Use this article to decide whether to use a custom or system-generated promo code for your DoorDash Online Ordering campaign, understand the fixed discount amount tiers available, and learn how to enter your own custom code text in the Merchant Portal.
Choosing Between a Custom and System-Generated Code
The key factor in choosing between a custom and system-generated DoorDash Online Ordering promo code is whether customers will need to remember or type the code themselves.
Use a custom, memorable code (for example, "WELCOME10" or "SUMMERBURGER") when the promo code will appear somewhere customers must recall and type it manually — such as social media posts, in-store signage (A-frames, table toppers, bag stuffers), on-site banners, or any other non-clickable format. A randomly generated string like "X7K2QP" is easy to mistype or forget between seeing a sign and opening the app.
Use a system-generated code when the promo is delivered through Custom Customer Relationship Management (CRM) email, text message, or push notification — since the customer clicks a link or the code auto-fills at checkout, they never need to remember or type it themselves.
Note: Custom promo codes no longer need to be globally unique across all merchants on the DoorDash Online Ordering platform — they only need to be unique within your own account.
Discount Amount and Minimum Subtotal Tiers
Discount amounts and minimum subtotals for DoorDash Online Ordering promo codes are not fully open-ended — they follow fixed tiers regardless of whether you use a custom or system-generated code.
Percent-off promos: The maximum discount percentage is preset and paired with a specific subtotal minimum. There are three fixed tiers to choose from.
Dollar-off promos: The minimum subtotal is preset and paired with a specific discount dollar amount. There are also three fixed tiers to choose from.
These tiers are derived from internal performance testing, not an arbitrary limit.
Important: If none of the available tiers match your needs, there is no self-serve option to configure a fully custom amount. Contact your Account Owner or DoorDash Online Ordering Support at oosupport@doordash.com to request a combination outside the standard tiers.
How to Set a Custom Promo Code
To enter your own custom promo code text, use the standard campaign creation flow in the DoorDash Merchant Portal.
Log in to your Merchant Portal.
Navigate to the Marketing tab.
Start a new campaign following the flow described in "How to Create a Marketing Campaign on DoorDash."
When prompted for a promo code, enter your preferred custom text (for example, "WELCOME10") instead of accepting the system-generated default.
Note: The option to set custom promo code text was rolled out in fall 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set any discount amount I want?
No, discount amounts for DoorDash Online Ordering promo codes are not fully customizable. Percent-off and dollar-off promos each have three fixed tiers pairing a discount amount with a subtotal minimum or maximum. If none of the available tiers fit your needs, contact your Account Owner or oosupport@doordash.com.
Should I use a custom code or a system-generated code?
Use a custom, memorable code when customers will see it somewhere they need to recall and type it later — such as in-store signage, social media posts, or on-site banners. Use a system-generated code when the promo is delivered as a clickable link (for example, via Custom CRM email, text message, or push notification), since customers never need to type it manually.
How do I set my own promo code text?
From the Marketing tab in your Merchant Portal, follow the same campaign creation flow described in "How to Create a Marketing Campaign on DoorDash." The option to enter custom code text was introduced in fall 2025.
Questions? If you need help with this process or have questions, reach out to DoorDash Support at oosupport@doordash.com.