How to Earn DoorDash Gift Cards: Legitimate Ways to Save

Are you looking for legitimate ways to earn DoorDash gift cards and save money on your food delivery orders? You’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore proven, trustworthy methods to earn free DoorDash credit without falling for scams or wasting your time. With food delivery costs adding up quickly, learning how to earn DoorDash gift cards can make a significant difference to your budget while still enjoying the convenience these services offer.

DoorDash has become one of America’s favorite food delivery platforms, but regular orders can become expensive. Fortunately, there are several legitimate ways to get DoorDash gift cards that can offset these costs. From rewards sites like Swagbucks to cashback platforms like Rakuten, and even DoorDash’s own promotions and referral program, this guide covers all the reliable methods to score free DoorDash credit in 2025.

Table of Contents

What You’ll Learn About How to Earn DoorDash Gift Cards

This comprehensive guide will walk you through:

Using rewards platforms like Swagbucks to earn DoorDash gift cards
Leveraging cashback programs like Rakuten for DoorDash credit
Taking advantage of the DoorDash referral program
Finding DoorDash gift card promotions and seasonal deals
Alternative rewards sites worth your time
Credit card rewards with DoorDash benefits
Legitimate survey sites that offer DoorDash gift cards
How to recognize and avoid common gift card scams
Evaluating whether DoorDash’s rewards programs are worthwhile
Strategies to maximize your gift card earnings

Let’s dive into these legitimate methods to start saving on your food delivery expenses!

Swagbucks: A Reliable Platform to Earn DoorDash Gift Cards

What is Swagbucks?

Swagbucks is one of the most established and trusted rewards platforms available today, with over 20 million members and more than $800 million paid out to users. The platform allows you to earn points (called SB) through various online activities that can later be redeemed for gift cards—including DoorDash gift cards—or cash via PayPal.

How to Earn SB Points

Swagbucks offers multiple ways to earn points that you can later convert to DoorDash gift cards:

Online Shopping: Earn 1-20% cash back when you shop through Swagbucks at thousands of retailers.
Watching Videos: Earn SB by watching short videos across different entertainment, news, and lifestyle categories.
Taking Surveys: Complete surveys tailored to your demographic profile, typically worth 40-200 SB each.
Playing Games: Earn points while playing casual games on the platform.
Using the Search Engine: Earn random SB awards just by using Swagbucks as your search engine.
Discovering Deals: Find special offers and promotions that reward you with SB when completed.
Installing the SwagButton: A browser extension that notifies you about earning opportunities.

How to Redeem DoorDash Gift Cards

Once you’ve accumulated enough SB points, redeeming them for DoorDash gift cards is straightforward:

Log in to your Swagbucks account
Navigate to the “Rewards” section
Search for “DoorDash” in the gift card options
Select the denomination you want (typically starting at $25)
Complete the redemption process

DoorDash gift cards usually require between 2,500 to 3,000 SB points for a $25 card, depending on current promotions. Keep an eye out for discount events when Swagbucks occasionally offers gift cards at reduced point costs.

[Learn more about maximizing your earnings with Swagbucks in our detailed guide: “Swagbucks Review: A Comprehensive Guide to Earning Rewards“]

Rakuten: Convert Cash Back into DoorDash Gift Cards

What is Rakuten?

Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a popular cash-back platform that partners with thousands of retailers to offer users a percentage of their purchases back as cash. While Rakuten primarily provides quarterly cash payments via check or PayPal, you can strategically use these earnings to purchase DoorDash gift cards.

How to Earn Cash Back with Rakuten

Earning cash back through Rakuten is simple:

Sign up for a free Rakuten account: New members often receive a welcome bonus (typically $10-30) after their first qualifying purchase.
Shop through the Rakuten portal: Visit Rakuten before shopping online and click through to your desired retailer.
Install the Rakuten browser extension: This automatically alerts you when you’re on a site that offers cash back.
Link your credit cards: For in-store cash back, link your credit cards to your Rakuten account.
Complete your purchase as normal: Rakuten tracks your transaction and adds the cashback to your account.

How to Use Cash Back for DoorDash Gift Cards

Once you’ve accumulated cash back through Rakuten:

Wait for your quarterly “Big Fat Check” payment via PayPal or check
Use your cashback earnings to purchase DoorDash gift cards directly from DoorDash’s website or authorized retailers
Apply the gift card to your DoorDash account for future orders

The advantage of using Rakuten is that it rewards you for purchases you already planned to make, effectively giving you free money that can be converted to DoorDash credit.

[Discover more strategies in our article: “Rakuten for DoorDash Lovers: Earn Cash Back and Get Gift Cards!”]

DoorDash Referral Program: Share the Love, Get Rewarded

How the DoorDash Referral Program Works

DoorDash’s referral program is one of the most direct ways to earn free DoorDash credit. The program rewards both the referrer and the person being referred when a new customer signs up and places their first order.

The referral program typically works as follows:

Existing DoorDash users receive a unique referral code/link
When a new user signs up using this link and places their first order, both parties receive credit
Credits are automatically applied to accounts and can be used on future orders

Benefits for Both Referrer and Referee

The DoorDash referral program offers benefits to both parties:

For Referrers:

Typically $7-10 in DoorDash credit per successful referral
No limit to how many people you can refer
Credits are usually valid for 30-60 days

For New Users (Referees):

Usually $5-15 off their first order
Sometimes include reduced or free delivery fees
May receive additional promotional offers as a new customer

How to Find and Share Your Referral Link

To locate and share your DoorDash referral link:

Open the DoorDash app
Tap on your Account icon
Select “Refer Friends.”
Choose your preferred sharing method (text, email, social media, etc.)
Track successful referrals in the same section

Pro tip: The most effective way to use your referral link is to share it with friends and family who haven’t yet tried DoorDash but would genuinely benefit from the service.

[Learn all the details in our guide: “DoorDash Referral Program: Get Free Delivery and More!”]

DoorDash Promotions and Deals: Timing Is Everything

How to Find DoorDash Promotions and Deals

DoorDash regularly offers promotions and deals that can result in significant savings or even free DoorDash gift cards. Here’s how to stay on top of these opportunities:

Check the DoorDash app regularly: Promotions often appear on the home screen or in a dedicated “Offers” section.
Sign up for DoorDash emails: Subscribers often receive exclusive promotions and early access to deals.
Follow DoorDash on social media: Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook often announce flash deals.
Check deal aggregator websites: Sites like RetailMeNot and Slickdeals frequently list DoorDash promotions.
Monitor partner promotions: Companies like Chase, American Express, and various retailers occasionally offer DoorDash credits as part of their promotions.

Types of Promotions to Look Out For

DoorDash offers several types of promotions that can help you save:

Free or reduced delivery fees: Particularly common during special events or holidays
Percentage discounts on orders: Usually with minimum purchase requirements
Buy-one-get-one deals: Often in partnership with specific restaurants
Gift card bonuses: Such as “Buy a $50 gift card, get $10 extra”
Loyalty rewards: Extra points or credits for frequent users
Seasonal promotions: Special offers during holidays or major sporting events

Examples of Past DoorDash Promotions

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some notable past DoorDash promotions:

“Refer a friend, get $10 in DoorDash credit” campaigns
“30% off your next 3 orders” for new or returning customers
Partnership deals with credit cards offering statement credits for DoorDash purchases
Holiday promotions with reduced fees and percentage discounts
Buy $75 in gift cards, and receive a $15 bonus credit

[Get more insights in our article: “DoorDash Promotions and Deals: How to Save Money on Every Order”]

Other Rewards Sites for Earning DoorDash Gift Cards

While Swagbucks is one of the most popular options, several other legitimate rewards sites offer DoorDash gift cards:

MyPoints

MyPoints works similarly to Swagbucks, allowing you to earn points through online shopping, surveys, watching videos, and more. These points can be redeemed for DoorDash gift cards, typically starting at $25 denominations.

Key features:

25+ years in the rewards space
Welcome bonus of up to $10
Multiple daily earning opportunities
Regular gift card sales with discounted point requirements

InboxDollars

InboxDollars offers a straightforward cash-earning approach rather than a points system. You can earn money by taking surveys, watching videos, reading emails, and shopping online, then cash out directly for DoorDash gift cards.

Key features:

$5 sign-up bonus
Direct cash rewards (no point conversion)
Low minimum payout threshold of $15
Clean, user-friendly interface

Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards takes a different approach by rewarding you for uploading receipts from shopping trips. Simply scan any receipt, earn points, and redeem them for DoorDash gift cards.

Key features:

Extremely easy to use
Works with receipts from any store
Extra points for special offers and partner brands
Low minimum redemption threshold

Credit Card Rewards for DoorDash Benefits

Several credit cards offer specific benefits related to DoorDash that can help you save money or earn rewards:

Chase Sapphire Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred cardholders receive special DoorDash benefits, including:

Complimentary DashPass membership (free delivery on eligible orders)
Annual DoorDash credits (amount varies by card)
Extra points on DoorDash purchases

American Express Cards

Select American Express cards occasionally run promotions offering statement credits for DoorDash purchases. Keep an eye on the “Amex Offers” section of your account.

Capital One

Some Capital One cards provide bonus rewards on food delivery services, including DoorDash, which can be redeemed for statement credits to offset your DoorDash expenses.

When using credit cards for rewards, always remember to:

Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges
Only use cards for planned purchases you can afford
Compare annual fees against the actual value of rewards you’ll use

Online Surveys for DoorDash Gift Cards (Approach with Caution)

Online surveys can provide another avenue for earning DoorDash gift cards, but it’s important to be selective about which platforms you use.

Legitimate Survey Sites to Consider

These survey sites have established reputations for actually paying out rewards:

Survey Junkie: Survey Junkie is known for its transparent point system and reasonable payout thresholds. Once you accumulate enough points, you can exchange them for DoorDash gift cards.
Ipsos i-Say: This long-standing market research panel offers surveys that can be completed for points redeemable for various gift cards, including DoorDash.
Toluna: Another established platform that offers multiple ways to earn points that can be exchanged for DoorDash gift cards.

Warning Signs of Survey Scams

Be wary of survey sites that:

Promise unrealistically high payouts
Require payment to join
Ask for sensitive personal information beyond demographic data
Have no privacy policy or terms of service
Feature poor reviews or complaints about non-payment
Use excessive pop-ups or misleading advertisements

Remember that legitimate survey sites will never ask for your Social Security number, banking details, or other highly sensitive information.

[Learn more about legitimate survey opportunities in our article: “Best Online Surveys for DoorDash Gift Cards”]

DoorDash Gift Card Scams: What to Watch Out For

As DoorDash has grown in popularity, so have scams targeting gift card seekers. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Common DoorDash Gift Card Scams

Be on the lookout for these common scams:

Gift card generators: Any website claiming to “generate” free DoorDash gift card codes is a scam, often designed to steal personal information or install malware.
Social media giveaway scams: Fake accounts impersonating DoorDash may promise gift cards for sharing posts, providing personal information, or clicking suspicious links.
Survey scams: Illegitimate surveys that promise DoorDash gift cards but never deliver, instead collecting your data for marketing or fraud.
Phishing emails: Messages claiming to be from DoorDash offering gift cards but linking to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Protect yourself by being alert to these warning signs:

Offers that seem too good to be true (they almost always are)
Requests for payment to receive a “free” gift card
Poor grammar and spelling in communications
Pressure to act quickly or claims of limited-time offers
Requests for sensitive personal information
URLs that don’t match the official DoorDash domain
Unofficial social media accounts without verification badges

Remember: DoorDash will never ask you to provide personal information via email or social media to claim a gift card, nor will they ask for payment to receive a promotional offer.

[Protect yourself with more information in our article: “DoorDash Gift Card Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them”]

Are DoorDash Rewards Programs Worth It?

DoorDash offers its own rewards programs that may help you save money or earn benefits over time. But are they worth joining?

DashPass Membership

DashPass is DoorDash’s subscription service that offers:

$0 delivery fees on eligible orders (minimum purchase applies)
Reduced service fees
Exclusive offers and promotions
Priority customer service

Is it worth it? Generally, DashPass makes financial sense if you order through DoorDash at least 2-3 times per month. At $9.99/month or $96 annually, you need to save at least that amount in delivery fees to break even.

Order Frequency	Potential Monthly Savings	Worth It?
1-2 orders/month	$4-$8	Probably not
3-5 orders/month	$12-$20	Yes
6+ orders/month	$24+	Definitely

DoorDash Rewards

DoorDash also offers a loyalty program that allows you to earn points on orders that can be redeemed for credits and other perks.

Is it worth it? Since this program is free to join, there’s no downside to participating. However, the value of points can vary significantly, and it typically takes several orders to earn meaningful rewards.

[Get a deeper analysis in our article: “Are DoorDash Rewards Programs Worth It?”]

Tips for Maximizing Your DoorDash Gift Card Earnings

To get the most value from your efforts to earn DoorDash gift cards, follow these expert tips:

Combine Multiple Methods

Don’t rely on just one method—combine several approaches for maximum results:

Use Swagbucks for everyday online activities
Shop through Rakuten for cash back
Refer friends to DoorDash
Take advantage of credit card benefits
Watch for DoorDash promotions

Be Consistent

Consistency is key, especially with rewards sites:

Set aside 15-30 minutes daily for survey taking
Make Swagbucks your default search engine
Check the DoorDash app weekly for new promotions
Create a routine of scanning receipts with Fetch Rewards

Set Realistic Expectations

Understanding what’s realistic will help maintain motivation:

Most methods require some time investment
Expect to earn $5-25 in DoorDash credit per month with casual use
More dedicated users might earn $50+ monthly across all platforms
Remember that small savings add up over time

Track Your Earnings

Keep a simple spreadsheet or note tracking:

Which platforms are you using
How much time do you spend on each
Your earnings per platform
Which methods give you the best return on time invested

This data will help you focus on the most rewarding methods for your situation.

Conclusion: Your Path to Free DoorDash Meals

Learning how to earn DoorDash gift cards through legitimate methods can significantly reduce your food delivery expenses while still enjoying the convenience these services offer. By leveraging rewards platforms like Swagbucks and Rakuten, taking advantage of referral programs, watching for promotions, and being vigilant about avoiding scams, you can earn free DoorDash credit to satisfy your cravings without breaking your budget.

Remember that the key to success is diversifying your approach and being consistent. Start with the methods that seem most appealing to you, track your results, and adjust your strategy based on what works best for your lifestyle and habits.

Have you had success with any of these methods to earn DoorDash gift cards? Which approach works best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our related articles for more in-depth information on specific methods!

Ready to start saving? Begin with Swagbucks today—it’s free to join and offers multiple ways to earn rewards that can be redeemed for DoorDash gift cards.

Looking for more food-related gift cards? Don’t miss our Food Gift Cards section for other great ways to save on your favorite meals and delivery apps.