What do Instacart+ members wish they'd known before subscribing?
You'll pay more per item than you think.
The subscription saves the delivery fee, but prices are marked up and tips add up fast. It's worth it only if you order often enough that the fee savings beat the markup.
Checked Sep 9
How often do you order groceries for delivery?
Why?
Markups hide in plain sight Instacart prices are often higher than in-store, and the subscription doesn't change that.
Tips are on you Shoppers rely on tips, so factor that into every order's real cost.
Fees aren't the only fee Service fees and small-order fees can still apply even with the membership.
Exact markups vary by store and region, so check a few items before committing.
If your situation is different
How often do you order groceries for delivery: Once a week. Probably worth it. Weekly orders usually cover the membership cost in saved fees.
How often do you order groceries for delivery: A few times a month. Borderline. You might break even, but check your item markups first.
How often do you order groceries for delivery: Rarely. Skip it. You'll likely pay more in markups than you save in fees.
Who is an Instacart+ membership right for?
Right for
- People who order delivery at least once a week
- Households with no car or limited mobility
- Busy parents who value time over pennies
- Those who use Instacart for heavy or bulky items
Wrong for
- People who live near a cheap grocery store
- Those who order only a few times a month
- Budget shoppers who compare unit prices
- Anyone who can plan a weekly pickup instead
What does Instacart+ cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Annual membership fee | $99 a year, 2026 | That's the flat cost before any markups or tips. |
| Delivery fee waiver | $0 on orders over $35, 2026 | The main perk, but it only matters if you'd otherwise pay it. |
| Typical item markup | 15 to 25% over in-store, 2026 | Markups apply even with the membership, so your basket costs more. |
| Minimum order for free delivery | $35, 2026 | Below that, you still pay a fee despite the subscription. |
What's the biggest Instacart+ mistake?
The biggest mistake is assuming the membership makes prices match the store. It doesn't. People compare the $99 fee against delivery fees and ignore the 15 to 25% markup on every item. Instead, compare your actual basket total with and without the membership, including markups and tips, before you commit.
How do you decide if Instacart+ is worth it?
- Write down what you'd order in a typical week and check Instacart's price for each item.
- Add 15 to 25% to your usual grocery bill to estimate the markup cost.
- Multiply your delivery fee per order by how often you order in a year.
- Compare that total to the $99 fee plus any tips you'd pay either way.
People also ask
How do I see the marked-up prices before I order?
Tap the item, then 'Price details'. On Instacart, the marked-up price shows when you open an item and tap 'Price details' or 'Product details'. You'll see the in-store price vs. what you pay.
Does the membership include free pickup too?
Yes, free pickup is included. Instacart+ members get free pickup on orders over $10, same as the delivery perk. Just make sure you're ordering from a store that offers pickup.
Which stores have the smallest markups?
Aldi and Walmart. That's where the markup is thinnest. They run on slim margins and everyday low pricing, so the gap between shelf price and what you'd pay elsewhere is smallest. Warehouse clubs like Costco can beat them per unit, but
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