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 2029.

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.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

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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 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.49 - 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation home rentals with top brands, and streaming services.

It offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and strong travel insurance coverage, including primary car rental insurance. If you travel a few times a year and spend on dining, the card is likely to be a good choice, but it’s hard to justify if you don’t dine out or travel often.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via Chase Travel
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation home rentals with top brands (such as Airbnb and Vrbo), and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Subject to Chase’s 5/24 application restrictions

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Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes at top brands, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
• Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation, and more.
• Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $180.
• Complimentary DashPass membership, a $120 value for 12 months. Enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders, plus exclusive Chase savings on grocery, everyday essentials, and more. Activate by 12/31/29.
• Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck^® or NEXUS application.
• Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49 - 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.