Is DoorDash Safe?

If you use or plan to use DoorDash, you need to know: Is DoorDash safe? 

Below, we explain whether DoorDash is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is DoorDash?

DoorDash is an online food delivery platform that connects customers with local restaurants. Through its website and mobile app, users can browse a wide variety of restaurants, select menu items, and place orders for delivery or pickup. 

DoorDash employs a network of freelance delivery drivers, known as Dashers, who collect orders from restaurants and deliver them to customers’ doorsteps.

In addition to restaurant delivery, DoorDash has expanded its services to include grocery and convenience store deliveries, catering to a broader range of customer needs. 

Founded in 2013, the company has grown rapidly and is now one of the leading food delivery services in the United States and several other countries. 

DoorDash offers various features, such as real-time order tracking, contactless delivery options, and subscription services like DashPass, which provides benefits like reduced delivery fees and other perks for a monthly fee.

Is DoorDash Safe?

Yes, DoorDash is generally considered safe.

DoorDash takes multiple measures to ensure the safety of its users. For example, customers can opt for contactless delivery, reducing direct interaction with delivery drivers. They can also track their orders in real-time, which helps them know when to expect their delivery and who their Dasher is.

DoorDash conducts background checks on all potential Dashers to ensure they meet safety standards, and Dashers are provided with certain insurance protections while they are making deliveries.

The food itself should also be safe, as DoorDash encourages restaurants to adhere to strict hygiene and food safety standards. Furthermore, many restaurant partners use tamper-evident packaging to ensure that food is not altered during delivery.

When it comes to payments, transactions are processed securely through the app, reducing the risk of payment fraud.

In 2022, a third-party vendor experienced a data breach that left 367,476 DoorDash accounts compromised, with their (non-sensitive) data accessible following a phishing attack. DoorDash responded swiftly to the incident.

Is DoorDash safe for credit cards?

Yes, DoorDash is generally considered safe for credit cards.

Like other major online delivery platforms, DoorDash takes several measures to ensure the security of credit card information, including using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption, adhering to PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) requirements, and monitoring transactions for suspicious activity.

DoorDash also does not store full credit card details on its servers and offers two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

However, it’s essential to follow best practices for online security. Ensure your DoorDash account password is strong and unique, and regularly check your credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.

In addition, be cautious of phishing scams. DoorDash will never ask for your password or credit card details via email or phone.

Is DoorDash safe, according to Reddit?

According to Redditors, ordering from DoorDash is generally considered safe. 

Users say that food safety standards are typically followed, and food tampering risks are low. 

However, some users suggest transferring food into personal containers and washing hands after handling the delivery packaging for added safety. 

For drivers, safety concerns are more about navigating unfamiliar or potentially dangerous neighborhoods, especially at night. It’s recommended to set boundaries on delivery zones and prioritize personal safety when accepting orders. 

Is DoorDash safe to use debit cards with?

Using a debit card on DoorDash is typically safe. However, the consensus is that using a credit card is better.

Using a debit card online, including on DoorDash, can expose you to fraud. If your debit card information is stolen, the money is taken directly from your bank account, which can be more difficult to recover compared to credit card fraud protections.

Also, if your order is faulty or a fraudulent charge is made, getting a refund or disputing the charge can be more challenging with a debit card than a credit card.

Is DoorDash safe at night?

Dashing at night is considered less safe than Dashing during the day. 

That said, safety largely depends on familiarity with the area and taking certain precautions. Avoid delivering to unsafe neighborhoods, and always be aware of your surroundings. Carrying self-defense tools like pepper spray (check the laws in your area) is also recommended.

Many Dashers say they don’t Dash past a specific hour (for example, 8 PM). 

Is DoorDash safe to work at?

Many drivers find it generally safe to work at DoorDash, but it depends on various factors like the time of day and the neighborhoods you deliver to. 

It’s recommended that you set boundaries on where you’re willing to deliver and avoid unsafe areas, especially at night. 

Carrying self-defense tools, such as pepper spray (check your local laws to see what’s allowed), and always being aware of your surroundings are advised. Declining deliveries to questionable areas without penalty is also possible and encouraged for safety. 

You can read DoorDash’s page on driver safety. 

Is DoorDash background check safe?

Yes, DoorDash background checks are safe. 

On its website, DoorDash says it uses accredited third-party background check providers to conduct thorough background screenings on all potential and current Dashers. 

Background checks include: 

• Motor vehicle report.
• Criminal history report.

Background checks are completed before individuals can start accepting offers as new Dashers. 

DoorDash also periodically reruns background checks under specific conditions and is alerted to any new offenses that occur after the initial comprehensive background check.

Is DoorDash safe alone?

The consensus is mixed on whether Dashing alone is safe. 

Many Dashers recommend taking certain safety precautions, such as carrying pepper spray or a taser, keeping a flashlight, and always having a phone with location tracking on. Locking your car doors and avoiding carrying valuables are also frequently suggested tips.

Several Dashers think that Dashing during the day is generally safer than at night. Some avoid Dashing after dark entirely, while others feel comfortable Dashing until around 10 or 11 PM, depending on the neighborhood.

Female Dashers often express more concern about safety, with many recommending to Dash with a partner if possible. 

Is it safe to give DoorDash my SSN?

In general, if you are applying to work with DoorDash and have confirmed the legitimacy of the request through official channels, it can be considered safe to provide your SSN. 

However, you should read DoorDash’s privacy policy to understand how they protect your personal information. 

For example, DoorDash says it “use[s] commercially reasonable administrative, organizational, technical and physical security controls to protect your Personal Information from unauthorized access, modification, disclosure, or destruction.”

But it also states it is “not able to guarantee that your Personal Information is absolutely secure, since no Internet or email transmission is ever fully secure or error free.”

Is DoorDash Private?

Depends on your definition of “private.” 

DoorDash uses encryption to protect user data during transmission and storage, helping to safeguard sensitive information like payment details and personal information.

Additionally, users can manage their personal information through their account settings, including updating contact details, payment information, and communication preferences.

DoorDash shares user data with third parties only as necessary to provide services (e.g., sharing address information with Dashers for delivery purposes) and as outlined in their privacy policy. DoorDash does not share customers’ full names or phone numbers with Dashers. 

DoorDash’s comprehensive privacy page outlines how user data is collected, used, and shared.

As of this writing, DoorDash’s privacy policy has not received an aggregated grade from Terms of Service; Didn’t Read (ToS;DR), a project that rates internet services’ terms of service and privacy policies.

That said, ToS;DR notes as concerns that DoorDash users must provide identifiable information and that the app requires broad device permissions. 

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On DoorDash

For a safer and more private experience on DoorDash, follow these steps:

• Adjust location settings. Turn off location services for the DoorDash app when you are not using it. This limits the app’s ability to track your location when it’s not necessary.
• Monitor app permissions. Regularly review the permissions you have granted to the DoorDash app on your smartphone. Deactivate any permissions that seem unnecessary for the app’s functionality, such as access to contacts or location when not in use.
• Be cautious with third-party integrations. Avoid linking your DoorDash account to other social media or third-party services such as Facebook or Instagram. If you link accounts, review the permissions and data-sharing policies of those third-party services.
• Opt out of marketing communications. In your DoorDash account settings, adjust your communication preferences to opt out of marketing emails and texts. 
• Review DoorDash’s privacy policy and page. Regularly review the privacy policy to stay informed about how DoorDash collects, uses, and shares your data. Similarly, visit their privacy page for tips on how to keep yourself and your data safe when using this service.
• Use secure payment methods. If possible, opt for secure payment methods, such as credit cards with fraud protection or services like PayPal, rather than directly inputting debit card information.
• Limit personal information. Only provide the necessary personal information required to use the service. Avoid oversharing information in your profile or during communication with Dashers.