Can I Do DoorDash Without My Red Card?

Completing DoorDash deliveries without your Red Card is a complex issue. The

Red Card, a prepaid debit card, is essential for certain orders where restaurants

require cash payments, but using DoorDash without it carries several risks and limitations.

Understanding the Red Card

The Red Card is a specific type of prepaid debit card used by DoorDash drivers, often

referred to as Dashers, to pay for transactions at restaurants that do not accept

DoorDash payments directly. This card is necessary for completing orders that require

exactly this type of payment, which is crucial for many establishments.

Requirements and Restrictions

DoorDash strictly enforces the use of the Red Card to ensure compliance with

restaurants' payment policies. It's important to note that if you don't have the Red Card,

you may not be able to accept certain orders, thereby potentially limiting your earning

opportunities. This is particularly true for Dashers in densely populated areas with

multiple restaurants that often require cash payments.

What Happens if I Don't Have My Red Card?

If you're a new Dasher, you may have a temporary window to deliver without the Red Card.

During your initial few weeks of service, DoorDash typically allows you to complete

deliveries without it. However, if you need to replace your lost or stolen card, you

should contact DoorDash's support team immediately. They will guide you through the

process of reporting the card as lost or stolen and provide information on when you can

expect a replacement.

Common Scenarios and Experiences

Many users have reported situations where they tried to bypass the Red Card, only to

encounter issues. For example, one Dasher from Florida stated, 'I thought I had lost

my red card so I reported it lost on my app. Then I found the card that same day. I

tried to DoorDash and I was not able to. I called DoorDash and they said I could not

do any deliveries until I got my new card in the mail. They could not re-activate or

change the status since it was reported lost.'

Another user noted, 'I have been dashing for 3 weeks without it and NEVER HAD an order

come up that needed a red card. They may have worked out some of those kinks tbh. Because

that would be a huge pain to me. Tonight is the first night I start with it. So I will

update to say how the experience was.' This highlights the importance of having the Red Card

activated, even if it's for just a short period.

State-Specific Differences

It's important to consider that state-specific regulations and DoorDash policies may

affect your ability to Dasher without a Red Card. For instance, a Dasher in New Jersey

reported, 'I tried though. I was hoping they could give me a barcode to scan for orders on

my app as a payment option for food orders until my new card came in the mail but they

can not. They do not offer me to pay and be paid back was today 02/18/2021. They are

busy tonight too. What a shame.' This suggests that while DoorDash generally discourages

deliveries without the Red Card, there are no official state-specific exemptions.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to consult the official

DoorDash support resources or customer service.