Postmates offers a convenient way for customers to order delivery and couriers to earn a living. Postmates customers order over five million items a month, requiring heavy infrastructure. The company uses prepaid cards that allow its drivers to complete orders.
However, some couriers are wondering if they can use their prepaid cards for personal orders. Here’s everything you need to know and more.
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Can You Use the Postmates Card for Yourself?
It’s not possible to access the Postmates prepaid card for yourself or for personal orders. The Postmates card only works when it’s required to pay for a customer’s order. You can only use the card when the customer places the order and only have enough credit to cover the order.
Postmates Prepaid Cards Explained
There aren’t any special devices required to deliver as a Postmates courier. But you will receive a Postmates prepaid credit card with the welcome kit upon signing up. Numerous Postmates orders need the driver to pay for the meal when receiving it at the location. The Postmates prepaid card covers purchasing costs, meaning you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
How Does the Postmates Card Operate?
After a customer assigns their delivery using the Postmates software, their currency is applied to the Postmates card. After accepting the delivery order, you’ll use your prepaid card to purchase the order. You won’t be required to pay for the order with your currency but with the currency on the Postmates credit.
Can I Deliver Orders Without a Prepaid Card?
Generally speaking, it’s possible to deliver orders without using the included prepaid card. In some cases, you might lose the Postmates card and wait for replacements. You can provide orders, but only if you accept orders where the prepaid card isn’t necessary.
However, you might have to avoid or decline orders that require a prepaid card. Canceling and refusing several orders can negatively impact your acceptance rate and Postmates account.
How to Receive a Postmates Prepaid Credit
To get a Postmates prepaid card, you’ll need to register as a Postmates delivery driver. Postmates will administer a background screening and send a welcome box that includes the prepaid card if you pass. Be sure to contact Postmates customer service if you didn’t receive the card with your welcome kit.
Qualifying for the Postmates Card
You’ll need to meet specific criteria before you receive a prepaid Postmates card. First, you’ll need to be 18 years old or older and pass the background screening. The background screaming includes several factors, including criminal and driving records. Some pieces of information required include:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Driver’s License
- Any Criminal Charges
- Any Driving Violations
How to Apply for a Postmates Prepaid Card
You’ll need to be 18 years or older, have a valid driver’s license, a valid vehicle, and pass the background screening to apply for a Postmates prepaid card. Here’s how to apply:
- First, visit the Postmates website or use the Postmates Fleet application. You can start a Postmates application on an iOS, Android, or Windows device.
- From the website, select the three bars located on the top left. From the dropdown menu, select “Sign up to deliver.”
- You’ll be directed to a new page. You’ll be prompted to enter your Name, Email, Password, Phone number, City, and an optional Invite Code.
- After entering the information, follow any prompts to complete the application. You might need to connect an identification photo during this step.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Postmates Card?
After signing up to become a Postmates courier, you’ll typically have to wait seven to fourteen days for your background screening to finish and the prepaid card to arrive. However, you’ll have to wait longer if there are issues with your background screening or delivery address.
How to Activate a Postmates Card
There are two options for activating your Postmates prepaid card, including through the Postmates Partner Dashboard website or the Fleet app. You’ll need an active internet connection for either option. Here are the steps.
Using the Postmates Partner Dashboard
- Head over to fleet.postmates.com/settings/card in your web browser of choice.
- Enter your prepaid card information.
- Enter the last four numbers on your Postmates prepaid card.
- Follow any prompts and complete the activation process.
Using the Postmates Fleet App
- Open the Postmates Fleet application.
- Select the menu located in the left-hand corner.
- Select your user photo.
- Select the “Prepaid Card” button.
- Select “Activate New Card”
- Enter your prepaid cards information
- Enter the last four numbers of your prepaid card.
- Follow any prompts and complete the activation process.
Can You Use the Postmates Card for Personal Orders?
You can not access the Postmates prepaid card for yourself or on personal orders. The Postmates prepaid card only works when it’s required to pay for a customer’s order. The card is only active when a customer places an order and only has enough credit to cover the order. Your account might be deactivated, or you might suffer consequences if somehow you use the prepaid card for personal orders.