17 Ultimate DoorDash Ordering Hacks for Maximum Savings

Hungry for Savings? Here’s How You Can Save Big on Your Next DoorDash Order! DoorDash is a great way to get your favorite food delivered, but why pay the total price when there are so many clever ways to save? We’re talking promo codes, referrals, and genius hacks to make your wallet thank you. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, these tricks will help you cut costs with every order. Ready to dig in?

In this post, you’ll learn:

• How to find and use promo codes to save on every order.
• The benefits of DashPass and how to make it pay for itself.
• The genius ways to stack discounts with gift cards and referrals.
• How to avoid hidden fees like service charges and surge pricing.
• When to order for the best deals and lowest delivery fees.
• How to double your rewards with restaurant loyalty programs and DoorDash.

1. Promo Codes Are Your Secret Weapon

Always hunt for codes before ordering.

If you’re not using a promo code every time you place an order, you’re missing out on free savings. Sites like Dealhack offer up-to-date DoorDash Canada promo codes & coupons. Don’t just settle for one—check multiple sources because stacking codes can sometimes unlock even deeper discounts.

Promo code resources you can trust:

• Dealhack: For regularly updated DoorDash codes.
• Honey: A browser extension that automatically applies promo codes.
• RetailMeNot: Another reliable source for promo codes.

Timing is key! Check for special events or holidays—DoorDash often releases exclusive codes during these times. Watch for national celebrations like National Pizza Day or Taco Tuesday, where you’ll frequently find food-specific discounts.

2. Referral Credits = Free Food

How to refer and earn credits

Sharing is caring, especially when it means free food. When you refer friends to DoorDash using your unique code, you and your friends score sweet deals. Here’s the best part: you get anywhere from $10 to $15 in credits for each friend who signs up and orders. There’s no limit to how many friends you can refer, so why stop at one?

Steps to refer friends:

1. Open the DoorDash app.
2. Tap on the account icon and select Invite Friends; get $10.
3. Send your link via text, email, or social media.

3. Unlock the Power of DashPass

Is DashPass worth it?

If you’re a frequent DoorDash user, you need to be using DashPass. For just $9.99 a month, you get free delivery and reduced service fees on eligible orders. Let’s break it down: if you order more than twice a month, DashPass pays for itself. But here’s the hack—look for free trials before you commit. Many users get a 30-day free trial, and some credit cards (like Chase Sapphire) offer up to two years of free DashPass!

Key DashPass benefits:

• Free delivery on bulk orders.
• Lower service fees (save up to $5 per order).
• Exclusive member-only deals.

4. Group Orders: More Food, Fewer Fees

Why group ordering works

Ordering solo? That’s fine, but there’s a more innovative way. You only pay one delivery fee when you order with friends or family, but everyone gets their meal. This is especially helpful when a big event or family gathering—more mouths to feed equals fewer costs per person.

How to set up a group order:

1. In the DoorDash app, start a new order.
2. Select the Group Order option.
3. Send the link to friends or family; everyone can add their items individually.

5. Double Up Discounts with Gift Cards

Why discounted gift cards are a game-changer

Before you hit “checkout,” consider this: discounted DoorDash gift cards are one of the best-kept secrets in food delivery savings. Sites like Raise or Gift Card Granny sell gift cards for 10-20% off, so you can apply those savings directly to your order.

How it works:

1. Purchase a discounted DoorDash gift card from one of these sites.
2. Apply the gift card during checkout—it’s just like using cash.
3. Stack this with a promo code for double savings!

6. Order During Off-Peak Hours

Timing is everything when it comes to delivery fees

Here’s a little-known hack: delivery fees fluctuate depending on demand. Fees tend to spike when everyone’s ordering during dinner time (6-8 PM). But if you order during off-peak hours (like mid-afternoon or late at night), you can often find much lower fees and sometimes even special discounts for ordering outside the rush.

Best times to order:

• Late lunch (2-4 PM)
• Early dinner (4-6 PM)
• Late night (after 9 PM)

7. Support Local Restaurants and Save on Fees

Why local is better for your wallet

Ever wonder why delivery fees vary? Chain restaurants typically have higher fees due to contracts with delivery platforms. But here’s the kicker: local restaurants often have lower fees and may even waive certain costs to encourage orders. It’s a win-win: you’re supporting small businesses and saving money.

How to find local restaurant deals:

1. Open the DoorDash app and scroll through the “Local Favorites” section.
2. Look for zero-fee delivery options—DoorDash highlights these for easy discovery.

8. Combine Orders with DashMart for Extra Savings

Get groceries and food in one go

Here’s a neat trick if you need to pick up a few household essentials along with your meal: DashMart. DoorDash’s mini convenience store delivers everything from snacks to cleaning supplies. By ordering food and groceries in one go, you’ll often get free delivery for both—and save on that extra trip to the store.

How to use DashMart:

1. Add items from DashMart along with your restaurant order.
2. Look out for promotions offering free delivery when you combine them.
3. Check the “Essentials” section in the app for any flash sales or discounts.

Pro tip: Use DashMart to stock up on things like drinks and snacks to avoid paying inflated prices from restaurants.

9. Use Multiple Delivery Apps and Compare Prices

Why loyalty doesn’t always pay

DoorDash is excellent, but being a loyal customer can sometimes cost you. Before placing your order, check other food delivery apps like Uber Eats, GrubHub, or Postmates to compare prices. Different apps often have different fees and exclusive promotions with certain restaurants. You might find a better deal on the same meal elsewhere.

Steps to compare prices:

1. Add your order to the cart on DoorDash.
2. Open another app (like Uber Eats) and check the same order.
3. Compare delivery fees, service fees, and promotions before deciding.

10. Order Directly from Restaurants and Still Use DoorDash for Delivery

Get restaurant deals while using DoorDash for convenience

Many restaurants offer special deals when you order directly from their website (like buy one, get one free, or exclusive menu items). But here’s the hack: you can still use DoorDash to deliver your order! Some restaurants partner with DoorDash for delivery even when you order through their platform, meaning you get the best of both worlds.

How it works:

1. Visit the restaurant’s website and place your order.
2. Select DoorDash as the delivery option if available.
3. Score those direct-to-restaurant deals while enjoying DoorDash’s delivery service.

11. Check the “Offers” Tab for Hidden Deals

Special offers hiding in plain sight

DoorDash has an entire section dedicated to promotions and limited-time offers. You might overlook this treasure trove of savings if you’re only scrolling through your usual favorites. The “Offers” tab features discounts like free delivery, half-off orders, and meal bundles you won’t find elsewhere on the app.

How to find offers:

1. Open the DoorDash app and tap on the Offers tab.
2. Look for deals like “$0 delivery” or “Buy 1 Get 1 Free”.
3. Place your order from a restaurant that’s currently offering a promotion.

12. Avoid Pricey Add-Ons

Skip those sneaky extras that jack up your bill

It’s easy to get carried away with extra sauces, sides, or drinks when placing an order—but these add-ons can quickly inflate your total. Instead, stock up on essentials like sauces, beverages, and snacks at home. You’ll be surprised how much you can save by avoiding those sneaky $1.99 upcharges for a side of ranch.

Best add-ons to skip:

• Drinks (grab a soda from your fridge instead!).
• Extra sauces or sides.
• Desserts (opt for something you already have at home).

13. Use a Rewards Credit Card to Stack Even More Savings

Let your credit card work for you

Maximize your savings using a rewards credit card offering cashback or points for dining and delivery services. Many cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, give you extra points on food purchases, meaning every DoorDash order gets you closer to travel rewards or statement credits.

Best credit cards for DoorDash orders:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x points on dining)
• American Express Gold (4x points on restaurants)
• Citi Double Cash (2% cashback on all purchases)

14. Look for Free Delivery Promotions from New Restaurants

New restaurant = free delivery for you

DoorDash frequently adds new restaurants to the platform. To encourage customers to try them out, these places often offer free delivery for a limited time. Keep an eye out for new additions in your area, especially local favorites you may not have known about.

How to spot new restaurant deals:

1. Scroll through the “New on DoorDash” section of the app.
2. Look for banners offering free delivery on your first order.
3. Make the most of your savings by ordering larger meals.

15. Sign Up for Email and Text Alerts

Get first dibs on deals directly from DoorDash

Want to be the first to know about DoorDash deals, promotions, or flash sales? Signing up for email and text alerts gives you exclusive codes and personalized offers. This is especially handy when DoorDash runs limited-time promotions that are not advertised on the app. Plus, during significant shopping events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, these alerts often include deep discounts or free delivery offers that aren’t available elsewhere.

How to sign up:

1. Open the DoorDash app and navigate to your account settings.
2. Opt into email notifications and text alerts.
3. Keep an eye on your inbox for codes and offers.

16. Split Large Orders to Maximize Promo Code Value

Why breaking up big orders can save you more

When placing a large order, it might be tempting to put everything in one go—but here’s a sneaky trick: split your order into two (or more) separate orders if you have access to multiple promo codes. You can apply a promo code to each smaller order, maximizing your overall discount. Some promo codes have a cap on the maximum savings per order, so breaking it down can help you squeeze out extra discounts.

How to split orders effectively:

1. Start by adding everything to one cart to see the total.
2. Look at the promo code’s terms—does it apply better to a lower-priced order?
3. Create two orders, each eligible for its code.

17. Plan with Scheduled Orders

Avoid surge pricing with intelligent scheduling.

Did you know you can schedule your DoorDash order ahead of time? This is especially useful to avoid peak pricing or ensure your food arrives precisely when needed. By scheduling ahead, you can dodge last-minute cravings (and higher delivery fees), and some restaurants even offer discounts for pre-scheduled orders.

How to schedule an order:

1. Select your items and go to checkout.
2. Tap on “Deliver Later” and choose your preferred time.
3. Place your order, and let DoorDash handle the rest!

Highlights of DoorDash Savings opportunities

Hack	Potential Savings	Details
Promo Codes	10-25% per order	Regular promo codes from DoorDash and third-party sites like Dealhack.
Referral Credits	$10-$15 per friend	Earn credits by referring friends to sign up and order through your link.
DashPass	$5-$10 per order	Free delivery and reduced fees on eligible orders for $9.99/month.
Discounted Gift Cards	10-20% per gift card	Purchase discounted gift cards on sites like Raise or Gift Card Granny.
Scheduled Orders	5-15% during off-peak times	Lower delivery fees and potential discounts for pre-scheduled orders.
Group Orders	$5-$10 per person	Share delivery fees by ordering with friends or family.
New Restaurant Free Delivery	$3-$5 per order	Many new restaurants offer free delivery promotions for first-time orders.
Loyalty Program Stacking	Varies (points/credits for future)	Earn rewards from both DoorDash and the restaurant’s loyalty program.
Social Media Exclusive Offers	$5-$15 per order	Limited-time codes or deals are announced via DoorDash’s social media accounts.
DashMart Combined Orders	$0 delivery fees + $5 savings	Combine food and grocery orders to save on delivery and in-app discounts.
Scheduled Pickup	$5-$10 per order	Avoid delivery fees entirely by picking up your order directly.

Conclusion

With these 17 DoorDash hacks, saving on your next food delivery is easier than ever! From promo codes and referral credits to stacking gift cards and using DashPass, you now have all the tools to enjoy your favorite meals without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a frequent user or just an occasional dabbler, these tips will help you maximize every order. Happy saving and even happier eating!

For expert tips and exclusive deals, follow us at Dealhack, your go-to source for smart shopping and savings!

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