Make Money Side Hustles

DoorDash Review [2024]: Simple Tips To Earn More

DoorDash is one of the country’s most popular food delivery apps. These tips and tricks could help maximize your earnings and time spent delivering.

Updated July 22, 2024
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DoorDash

OUR VIEW

Multiple income streams are a good idea for anyone, no matter how much money you earn at your full-time gig. I always have a handful of ideas ready at any given time because you never know when life will throw you curveballs.

DoorDash is one of those gigs that anyone who enjoys delivering food should join and turn on whenever possible. You work on your own schedule, choose the orders you want, and can increase your earnings by providing excellent service.

Pros

Minimal requirements for drivers to get approved
Can deliver on bicycle or scooter in some areas
Keep 100% of customer tips

Cons

No way to predict demand
Can get competitive in hot areas
Drivers are responsible for their costs and taxes
How we evaluate products

Filling your free time with ways to make money is a great way to reach your financial goals. I’m always on the lookout for new ways to supplement my income, and DoorDash is always at the top of the list.

It’s probably because the requirements to drive for DoorDash are easy to meet, and the pay isn’t terrible as long as you know how to please customers. Knowing the tips and tricks to maximize your earnings and make the most of this side hustle is essential.

What is DoorDash?

By now, you’ve likely heard of DoorDash and possibly used it to order food. They operate in over 7,000 cities and partner with the top restaurants in each area. They are a technology company that partners with restaurants and independent contractors to offer door-to-door delivery for hungry customers.

DoorDash is one of the most popular food delivery apps for customers, but how does it stack up for drivers?

How does it work for Dashers?

Dashers are DoorDash delivery drivers with smartphones who accept available offers, pick up the order from the restaurant, and deliver it to the customer.

After logging into the app and accepting an offer, here’s what a typical delivery looks like:

  • You can use the DoorDash app to get directions to the restaurant. In the app's settings, you can choose which map service to use.
  • Read the restaurant’s instructions. Every restaurant has different pickup instructions, so reading them ahead of time will save you time and hassle.
  • Collect the order. Go inside the restaurant and locate the order, or tell the staff why you’re there. Determine if you must pay with your Red Card or if the order was already paid. Swipe on your app to let the customer know you picked up the order.
  • Use the DoorDash app to locate the customer. The DoorDash app will now direct you to the customer’s location.
  • Deliver the order. Swipe on the app again to let the customer know you’ve arrived. Be sure to read specific delivery instructions, such as leave on the back porch, to keep customers happy.
  • Confirm delivery. You’ll swipe one more time on the app. This confirms delivery, and this job is complete.

Good to know:
What is the Red Card? DoorDash provides drivers with a prepaid card to cover orders from certain restaurants. The card does not link to your personal bank account and does not affect your earnings.

It sounds like a lot, but the process is simple once you get the hang of it and handle your first few orders. The good news is that you don’t have to accept every offer. 

Dashers see an offer amount before accepting an order so they can determine which orders they want to accept. The offer amount is the minimum guaranteed amount. The actual earnings may be higher.

Who can deliver for DoorDash?

To deliver for DoorDash, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be 18 years of age or older (as of January 16th, 2024, new applicants in AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, KY, MT, NJ, NM, TX, UT and WV must be at least 19 years old)
  • Have an iPhone or Android smartphone with adequate storage capacity
  • Have a valid Social Security number
  • Have a car, bike, scooter, or other vehicle (requirements vary by area)
  • Have a valid driver’s license (if delivering by motor vehicle)
  • Have insurance (if delivering by motor vehicle)
  • Have a clean driving record (if delivering by motor vehicle)

How much do Dashers earn?

DoorDash is transparent about payment and allows Dashers to accept or decline offers as they see fit.

Payment depends on several factors, including:

  • Base pay: This is your cut of the DoorDash fee charged to the customer. It’s usually between $2 - $10 per order, depending on order complexity, distance, and order desirability 1.
  • Peak Pay: DoorDash runs Peak Pay promotions to attract more drivers to the app during busy times. Your promo tab will show the per-order bonus you’ll receive if you deliver between the stated hours. Not every driver is eligible for Peak Pay, so always check your app.
  • Challenges and streaks: Challenges and streaks encourage Dashers to deliver more orders within a certain timeframe or to accept and complete consecutive offers while active on the app.
  • Tips: Like most gig economy apps, drivers keep 100% of the customer tips earned. If there’s one piece of advice I can offer for any gig economy app, it’s to go above and beyond for every customer. You’ll earn higher tips and increase your hourly rate.

When does DoorDash pay?

I love DoorDash’s payment options, as they offer flexibility and the opportunity to get paid almost instantly when you need it.

  • Weekly direct deposit: Dashers can get a free weekly direct deposit for all orders completed Monday through Sunday of the previous week, including tips.
  • Fast Pay: If you need instant access to your funds and have a valid debit card, you can use DoorDash’s Fast Pay service for $1.99 per transfer. To use this service, you must have completed 25 DoorDash orders, been on the app for 14 days or longer, and added your debit card at least seven days before requesting payment.
  • DasherDirect: If you frequently prefer instant payments, DasherDirect offers instant direct deposit for free. This prepaid Visa card also offers at least 2% cash back on gas purchases and access to Wellness Core, a wellness perks program.

DoorDash Benefits

  • Be your own boss and set your own hours
  • Keep 100% of the delivery fee plus any tips or boosts
  • Just pick up the food, drop it off and get paid!

Maximizing your earnings with DoorDash

One of the perks of hustles like DoorDash is that you get to determine how much you make. Whenever I work for a gig economy app, I do everything possible to get paid more than the average contractor. This includes prioritizing high-paying orders, managing my time well, and keeping my expenses low.

Here are some tips to maximize your earnings:

  • Deliver during busy times to earn Peak Pay
  • Avoid high-traffic areas that could slow you down
  • Look for larger orders to accept, which will give you a better chance of better tips
  • Provide excellent, friendly service to customers to earn higher tips
  • Drive a gas-efficient vehicle or deliver by bike to save money on expenses
  • Use one of the best credit cards for gas
  • Keep track of your expenses to report for tax purposes
  • Use other food delivery apps at the same time so you can make the most of every hour
  • Refer other Dashers to make extra money

FAQs

Can you make good money with DoorDash?

Every Dasher makes a different amount of money. It depends on your location, when and how often you work, and the level of customer service you provide. Keep in mind that Dashers must cover their own gas, vehicle maintenance, and taxes, so figure that into your earnings to calculate an accurate hourly wage.

Can you pay for DoorDash with cash?

Customers have the option to pay for their DoorDash delivery with cash. Dashers see these orders as “Cash on Delivery.” Like any order, you can accept or deny the delivery.

If you accept, you will keep the cash from the completed delivery, and DoorDash will deduct the order amount from your next direct deposit. If the delivery recipient pays you more than the total amount of the order, you keep the extra as a tip.

What is Dasher Gear?

Dasher Gear refers to branded products sold in the DoorDash Retail Store for DoorDash delivery. Products include shirts, sweats, jackets, hats, car signs, magnets, insulated pizza and catering bags, cup holders, and other items that can make deliveries easier. You can order through the website and have the gear delivered to your home.

Do you need a driver’s license to work for DoorDash?

If you’re delivering by motor vehicle, you must have a valid driver’s license to work for DoorDash.

Does DoorDash have an age requirement?

Yes, Dashers must be at least 18 years old (19 in certain states). You must also have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, provide a Social Security number, and have an iPhone or Android smartphone.

Does DoorDash do a drug test?

No, DoorDash does not require a drug test.

Does DoorDash require a background check?

Yes, DoorDash requires that you submit to a background check as well as a motor vehicle check if you’re using a motor vehicle to make deliveries.

How long does the DoorDash background check take?

DoorDash uses Checkr, an outside consumer reporting agency, to complete applicant background checks. These usually take five to seven business days, though the process can take longer. You can check on the status of your DoorDash background check directly through the Checkr website.

How long does it take to start working for DoorDash?

The longest part of the approval process is the background check, which can take up to seven days. Once that clears, most Dashers can start delivering immediately.

Other side hustles to consider

DoorDash is a great way for millions of drivers to earn extra money, but it’s not for everyone. For example, if DoorDash isn’t popular in your area, you may have better luck with Postmates or Uber Eats

If they are all equally used in your area, I suggest signing up for all three services and logging into the most active one when you want to work.

Other options to make extra income include:

  • Rideshare with Uber or Lyft
  • Grocery delivery with Instacart
  • Pet sitting with Rover
  • Tutoring online with VIPKid
Minimal requirements for drivers to get approved
Can deliver on bicycle or scooter in some areas
Keep 100% of customer tips

Author Details

Lindsay Frankel

Lindsay Frankel is a Denver-based freelance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel, budgeting/saving, and shopping. She has been featured in several finance publications, including LendingTree. When she's not writing, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors, playing music, or cuddling with her rescue pup.

Author Details

Samantha Hawrylack

Samantha Hawrylack is a writer with more than five years of experience. Her work has been published in Newsweek, MarketWatch, USA Today, Rocket Mortgage, BiggerPockets, Crediful, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and she was previously a brokerage investment professional with Series 7 and 63 licenses at Vanguard.