DoorDash vs Grubhub Referral Bonus (2026)
A detailed comparison of DoorDash ($5 delivery credit per referral) and Grubhub (Around $10 credit per referral) in the Food Delivery category.
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Verdict: DoorDash Edges Ahead
Both DoorDash and Grubhub offer competitive referral programs. DoorDash edges ahead with a 4.2-star rating.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | DoorDash | Grubhub |
|---|---|---|
| Referrer Bonus | $5 delivery credit | Around $10 credit |
| Referee Bonus | Discount on first order | $7–$12 off first order |
| Payout Type | Credit | Credit |
| Commission Type | One-Time | One-Time |
| Max Referrals | 10 (US/Canada) | unlimited |
| Max Earnings | $20 total | unlimited |
| Conversion Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Rating | 4.2 | 3.9 |
| How to Refer | Open the DoorDash app, tap the menu icon, select 'Refer Friends,' and share your referral link via text, email, or social media. | Open the Grubhub app, go to your profile, select 'Refer a friend,' and share your referral link. |
| Referee Requirements | Must be a new DoorDash customer and place their first delivery order, which may need to meet a market-specific minimum subtotal. | Must be a new Grubhub customer (including affiliated brands) and place a first-time order using your link, which may require a minimum subtotal. |
| Last Verified |
Pros & Cons
DoorDash
Pros
- +Nearly universal appeal — everyone orders food
- +Very easy for referrals to qualify (just place one order)
- +Credit posts automatically to your account
- +Market leader with the widest restaurant selection
Cons
- −Low per-referral value ($5 in credit, not cash)
- −Capped at $20 total referral credit (about four referrals at $5 each)
- −Customer referrals pay far less than driver referrals
Grubhub
Pros
- +Strong presence in major US cities
- +Unlimited referrals
- +Grubhub+ subscription adds extra value for referrals
- +Well-established platform with wide restaurant selection
Cons
- −Around $7–$12 per referral is on the lower end for food delivery
- −Referral perks expire just two weeks after delivery
- −Credit only — not cashable
Detailed Program Breakdowns
DoorDash Referral Program
Earn $5 in DoorDash delivery credit for each friend who signs up and places their first order using your referral link, up to $20 total.
Max earnings: $20 total
Max referrals: 10 (US/Canada)
Grubhub Referral Program
Earn a Grubhub delivery perk (typically around $7–$12) when a friend signs up with your link and places their first qualifying order. Exact amounts may vary by promotion.
Max earnings: unlimited
Max referrals: unlimited
Our Recommendation
DoorDash edges ahead with a 4.2/5 rating, making it our top pick in this comparison. It offers $5 delivery credit per referral with credit payouts.
That said, Grubhub is still a solid program worth considering. The best choice ultimately depends on your audience — promote the platform your referrals are most likely to sign up for, as conversions matter more than raw bonus amounts.
For best results, consider promoting both programs and recommending whichever fits each individual referral's situation. Many successful referrers maintain active links for multiple programs in the same category.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which referral program pays more, DoorDash or Grubhub?
- DoorDash offers $5 delivery credit per referral while Grubhub offers Around $10 credit per referral. Based on the maximum bonus value, Grubhub has the higher earning potential per referral.
- Is DoorDash or Grubhub easier to refer friends to?
- DoorDash has a easy difficulty level while Grubhub has a easy difficulty level. Both programs have similar conversion difficulty.
- How do DoorDash and Grubhub pay referral bonuses?
- DoorDash pays referral bonuses as credit with a one-time commission structure. Grubhub pays as credit with a one-time commission structure.
- Can I promote both DoorDash and Grubhub referral programs?
- Yes, you can promote both DoorDash and Grubhub referral programs simultaneously. Many successful referrers promote multiple programs in the same category and recommend different options to different audiences based on their needs and preferences.
- Which has a higher rating, DoorDash or Grubhub?
- DoorDash has a 4.2/5 rating while Grubhub has a 3.9/5 rating on RefPerks. DoorDash is rated higher overall. Ratings reflect the quality of the referral program from a referrer's perspective, including payout reliability, bonus amounts, and ease of conversion.
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Explore Each Program
Get the complete breakdown of each referral program, including detailed tips, step-by-step referral instructions, and earning strategies.
Referral program terms may change. Verify current offers on the official website.