Is Instacart+ worth it?
Worth it only if you order often enough.
It pays off if you get delivery a few times a month and use the perks. Otherwise the fee just adds up.
Checked Sep 8
How often do you order groceries for delivery?
Why?
Delivery fees add up Each order typically costs $4 to $8 in fees, so a few orders a month can exceed the membership price.
It's a subscription trap If you forget you have it, you're paying for nothing.
Pricing and perks change, so check the current fee and what's included before you commit.
If your situation is different
How often do you order groceries for delivery: Once a week. Yes, worth it. You'll save on delivery fees and likely cover the membership cost.
How often do you order groceries for delivery: A few times a month. Probably worth it. The savings on fees plus occasional perks usually justify it.
How often do you order groceries for delivery: Rarely. Skip it. You won't order enough to make back the membership fee.
Who is an Instacart+ membership right for?
Right for
- Weekly grocery delivery shoppers
- People who order for a family of three or more
- Those who use Instacart for multiple stores each month
- Shoppers who value 5% credit back on pickup orders
Wrong for
- People who order delivery once a month or less
- Those who live near a store and can walk or drive
- Shoppers who only use one store's own app
- Anyone who forgets subscriptions they've signed up for
What does Instacart+ cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Annual membership fee | $99 a year, 2026 | That's about $8.25 a month; you need to save that much in fees to break even. |
| Delivery fee per order | $3.99 to $7.99, 2026 | Members get free delivery on orders over $35, which is the main perk. |
| Service fee | 5% of order total, 2026 | This applies to most orders, even for members, so it's not a full fee waiver. |
| Credit back on pickup | 5% of order total, 2026 | If you use pickup, this can add up to real savings over a year. |
What's the biggest Instacart+ mistake?
The biggest mistake is signing up for the free trial and forgetting to cancel before the 30 days end. You get charged the full $99 and then don't order enough to make it back. Instead, set a calendar reminder to cancel the day before the trial ends, or only sign up when you know you'll order at least twice a month for the next few months.
How do you decide if Instacart+ is worth it?
- Count how many delivery orders you placed in the last three months and multiply by four to get a yearly rate.
- Estimate your average delivery fee per order; if it's over $5, multiply that by your yearly order count.
- Add any pickup orders you'd switch to Instacart for, and calculate 5% credit on those totals.
- Compare the total savings to the $99 fee; if savings are higher, keep the membership, otherwise cancel.
People also ask
What's the current membership fee?
Instacart+ is $99 a year or $9.99 a month. That's the standard rate. If you order a few times a month, the annual plan pays for itself in delivery fees alone.
Does it still include free delivery over a minimum?
Yes, but the minimum has crept up. Instacart+ still includes free delivery on orders over a minimum, but that minimum has varied by store and region, and it's risen over time. Check the current threshold in the app
Are there other perks like gas discounts?
Yes, a few, but gas is the main one. Instacart+ includes 5% back in credit on pickup orders and occasional partner perks, but the gas discount is the one that actually pays for the membership.
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