How The DasherDirect Card Works [& Is It Worth It?] (2024)

What Is the DasherDirect Prepaid Card?

At its core, DasherDirect is a specialized debit card crafted specifically for DoorDash drivers.

This isn’t just any ordinary card; it’s DoorDash’s way of offering its dedicated Dashers a streamlined method to access their earnings, combined with the added advantage of cashbacks on certain purchases.

The aim? To provide Dashers with both convenience and value, ensuring their hard work is rewarded in more ways than one.

In short, it’s an excellent debit card that’ll save you a lot of money on gas and enables you to access your hard-earned money earlier.

How Does the DasherDirect Card Work?

The DasherDirect card operates as a unique debit card exclusively for DoorDash drivers.

Once a Dasher signs up for this card, their DoorDash earnings are directly deposited onto it after each completed delivery session or “dash.” This means that Dashers no longer have to wait for traditional bank transfers or pay cash out fees when they want immediate access to their earnings.

In addition to providing instant access to funds, the card comes with the added benefit of offering cash back on specific purchases. For instance, Dashers were once offered an impressive 10% cash back on gas—a significant perk considering the fuel expenses many drivers incur.

While that particular offer has since changed, the card continues to provide cash back opportunities at varying rates for different types of purchases, enhancing its overall appeal.

There’s also a dedicated DasherDirect app. Just like with most banking apps, Dashers can check their balance, view transaction history, make transfers, and more, all from the convenience of their smartphone.

Perks and Benefits of the DasherDirect Card

The DasherDirect card comes with a handful of benefits and perks. These include:

• No-fee ATM usage: use your card for free at more than 55,000 AllPoint ATMs
• No need to wait for earnings: you’ll have instant access to Door Dash earnings
• Cashback rewards: earn 2% cash back on gas purchases at any gas station
• No monthly fees: no per-transaction or monthly fees
• You can accept cash deposits: you can use any ReadyLink network location to make fee-free cash (on DoorDash’s side) deposits

Fees for Using the DasherDirect Card

Fortunately, there are no monthly maintenance fees with this card or when you use one of their partner ATMs. But, if you make direct deposits, Visa may charge you a fee of around $4.95 per reload.

Additionally, a couple of other fees include:

• Card replacement: $5
• Balance refund check: $3.50
• Inactivity fee: $2.50 per month after 12 months of inactivity
• Foreign transaction fees: 3% of your transaction
• Bill pay with a paper check: $1 per check used
• Non-network ATM fees: $2.50 per transaction

How to Get the DasherDirect Card

Applying for the DasherDirect card is easy, given that you meet the stipulated eligibility criteria before proceeding.

1. Eligibility Criteria

You must first meet the following prerequisites:

• Be an active DoorDash driver based in the United States.
• Already downloaded and installed the Dasher app.
• Be able to provide documents like a government-issued ID or driver’s license, a social security number, and a verifiable US residential address.
• Be at least 18 years of age.

2. Application Procedure

To kickstart the application process:

• Access your Dasher app and select the “Earnings” section.
• Navigate to the Bank icon and opt for “DasherDirect” listed under the “Other” payment preferences.
• The app will then guide you to initiate the registration for the program.

During the sign-up phase, be prepared to provide:

• A driver’s license or an equivalent government-issued identification.
• Your residential address.
• Your social security number.
• Your full legal name.

Once processed, the DasherDirect prepaid Visa card will be mailed to you. After you receive it, activate the card and install the DasherDirect card app (available on both iOS and Android).

As an added note, it’s worth mentioning that while the physical card is in the mail, you’ll still have full access to your funds via the DasherDirect app.

My Experience in Getting the DasherDirect Card

I chose to explore DasherDirect primarily because of DoorDash’s promotional offer at the time, which promised 10% cash back on gas—a significant incentive given the high gas prices.

The sign-up process on DoorDash’s platform was clear and straightforward. After completing the required steps, I received the DasherDirect card within a span of 10 days, much quicker than I expected.

I set my DasherDirect card as my default payment option within the DoorDash app so that my earnings would be deposited onto the card after each delivery. This helped me eliminate cash-out fees or waiting periods to get my money after my Dashes.

Comparison With Other Payment Methods

The biggest questions that I get about this card is how it is different than other payment methods.

Arguably the biggest differentiator is the fact that with this card, Dashers can get get their earnings in their pocket almost as soon as a dash is done. Having cash on hand immediately can be a game-changer when you’re out Dashing and need to pay for expenses like gas.

Second to that would be the ability to avoid cash-out fees. Say goodbye to the $1.99 fee for Instant Pay. While not a huge amount, withdraw your earnings enough and those fees really start to add up.

Lastly, if you’re the multi-app type like me, moonlighting with other services like Instacart or Lyft, DasherDirect allows you to treat your DoorDash earnings like you would a bank account – but more convenient.

Pros and Cons of Using the DasherDirect Card

DasherDirect offers notable benefits, particularly for avoiding cash out fees, but requires consideration of payout preferences and maintaining a certain balance for optimal usage.

Is The DasherDirect Card Worth It Recommendation & Verdict

The DasherDirect card, at its core, is tailor-made for Dashers seeking to optimize their earnings and have swift access to their money.

It’s especially advantageous for those who often find themselves itching to cash out quickly and regularly, as it helps sidestep the recurring $1.99 fee.

The added perks, like cash back at gas stations, further sweeten the deal, though it’s worth noting that the previous enticing 10% offer has been reduced.

However, for Dashers who prefer the simplicity of consolidated earnings from multiple gig platforms, or those who don’t mind waiting for the standard transfer duration, the DasherDirect card might add an extra layer of complication without much tangible benefit.

Also, if you’re not dashing frequently or are sporadic in your dashing patterns, the nuances of maintaining the DasherDirect account—like the specific gas station requirements—may feel more cumbersome than beneficial.

In summation, if you’re a regular Dasher who is laser-focused on maximizing immediate earnings and capitalizing on cashback perks, DasherDirect could be a valuable asset. But if you’re looking for simplicity and have diverse gig income streams, sticking to a traditional bank account might be the more straightforward route.

Frequently Asked Questions

While we covered a lot of information related to the DasherDirect card, there are still many questions.

Wrapping Up

In the ever-changing landscape of the gig economy, DasherDirect stands out. It’s more than just a card; it’s DoorDash’s commitment to empowering its drivers with quick access to earnings and added perks.

Whether you’re a seasoned Dasher or a newbie, the DasherDirect card offers a unique blend of speed, convenience, and rewards. In a world where time and money are paramount, a tailored tool like this could just be the game-changer you need.