How I Use This Easy DoorDash Credit on the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

One of the most useful everyday perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card is the complimentary DoorDash membership. First introduced in 2020, Chase extended this partnership this summer, allowing cardmembers to enjoy the convenience of a DashPass membership through the end of 2027.

Let’s be clear: DashPass isn’t a benefit I’d necessarily pay for outright. However, the membership has turned out to be more helpful than expected, especially when you’re pressed for time or under the weather and need some chicken noodle soup delivered to your doorstep.

Chase recently sweetened this “free” perk by adding a monthly credit of up to $10 for DoorDash purchases on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, but there are several important restrictions to note. Namely, the credit can only be used on “nonrestaurant orders.”

However, don’t let that deter you — DoorDash offers plenty of options that can still come in handy. Here are my tips and tricks to maximize this monthly credit, ensuring that I find even more lasting value from my Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card’s DoorDash Credit

As of August 2024, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card now offers up to a $10 monthly credit to nonrestaurant orders at DoorDash. To take advantage of this, you need to activate your DashPass membership first (if you haven’t already). Be sure to set your Chase Sapphire Preferred card as the default payment method on DoorDash or Caviar, which will then allow you to enroll in the membership.

BEST BEGINNER CARD

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

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A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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You can then apply the $10 monthly credit under the “Promo” section of checkout on eligible orders within the U.S. every month. Do note, however, it only applies to a single order per month, meaning you can’t split the credit across multiple purchases. Also, the credit only applies to the subtotal — it doesn’t apply to fees, taxes, or gratuity.

Though this credit doesn’t apply to restaurant orders, DoorDash has added a ton of merchants on its platform. You can use it for groceries, alcohol (in certain states), beauty products, pet supplies, electronics, clothing, and more. You might actually be surprised by the variety of nonrestaurant items available on DoorDash.

With these basics in mind, here’s how I like to maximize the value of this credit.

1. Hit the $12 Sweet Spot

The DashPass membership on its own provides free unlimited deliveries from eligible retailers — but only for orders over $12 before taxes. Keep in mind that some major grocery stores, like Target or Sprouts, require a minimum spend of $25 for free delivery.

If you try to maximize the $10 credit with a $10 order, you’ll likely end up paying more in taxes, fees, and surcharges since the order falls below $12. However, if you make a purchase that hits that $12 threshold, you’ll save significantly more.

For example, I can order a 6-pack of toilet paper for $12.89 from my local DashMart, which only requires a $12 minimum for free delivery. With taxes adding 32 cents and a discounted service fee of $1.49 for DashPass members, the total before using my credit is $14.70.

After applying my $10 monthly DoorDash credit, my total drops to $4.70. Of course, I still need to tip for the delivery, and I always calculate the tip based on the original amount, not the discounted price.

If you find yourself down to the last roll of toilet paper and need to place an urgent order, this DoorDash credit can be a real lifesaver. While spending exactly $12 is a great way to maximize the credit, the convenience of having everyday essentials delivered right to your doorstep is hard to beat even if you were to spend more than $12.

2. Use on Pickup Orders

Even when you meet the $12 minimum, you still pay service fees on the order. While these fees are reduced for DashPass members, it’s an extra cost to consider.

To completely avoid fees, consider using your credit for pickup orders at participating stores like 7-Eleven. However, shopping at DashMarts may be the most convenient option for using the credit, as they offer a wide range of products, from groceries to desserts to medicine. In case you’re unfamiliar, DashMarts function like convenience stores but are only accessible through the DashPass app.

If you live near a DashMart, then you’re in luck. The nearest one to me is just a mile away, so I could easily make a casual afternoon walk out of picking up my order. (Yes, I’m eyeing that pint of Jeni’s ice cream that normally costs $10.99, but I could grab it for just $1.02 without any service or delivery fees).

3. Still Order Food with Your ‘Non-Restaurant’ Credit

Unfortunately, the perk is structured so you can’t order meals at your favorite restaurants. However, there is a workaround to scoring ready-to-eat food with this credit — you just have to know where to look.

For instance, I ordered a sub from a Safeway’s deli on the DoorDash app when I was in Phoenix and still used my $10 credit because Safeway is considered a grocery store. You may want to check your local grocery stores on DoorDash to see if similar options are available to you.

Final Thoughts

I’ll admit, the DoorDash credit can be a bit tricky to use — it highlights how many rewards credit cards can often feel like coupon books. That said, there hasn’t been an increase in the annual fee of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card since the new DoorDash credit was introduced. And, as you can see from above, there are several easy ways to maximize this perk.

If I miss out on using a month’s credit, it’s not a huge loss since there are so many ongoing benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred that justify the $95 annual fee. However, it has certainly come in handy in unexpected circumstances.