As an independent contractor using the DasherDirect program from DoorDash, having a virtual debit card to access your earnings quickly and easily is very convenient. However, you may be wondering if you can use your DasherDirect virtual debit card to pay at gas stations. Let’s take a closer look at how the DasherDirect card works and the policies around using it for gas purchases.
What is the DasherDirect program?
DasherDirect is a financial program offered by DoorDash that provides independent contractors, also known as Dashers, with an easy way to access their DoorDash earnings. When you sign up for DasherDirect, you get a virtual debit card issued by Stride Bank N.A. that is linked to an account where your DoorDash earnings are deposited each day.
Some key features of the DasherDirect program include:
- Daily deposits – Your DoorDash earnings are deposited daily into your DasherDirect account, allowing quick access to funds.
- Virtual debit card – You get a 16-digit virtual debit card to use for purchases online, in-app, and at POS terminals.
- Physical debit card (optional) – You can order a physical DasherDirect debit card for ATM withdrawals and in-person POS purchases.
- Cash back rewards – You earn 1% cash back on gas purchases and 2% cash back on DasherDirect purchases.
- Mobile app – Manage your account, view balances, freeze your card, and more through the mobile app.
Having quick access to your DoorDash earnings can make financial management much easier as a Dasher. The virtual debit card allows you to immediately start spending your earnings anywhere that major debit cards are accepted.
Can you use the virtual card at gas stations?
Yes, the DasherDirect virtual debit card can be used to make purchases at gas stations in most cases. When entering your card information at the pump or checkout counter, your virtual card will work just like any other Visa debit card.
One thing to note is that some gas stations will place a temporary $1 authorization hold on your account when you first insert your card at the pump. This hold verifies that your card is valid, and the actual amount you pump will then be charged to your account while the $1 hold is removed. This is standard practice at gas stations, so don’t be alarmed if you see a pending $1 transaction.
When using your virtual DasherDirect card at the pump, keep the following usage tips in mind:
- Swipe your card inside – If you have issues using your card at the pump, go inside and swipe it at the checkout counter first and inform the cashier you want to fill up outside. This may bypass issues reading your virtual card.
- Pay inside – As an alternative, you can always go inside and pay the cashier after pumping gas. This guarantees the transaction will go through.
- Check your balance – Be sure to track your balance to avoid exceeding your available funds with gas purchases.
Benefits of using your DasherDirect card for gas
Filling up your gas tank is likely one of the more common expenses you incur as a delivery driver. Paying at the pump with your DasherDirect virtual debit card offers a few nice benefits:
- Instant access to DoorDash earnings – Since your gas purchase directly debits your DasherDirect account, you are instantly using newly earned funds from DoorDash to cover the expense.
- Cash back rewards – All gas station purchases with the DasherDirect card earn 1% cash back. This provides a nice little rebate on a frequent expense.
- Convenience – Using your virtual card is very quick and convenient at the pump compared to paying inside with cash.
- Purchase protection – Your virtual card includes benefits like $0 fraud liability and purchase protection to safeguard your account.
Between instant access to your DoorDash money, cash back perks, and fraud protection, the DasherDirect card offers a very beneficial way to pay for gas as part of your delivery business.
Gas stations that accept DasherDirect
The DasherDirect virtual Visa debit card is accepted at nearly all gas station merchants across the United States. This includes major nationwide gas station brands like:
- Shell
- Exxon
- Mobil
- BP
- Texaco
- Chevron
- 76
- Circle K
- Valero
- Marathon
- Arco
- 7-Eleven
- Sheetz
- QuikTrip
Along with thousands of smaller independent gas stations, truck stops, and convenience store locations that accept Visa cards. The main exceptions would be gas stations that only accept cash or proprietary gas company credit cards.
If you ever encounter an issue using your virtual card at any merchant, you can contact DasherDirect customer support for assistance determining if there are any restrictions or trouble processing your virtual card.
Using rewards programs and loyalty accounts
When paying at certain gas station brands, you may have discounts or rewards tied to a proprietary loyalty account. For example, Shell has the Fuel Rewards program and Exxon has the Smart Card option.
If you have membership in these types of fuel savings programs, you will not typically be able to earn rewards or utilize loyalty discounts when paying with your DasherDirect card instead of the gas company’s credit card. Keep this in mind if you want to maximize potential savings through loyalty programs.
However, you can always enroll your DasherDirect card in general rewards programs that are not tied to a specific gas brand, such as:
- myPanera Rewards
- Starbucks Rewards
- Chick-fil-A Rewards
Redeeming non-gas rewards with your virtual card allows you to stack savings from multiple programs.
Getting cash back at gas stations with DasherDirect
One of the most popular features of the DasherDirect program is the ability to earn cash back rewards on purchases. On all gas station transactions, you get 1% cash back in rewards.
That means if you spend $100 filling up your gas tank, you will earn $1 in cash back rewards. Over time, this adds up to provide a nice rebate on your gas expenses.
Your cash back rewards are calculated daily and paid out to your DasherDirect account on the 15th of each month. This provides you with a regular dose of bonus earnings from Dasher that can help cover additional expenses.
Maximizing your gas cash back
To maximize the cash back you earn on gas station purchases with your DasherDirect virtual debit card, follow these tips:
- Fill up frequently – The more often you pump gas using your DasherDirect card, the more cash back rewards you will accumulate.
- Use premium fuel when possible – Opting for premium gas means your purchase total will be higher, resulting in more cash back earned.
- Avoid low-cost gas stations – Some discount stations have lower per-gallon rates that minimize the cash back reward.
- Take advantage of cash back bonuses – Occasional DasherDirect promotions may offer increased gas station cash back rates for a limited time.
Setting a goal for how much gas cash back you want to earn each month is a great way to motivate maximizing your rewards. Every dollar you get back helps reduce expenses and boost your overall Dasher earnings.
Downsides of using the DasherDirect card for gas
While the convenience and benefits typically make the DasherDirect virtual debit card a great option for gas station payments, there are a couple potential downsides to consider:
- No savings from loyalty programs – As mentioned above, you miss out on gas company loyalty rewards and discounts by not using a proprietary gas card.
- Possible holds and pre-authorizations – Some gas stations will place short-term holds during the pumping process, temporarily affecting your available balance.
- Merchant transaction fees – You will incur the standard ~2% fee charged by DoorDash for each merchant transaction.
However, for most Dashers the perks of instantly accessing your funds and earning cash back rewards outweigh these drawbacks in most cases.
Tips for saving money on gas
In addition to leveraging the benefits of your DasherDirect card, here are some other smart tips for saving money at the gas pump:
- Compare nearby station prices – Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest local rates.
- Pay with cash – Some stations offer a cash payment discount of up to $0.10 per gallon.
- Enroll in fuel reward programs – Sign up for supermarket and other gas discount programs.
- Drive efficiently – Optimize your driving habits to maximize MPG and minimize refueling frequency.
- Avoid premium fuel unless needed – Paying for premium grade when your vehicle takes regular offers minimal benefit.
Combining these money-saving tactics with a DasherDirect virtual card that offers cash back can help maximize your fuel savings as a delivery driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my DasherDirect card at gas station convenience stores?
Yes, your DasherDirect virtual debit card will work for any purchases made inside a gas station convenience store, including food, drinks, and common items. You’ll earn the standard 1% cash back rate on these convenience store transactions.
What if my DasherDirect card is declined at a gas station?
If your virtual card is declined at the pump or gas station checkout, start by checking your balance in the DasherDirect mobile app. There may be insufficient funds available to cover the transaction. You can add money via Instant Deposit or wait until your next DoorDash deposit goes through.
If you have enough funds, the issue may be gas station-specific. Try paying inside or at a different station. You can contact DasherDirect support for assistance if the problem persists.
Can I use my DasherDirect card at electric vehicle charging stations?
Yes, you can use your virtual DasherDirect debit card at electric vehicle charging stations that accept regular Visa card payments. Simply follow the payment prompts on the EV charging screen to insert your DasherDirect card information to activate and pay for charging.
Are gas station purchases a qualifying transaction for DasherDirect cash back?
Yes, any gas station merchant codes as a qualifying gas purchase with DasherDirect. So fuel pumps, convenience stores, car washes, and auto repair shops within a gas station qualify for the 1% cash back reward.
Conclusion
Paying for gas with your DasherDirect virtual debit card provides several benefits for DoorDash drivers, including immediately accessing your DoorDash earnings to cover the cost and earning cash back rewards on gallons purchased. With acceptance at nearly all major gas station brands across the United States, the convenience of using your DasherDirect virtual card at the pump makes fueling up your vehicle quick and easy.
Just be aware of any loyalty program discounts you may be missing out on by not using a gas company credit card. But for most delivery drivers, the perks of the DasherDirect program outweigh any downsides when it comes to paying for gas. So fill up your tank with your virtual card and start raking in the fuel-related cash back!
