, on top of normal DoorDash pay, promotions, and tips.
We estimate that when combined, these two relief efforts should help offset the effects of increased prices at the pump. These relief programs will be in place at least through April, and we’ll continue to monitor gas prices, listen to the Dasher community, and seek feedback as we evolve these programs and explore additional resources in the coming weeks and months.
“These new programs will give me significant support right now,” said Vanessa H., a Dasher from Los Angeles, California. “The ability to save at any gas station, no matter where you are, is huge. And this won’t just help Dashers when they are dashing–I commute five times a week as a grad student, and getting cash back at the pump is going to be a big relief and really help me make ends meet.”
Our mission is to empower local economies and that begins with serving our Dasher, merchant, and customer community as best we can. Throughout the pandemic and especially with recent inflation, millions of people around the globe have sought opportunities to flexibly earn supplemental income with DoorDash, including 3 million Americans in the fourth quarter of 2021 and over 6 million in all of 2021. We want to ensure that these earning opportunities remain accessible and viable for all, and we believe these relief measures will help keep the most money possible in Dashers’ pockets.
*The 10% cash back reward will begin March 17, 2022, at which point Dashers will be able to earn 10% cash back on gas purchases at any U.S. station.
**Per-gallon savings are calculated based on a Dasher completing orders in a motor vehicle with mileage totaling between 100 and 225 miles in a week, based on what’s shown in the Dasher app when orders are presented, and assuming the average 2020 US vehicle fuel efficiency of 25.4 miles per gallon (source). Actual per-gallon savings may vary based on miles driven, individual car fuel efficiency, and driving habits.
