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Get DoorDash DashPass for Free: 5 Chase Cards Worth Applying For
July 1, 2025
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If you're spending $9.99/month on DashPass—or avoiding DoorDash because of delivery fees—you're missing out on a simple way to save $120 to $180 per year. Several Chase credit cards include complimentary DashPass memberships, and one even adds a $5 monthly DoorDash credit on top.
With Chase's DoorDash partnership extended through December 31, 2025, now is the perfect time to maximize this benefit. Let's break down exactly which cards offer the best value and help you decide if applying makes financial sense.
Why DashPass Actually Matters: The Real Savings Breakdown
DashPass is DoorDash's subscription service that normally costs $9.99/month ($119.88/year). Here's what you get:
- $0 delivery fees on orders over $12
- Lower service fees
- 5% back on pickup orders
The math: If you order DoorDash just twice per month, you'd typically pay:
- Delivery fees: $5 × 2 orders × 12 months = $120/year
- Extra service fees: $3 × 2 orders × 12 months = $72/year
- Total potential savings: $192/year
For frequent users (4+ orders/month), the annual savings easily exceed $400.
The 5 Best Chase Cards for Free DashPass
We've narrowed down Chase's extensive lineup to the five cards offering the most compelling DashPass value. Each offers 12 months of free DashPass (except Freedom Unlimited, which offers 3 months), but they differ significantly in annual fees and additional benefits.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- United℠ Explorer Card
- IHG One Rewards Premier
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Note: You must activate your benefit by December 31, 2025. After 12 months, DashPass auto-renews at $9.99/month unless you cancel.
Option 1: Chase Sapphire Reserve® – The Premium Winner
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]
You break even if: You take 2+ trips per year where you'll use the $300 travel credit, use airport lounges occasionally, and order DoorDash 2+ times monthly.
Should You Apply?
✅ Apply if:
- You order DoorDash 3+ times per month
- You travel frequently and will use the annual travel credit
- You value Priority Pass lounge access and travel protections
- You spend enough to earn back the fee through points on dining and travel
❌ Skip if:
- You rarely travel or won't use the travel credit
- You order DoorDash less than twice monthly
- The annual fee stretches your budget, even with benefits
Options 2-3: Sapphire Preferred® & United Explorer – The Balanced Picks
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Exceptional Travel Value"} ]]
✅ Apply if:
- You want premium travel rewards without an annual fee
- You'll maximize the welcome bonus
- You're building a Chase travel rewards strategy
United℠ Explorer Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2406", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Priority Boarding"} ]]
✅ Apply if:
- You fly United 2+ times per year
- You want the free checked bag benefit
- You value DashPass but don't need Chase's premium travel cards
Options 4-5: IHG Premier & Freedom Unlimited – The Alternatives
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "502", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Excellent Travel Choice" } ]]
This hotel card offers DashPass plus IHG-specific perks like a free anniversary night (up to 40,000 points) and automatic Platinum Elite status.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "497", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Cash Back Seekers", "headerHint": "Fantastic Cash Back Card"} ]]
✅ Apply if:
- You want DashPass without committing to an annual fee
- You're new to Chase and want a starter card
- You prefer simple cash back over travel points
How to Activate Your Chase DashPass Benefit (3 Simple Steps)
Once you're approved for your card:
- Log into your DoorDash account (or create one if you're new)
- Go to Account → Payment Methods → Add Credit/Debit Card
- Enter your Chase card details – you'll see a prompt to activate your Chase benefits immediately
That's it. Your DashPass membership activates within minutes, and you can start saving on your next order.
Important: Set a calendar reminder for 11 months from activation. At the 12-month mark, DashPass auto-renews at $9.99/month unless you cancel.
Should You Apply? The Decision Framework
Not sure if a Chase card makes sense for you? Use this decision tree:
Are you already spending $10/month on DashPass or delivery fees?
- Yes → Continue to next question
- No → Consider whether you'd order more frequently with free delivery
Do you travel at least twice per year?
- Yes → Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Reserve® makes sense
- No → Consider Freedom Unlimited® or IHG card if you stay in hotels
Can you comfortably afford the annual fee after factoring in benefits?
- Yes → Apply for the card that best matches your spending patterns
- No → Stick with Freedom Unlimited
Will you use the card's other benefits (travel credits, lounge access, etc.)?
- Yes → Higher-tier cards become even more valuable
- No → You might be paying for perks you won't use
What About Soft vs. Hard Credit Pulls?
Chase doesn't offer pre-qualification for their personal credit cards, meaning you'll get a hard inquiry when you apply. Here's what to expect:
- Hard inquiry impact: Typically 5-10 points temporarily
- Recommended credit score: 670+ for Sapphire cards; 700+ for Reserve; 640+ for Freedom Unlimited
- 5/24 rule: Chase typically denies applications if you've opened 5+ cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months
Pro tip: If you're on the borderline for approval, apply for Freedom Unlimited first, then work your way up to premium cards after 6-12 months of responsible use.
FAQ: Free DashPass with Chase Cards
When does the Chase-DoorDash partnership end?
You must activate your DashPass benefit by December 31, 2025. Existing memberships continue for the full 12 months from activation.
Does the $5 monthly DoorDash credit from Sapphire Reserve roll over?
Yes, for up to two calendar months. That means you can accumulate up to $15 before credits expire.
Can I stack DashPass benefits across multiple Chase cards?
No. You can only activate one free DashPass membership per DoorDash account, even if you have multiple eligible Chase cards.
What happens after my 12 months of free DashPass?
DashPass automatically renews at $9.99/month. Set a calendar reminder to cancel if you don't want to continue paying.
Do authorized users on my account get DashPass too?
Only for the Chase Sapphire Reserve—authorized users also receive the $5 monthly DoorDash credit if they activate the benefit.
Can I use DashPass for alcohol delivery?
Yes, DashPass benefits (free delivery, reduced service fees) apply to alcohol orders over the minimum subtotal.
Bottom Line: Is a Chase Card Worth It for DashPass?
If you're already ordering DoorDash regularly—or would order more frequently without delivery fees—a Chase card offering free DashPass is a no-brainer. The math works even better when you factor in welcome bonuses and the card's other rewards.
Best overall value: Chase Sapphire Reserve® for frequent travelers and DoorDash power users
Best balanced option: Chase Sapphire Preferred® for those who want premium rewards
Best no-annual-fee choice: Chase Freedom Unlimited® for commitment-free DashPass access
Remember: With the partnership ending December 31, 2025 for new enrollments, acting sooner rather than later ensures you lock in a full year of benefits.
Ready to start saving on delivery? Use Kudos to track all your card perks—including DashPass—so you never miss a benefit.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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