Instacart has become an indispensable tool for those who want to shop for groceries and other products without leaving their home. This option became a leader among delivery companies during the pandemic. This online platform connects users to a wide range of local stores, allowing them to select and add items to their virtual cart and pay with different payment methods.
Instacart stands out for its various delivery options and payment methods for users to shop. This way, the platform can reach more people and get more users to pay for their purchases through bank accounts or mobile payment platforms.
What is Instacart?
Instacart is an online platform that allows users to conveniently and reliably shop for groceries and other products. With its wide variety of partner shops, flexible delivery options and diverse payment methods, Instacart has become a leading solution for online shopping and home delivery.
Users can receive their purchases on the same day, schedule a delivery for a specific date and time, or even opt for in-store pickup. This flexibility provides convenience to users, adapting to their needs and schedules.
Instacart’s platform also has a team of assigned shoppers responsible for selecting and picking up products from partner shops. These buyers are trained to search for specific items, ensuring the quality and freshness of the products, and deliver them to the address specified by the user.
How to pay for Instacart orders
There are several Instacart payment methods, but this may vary depending on the area in which you reside and the partner shop. However, in general, Instacart offers payment methods:
- Credit or debit cards: Users can link their Canada or US credit or debit cards to their Instacart account and use them to pay for purchases. Major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express, are generally accepted.
- Klarna: Select Klarna as your payment method, split the payment into instalments, or pay later, and follow the instructions to complete the transaction.
- Apple Pay: Customers can pay using Apple Pay on the Instacart website or mobile app. Select Apple Pay on the payment screen and authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID.
- Google Pay: Android customers can pay using Google Pay. They must click Google Pay on the Instacart checkout screen and confirm their purchase.
- EBT SNAP card: The EBT SNAP card is similar to a debit or credit card issued to eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. They will receive a monthly allotment of funds on their EBT card, which they can use to purchase suitable foods at participating EBT shops and supermarkets. Customers can pay for all or part of their purchase with EBT SNAP benefits.
Buyers can also save multiple payment methods in their Instacart account and select a different one for each order. Instacart does not charge additional fees for any of these payment methods.
Significantly, by using Instacart, users can add tips to the delivery driver to repay them for their services. In addition, in case of any inconvenience, users can contact Instacart’s customer service for additional assistance.
Payment methods Not accepted by Instacart
Instacart is currently unable to accept certain forms of payment, including cash, store gift cards, EBT cards at select retailers and international payments. This is due to various reasons, such as limitations with the payment processing system or legal restrictions.
How to add a Payment Method to Instacart
You can add a payment method to Instacart from their official website or the mobile app, available for Android and iOS users.
Instacart website
- Click the three horizontal lines at the top left of the Instacart website.
- Select “Account settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Choose “Payment methods” from the options.
- Click “Add” next to the desired payment method.
- Enter the card details and billing address.
- Click “Continue” to save the new payment method to your account.
Instacart app
- Tap the three horizontal lines at the top left corner after logging into your account.
- Select “Your account settings” from the menu.
- Choose “Payment methods” from the options.
- Tap “Add” next to the desired payment method.
- Enter the card details and billing address.
- Tap “Save” to save the new payment method to your account.
Remove a Payment Method on Instacart
Whether on the web or mobile app, to remove an Instacart card as a payment method, follow these steps, and you can manage and update your list of payment methods.
- Click the three horizontal lines at the top left of the Instacart website.
- Select “Account settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Choose “Payment methods” from the options.
- Click “Delete” next to the payment method you wish to remove.
What are the benefits of Instacart+?
Members who pay to have Instacart+, formerly Instacart Express, have several benefits unavailable to regular users, who only use the app to make purchases and order shipments. In addition to these possibilities, Instacart+ offers several exclusive benefits for those who pay for membership.
With the Instacart+ membership, you can enjoy free delivery on orders over $25. Forget about delivery fees and get your products delivered directly to your door at no extra cost. Plus, you’ll receive a 5% credit on eligible pickup orders.
Instacart+ membership is available for $99 annually after the 14-day trial period. However, you can cancel at any time without obligation.
As an Instacart+ member, you will also have access to exclusive offers. Get up to 12 months of free delivery with Chase, or enjoy $20 off your Instacart+ subscription renewal with Costco. Plus, you can get free Instacart+ and earn miles if you’re a Delta member.
Can I pay for Instacart with PayPal?
You can pay Instacart with PayPal if you prefer, but you must follow a series of steps to avoid errors in the purchase. It’s easy, and, like any payment method, it’s quick to add.
- Tap the three stacked horizontal lines in the top left corner.
- Select “Your Account Settings”.
- Choose “Payment methods”.
- Tap “Add” in the PayPal category.
- This will redirect you to the PayPal login screen.
- Follow the instructions to log in to your PayPal account.
- Finally, tap “Save” to complete the process.
Why can’t I use PayPal on Instacart?
Some users may have attempted to use PayPal as a payment method when purchasing prescriptions and alcohol on Instacart. Using PayPal for these specific items is not permitted. If you wish to buy such things, choose an alternative payment method.
Furthermore, consider that Instacart only allows for one PayPal account to be added to your account. If you wish to use a different PayPal account for any reason, you must delete the existing account and add a new one to your Instacart account.
FAQs
Can I do Instacart without the card?
No. To shop on Instacart, you will need to provide payment information, including a valid credit or debit card. The card is used to process payment for the items you purchase through the platform.
How far will Instacart deliver?
Instacart’s delivery radius is typically within a 10-mile range from the store where the items are being purchased.
Where can I shop with Instacart?
Instacart partners with the most popular national and regional retailers. While we can’t name them all, some of the most recognised include Albertsons, ALDI, Costco, CVS, Kroger, Loblaw, Publix, Sam’s Club, Sprouts and Wegmans, among the more than 900 retail partners.
References
- “Instacart Help Center – Updating Your Payment Methods.” Instacart | Grocery Delivery or Pickup from Local Stores Near You, https://www.instacart.com/help/section/360007902871/360039573011.
- “Instacart Revenue and Usage Statistics (2024) – Business of Apps.” Business of Apps, https://www.facebook.com/thebusinessofapps, https://www.businessofapps.com/data/instacart-statistics/.