Earlier this month, Chase made some fairly significant changes to the ever popular Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Those changes included an increased annual fee, a new Lyft partnership, and a new DoorDash benefit. Specifically, Chase Sapphire Reserve card holders now receive a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership until the end of 2021.
It seems those changes have completely overshadowed similar benefits to the no annual fee Chase Freedom card. Notably, Chase has also added a complimentary DoorDash DashPass benefit to the Chase Freedom card. However, the Chase Freedom’s benefit is a little less rewarding and could end costing you more down the road if you’re not careful. More on that in a second.
I originally discovered the added Chase Freedom benefit earlier this week when I received a typical marketing email from Chase (don’t unsubscribe from these). The email’s subject line simply said “Introducing a new benefit from Chase Freedom” without any context. When I opened the email I of course quickly learned what the new benefit included.
Chase Freedom DoorDash DashPass Benefit
When I opened the email I found a nice photograph of a bunch of people enjoying a taco picnic. Below the photo in the traditional Chase Freedom blue and green fonts was a simple message that read “Thousand of Restaurants. Zero Delivery Fee.”
The email continued by explaining a few of the terms and conditions of the new Chase Freedom DoorDash DashPass benefit. Per the email, Chase Freedom card holders now also receive a complimentary DashPass membership. However, this membership works differently than with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
By different I of course mean that the Chase Freedom card’s benefit isn’t as rewarding. That’s expected when comparing a $0/year annual fee card to a $550/year card.
The Chase Freedom’s complimentary DashPass membership is only valid for 3 months following the activation date. After the initial 3 month period, card holders will be automatically enrolled in DashPass for the next 9 months with a 50% discount. DashPass typically costs $10/month, which means that you will be paying just $5/month for 9 month discount period.
If looking at this on an annual basis, Chase Freedom card holders receive a year of DashPass for just $45. Normally, a full year of DashPass would cost $120. Now, it is worth noting that following activation you will be fully enrolled in DashPass. This means that if you don’t cancel the benefit at any time you will continue to be charged at the full rate in perpetuity.
How To Activate The Chase Freedom DashPass Benefit
It’s important to keep that last part in mind if you with to try out DashPass for just the 3-month complimentary period. If you do not cancel your membership you will continue to be charged following the 3-month period. However, if you decide to activate this benefit you must start by creating a DoorDash account.
Next, go into the DoorDash app and add your Chase Freedom card as your default payment method. You have to add the Chase Freedom card directly in this case. So, if your Freedom card flows through Apple Pay, but you set your default payment method in the app to Apple Pay, you will not get this benefit.
After adding your Chase Freedom card directly to the app and setting the card as your default payment option, lot in to your Chase Freedom account. Once logged in, visit your Ultimate Rewards benefits page. On that page you’ll quickly find a few featured benefits.
By clicking the “learn more” link, you’ll find an expandable page which outlines an overview and details of the DashPass benefit. At the bottom of that area you’ll find a button to activate your complimentary DashPass subscription.
Chase Freedom card holders can activate this benefit anytime between now and December 31, 2021. Because the benefit is only valid for 3 months initially, I’d recommend waiting to activate the benefit during a period where you expect to order a lot of delivery.
Final Thoughts
It seems the recent changes to the flagship Chase Sapphire Reserve card have dramatically overshadowed the added benefits to the Chase Freedom card. Personally, I think this is a fantastic offer for anyone who uses DoorDash with any regularity. In fact, given the discounted price, I suspect you could even make a little profit if you maximize your DashPass membership.
The only thing I worry about here is the auto-enrollment feature of the offer. I don’t love the idea that after activating this benefit you will automatically be enrolled in DashPass. This reminds me of several other “free trials” that I’m probably still paying for today! So, if you’ve been considering DashPass, this could prove a great way to trying it out to see if you’ll use/enjoy it. Likewise, if you haven’t considered DashPass, this is also a fantastic offer to take it for a test drive. Just make sure to cancel after the 3 or 12 month trial periods.
Lastly, from benefits page screenshot above, you might also notice that the Lyft rides now earn 5% Cash Back on the Chase Freedom card until March 2021. That’s excellent return from a credit card that does not include an annual fee.
