Can You Use Restaurant Gift Cards on DoorDash? 2025 Guide

Can You Use Restaurant Gift Cards on DoorDash? A 2025 Guide

 

So, can you use restaurant gift cards on DoorDash? It’s a fantastic question. You just received a $50 gift card to your favorite local steakhouse for your birthday, and you’d love to use it for a cozy night in by ordering delivery through DoorDash.

Let's get straight to the definitive answer: No, you cannot use a restaurant-specific gift card as a payment method on the DoorDash platform.

This is one of the most common and frustrating points of confusion for delivery app users. You have a valid form of payment for that exact restaurant, but the app won't accept it.

This 1000+ word, in-depth guide will explain exactly why this is the case, what the exceptions are, what your alternatives are, and how competitors like Uber Eats and Grubhub handle the same problem.

 

The Core Problem: Who Are You Actually Paying?

 

The entire issue boils down to one simple question: When you order from DoorDash, who is the "merchant of record"?

The answer is DoorDash, not the restaurant.

Think of DoorDash (and Uber Eats, Grubhub, etc.) as a digital shopping mall or a massive middleman.

1. You browse their "mall" (the app).


2. You place an order with the mall's food court (the restaurant).


3. You pay the mall's cash register (DoorDash) directly.


4. DoorDash then takes their commission (15-30%) and pays the restaurant their share later, in a lump sum.

Because you are paying DoorDash directly, you must use one of DoorDash's accepted payment methods—a credit card, a debit card, PayPal, or an official DoorDash gift card.

 

Why Your Restaurant Gift Card Won't Work

 

Your $50 steakhouse gift card is a form of "closed-loop" currency. It lives in the restaurant's internal payment system. When a restaurant's host or server swipes that card at the physical location, it communicates directly with the restaurant's own point-of-sale (POS) system and their specific gift card processor.

There is zero connection between the restaurant's internal gift card system and DoorDash's massive, external payment platform. DoorDash has no way to access that $50, verify it, or redeem it from the restaurant's system.

To DoorDash, your restaurant gift card is not a valid form of payment.

 

The Only Gift Card That Works on DoorDash: The Official DoorDash Gift Card

 

This is the key distinction. While you can't use a restaurant's gift card, you can absolutely use a DoorDash gift card.

• What is it? This is a gift card purchased directly from DoorDash or a third-party retailer (like Amazon, Kroger, or CVS).


• How does it work? You redeem the code directly in the DoorDash app, and the funds are added to your "DoorDash Credits" balance.


• Why does this work? Because you are loading money directly into your DoorDash account, using their own currency system. This credit can then be applied to any restaurant on the platform.

 

What About Visa, Mastercard, or Amex Gift Cards?

 

Here's some good news. If your "gift card" is not for a specific restaurant but is a prepaid gift card with a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex logo, it will almost always work on DoorDash.

Why? Because DoorDash's payment system sees it as a valid, non-reloadable debit card. You would simply enter the card numbers, expiration date, and CVV just like you would with a normal credit card.

Summary of What Works vs. What Doesn't:

• Does NOT Work: A gift card for a specific restaurant (e.g., The Cheesecake Factory, a local pizza place).


• DOES Work: An official DoorDash gift card.


• DOES Work: A universal Visa, Mastercard, or Amex prepaid gift card.

 

How Do Competitors Handle This? (Uber Eats & Grubhub)

 

This isn't just a DoorDash issue. The policy is nearly identical across all major third-party delivery apps for the exact same reason.

 

Can You Use Restaurant Gift Cards on Uber Eats?

 

No. Just like DoorDash, Uber Eats is the "merchant of record." You are paying Uber Eats, not the restaurant. Therefore, you must use one of their payment methods or an official Uber Eats gift card. A restaurant-specific card will not work.

 

Can You Use Restaurant Gift Cards on Grubhub?

 

No. It's the same story. Grubhub's platform is not connected to any individual restaurant's internal gift card system. You can only use a credit/debit card, PayPal, or an official Grubhub gift card.

 

Are There Any Exceptions to This Rule?

 

Yes, but there is one major, slightly confusing exception.

Exception: "DoorDash Drive" or "White-Label" Delivery Sometimes, you place an order on the restaurant's own website or app (e.g., Chipotle.com). The restaurant takes your order and your payment directly. Then, the restaurant itself uses a "white-label" service (like DoorDash Drive) to simply dispatch a driver to pick up the food and bring it to you.

In this one specific scenario, because you are paying the restaurant directly, you CAN use your restaurant gift card (assuming their website is set up to accept them for online orders).

You just can't use it on the DoorDash app itself.

 

So, What Can You Do With Your Restaurant Gift Card?

 

Don't let that gift card go to waste! You still have great options.

1. Call the Restaurant for a Pickup Order: This is the easiest and best solution. Call the restaurant, place your order directly with them, and tell them you'll be paying with a gift card when you arrive. You get the food you want and support the restaurant (which saves them the 30% commission fee from DoorDash).


2. Dine In: Use the gift card for its original purpose. Go to the restaurant and have a nice meal out. This is a very different experience than delivery, often managed by a restaurant host who ensures your visit is perfect from start to finish.


3. Check the Restaurant's Own App: Many large chains (like Panera, Starbucks, etc.) have their own apps that do allow you to use their gift cards for pickup or even their own delivery service.


4. Regift It: If you truly won't use it, it makes for a great last-minute gift for a friend, family member, or co-worker.

 

Conclusion: Keep Your Gift Cards for Direct Orders

 

While it would be incredibly convenient, the answer to "can you use restaurant gift cards on DoorDash?" remains a firm no. The payment systems are simply not connected. DoorDash acts as a digital marketplace, and you must pay that marketplace directly.

Your best bet is to save your restaurant-specific gift cards for a direct pickup order or a dine-in experience. And if you want to give the gift of delivery, stick to official DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub gift cards.
How to Do Anything Online