What Instacart is and how to use it

Instacart is a grocery delivery service where shoppers pick items from stores near you and deliver them to your door. You read the Instacart app or visit their website, search for items from participating grocery stores in your area, add them to a cart, and pay. An Instacart shopper then goes to the store, picks your items, and delivers them — usually within a few hours of placing your order.

The stores available depend on where you live. Instacart partners with chains like Whole Foods, Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and regional grocers, as well as some convenience stores and drugstores. When you open the app, you see which stores near you are available for delivery that day. You can browse their inventory, add items to your cart, and check out. Instacart shows you the estimated delivery window before you pay.

You do not need to create an account to browse, but you do need one to place an order. You'll provide a delivery address, phone number, and payment method. Instacart accepts credit cards, debit cards, and some digital wallets. Once your order is confirmed, you can track the shopper's progress in the app — you'll see when they arrive at the store, as they shop, and when they're on the way to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Instacart charges a delivery fee (usually $3.99 to $9.99 per order), a service fee (a percentage of your order total), and sometimes a small markup on individual items, depending on the store.
  • Instacart+ is a membership that costs $99 per year or $9.99 per month and removes delivery fees on orders over $35 from most partner stores.
  • Delivery times range from same-day (often within a few hours) to next-day, depending on store availability and your location.
  • You can tip the shopper in the app before or after delivery, and tipping affects how quickly your order is picked up.
  • Instacart is available in most U.S. cities and some areas of Canada, but coverage varies by neighborhood and store.

Fees: delivery, service, and markups

Instacart charges three types of fees on top of the store prices. The delivery fee is typically $3.99 to $9.99 per order, though it can be higher during peak times or in areas with fewer shoppers. The service fee is a percentage of your order subtotal — usually 5% to 10% — and appears as a separate line item at checkout. Some stores also charge a small markup on individual items, meaning the price you see in the Instacart app is slightly higher than the in-store price. Not all stores do this, and markups vary by store and item.

These fees add up quickly on small orders. A $30 grocery order might cost $40 to $45 after fees. On larger orders, the percentage-based service fee becomes a bigger dollar amount, but the delivery fee stays the same, so the total fee burden is smaller as a percentage of what you're spending.

You can see all fees before you pay. Instacart shows the subtotal, service fee, delivery fee, and any markups in a summary at checkout. If you're unhappy with the total, you can edit your cart or cancel without being charged.

Instacart+ membership and when it saves money

Instacart+ is an optional membership that costs $99 per year or $9.99 per month. The main benefit is free delivery on orders over $35 from most (but not all) partner stores. You still pay the service fee and any item markups, but you avoid the delivery fee on may have access to orders.

Whether Instacart+ pays for itself depends on how often you order. If you place one order per week and pay $6 in delivery fees each time, you'd spend about $312 per year on delivery alone. Instacart+ would cost $99 per year, so you'd break even after about 17 orders. If you order twice a week, Instacart+ likely saves you money. If you order once a month, it probably doesn't.

Some Instacart+ members also receive occasional discounts on service fees or special promotions, though these vary and are not may provide. You can cancel Instacart+ at any time, and the membership does not lock you into using Instacart — you can still order from other grocery delivery services.

Delivery times and how to speed up your order

Instacart typically delivers within a few hours of when you place your order, though the exact window depends on store availability, time of day, and how busy the service is in your area. During peak hours (lunch and early evening), delivery might take 3 to 4 hours. During slower times, it can be faster — sometimes 1 to 2 hours. Some stores offer next-day delivery as an option at checkout.

The tip you leave for the shopper affects how quickly your order is picked up. Shoppers see the tip amount before accepting an order, and orders with higher tips tend to be claimed faster. If you tip $0 or a very small amount, your order may sit in the queue longer. You can adjust your tip in the app before the shopper starts shopping, and you can add or change it after delivery.

To speed up delivery, place your order during off-peak hours (mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays), choose a store that's close to you, and include a reasonable tip. Instacart shows you the estimated delivery window before you pay, so you'll know what to expect.

What happens if items are out of stock or damaged

Instacart shoppers are instructed to find substitutions for out-of-stock items — for example, a different brand of the same product or a similar item. When a shopper finds a substitution, they message you in the app and ask for approval. You can accept the substitute, request a different one, or ask the shopper to skip that item entirely. If you don't respond, the shopper will make a reasonable choice or skip the item.

If an item arrives damaged or spoiled, you can report it in the app within a set time window (usually a few days). Instacart will refund you for that item or send a replacement on your next order. You don't have to return the damaged item. For perishables like produce or dairy, Instacart is generally quick to process refunds because spoilage is common in delivery.

If you receive an order with missing items, report it in the app with a photo if possible. Instacart will investigate and refund you or resend the items. Keep your order receipt and photos of what arrived — they help speed up the refund process.

Coverage and store availability

Instacart operates in most major U.S. cities and some areas of Canada, but coverage is not universal. You can check whether Instacart delivers to your address by entering your zip code on their website or in the app. If Instacart is available in your area, you'll see which stores near you offer delivery and what their hours are.

Store availability changes based on time of day and demand. A store might offer same-day delivery in the morning but only next-day delivery by evening. Some stores have minimum order amounts (often $10 to $35) to may have access to for delivery. Instacart shows these requirements at checkout, so you'll know before you pay whether your order meets the store's minimum.

If Instacart doesn't serve your area, other grocery delivery options may be available — many large grocery chains run their own delivery services, and services like Amazon Fresh, Walmart+, and local alternatives operate in different regions. Your local grocery store's website can tell you whether they offer delivery directly.

Payment methods and account security

Instacart accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. You can save multiple payment methods to your account and choose which one to use for each order. Instacart does not accept cash or checks.

Your payment information is encrypted and stored securely. Instacart does not share your payment details with shoppers — they only see your name, delivery address, and order contents. If you're concerned about security, you can use a virtual card number (a temporary card number generated by your bank) for Instacart orders, which adds an extra layer of protection.

If you notice unauthorized charges on your account, report them to Instacart through the app or website. Instacart has a dispute process similar to credit card chargebacks, and they investigate unauthorized transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Instacart if I don't have a smartphone?

Yes. Instacart has a website where you can browse, add items to a cart, and place an order using a computer or tablet. You'll receive text message or email updates about your delivery, and the shopper can contact you by phone if they need to ask about substitutions or reach you at delivery.

What if I'm not home when the shopper arrives?

You can leave delivery instructions in the app — for example, "leave at front door" or "ring the doorbell twice." The shopper will follow your instructions and take a photo of where they left your groceries. If you need to reschedule, contact Instacart support before the shopper arrives.

Do I have to tip the shopper?

Tipping is not required, but it's customary and affects how quickly your order is picked up. Most people tip 15% to 20% of their order total, similar to restaurant delivery. You can tip any amount you choose, and you can adjust the tip after delivery if you want to change it.

Can I return items I don't want after delivery?

Instacart does not have a return process for items you straightforward changed your mind about. However, if an item is damaged, spoiled, or incorrect, you can report it in the app for a refund. For unopened, non-perishable items, contact Instacart support to discuss your options — they may refund you as a one-time courtesy.

Is my personal information safe with Instacart?

Instacart uses encryption and security measures to protect your address, phone number, and payment information. Shoppers see only your name, address, and order contents — not your payment details or account password. If you have privacy concerns, review Instacart's privacy policy on their website or contact their support team.