Instacart Mastercard Review: Full Details

*Card Ranking Based on the opinions of TPG editors and not influenced by card issuers.

The popularity of grocery and meal delivery services has exploded over the past few years. Following this trend, Instacart Mastercard has been released in mid-2022 as the first credit card for grocery delivery fans. The card comes with a free year of Instacart+ membership (which offers reduced fees and credits for in-store pickup orders).

However, this card offers a higher earnings rate on Instacart purchases and more benefits than typical no-annual-fee cards, but it’s not ideal for everyone given Instacart’s limitations and the earnings opportunities on other credit cards.

Is the Instacart Mastercard right for you? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

The information about the Instacart Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Instacart Mastercard Welcome Offer

New Instacart Mastercard applicants can receive a free year of Instacart+ membership and a $100 Instacart credit when their account is approved. There is no spending requirement to unlock this bonus offer.

The offer terms state that the $100 credit will be applied to your Instacart account immediately upon approval for the Instacart Mastercard; however, the terms also state that it may take up to 10 days to receive the credit. Additionally, you can’t receive this bonus if you’ve earned rewards on this card in the past 24 months—which shouldn’t be an issue for anyone, since this is a relatively new card.

The $100 account credit from the welcome offer can be applied to any Instacart purchase but cannot be used to pay for taxes, tips, gift cards, prescriptions, delivery fees, or other service fees.

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Instacart+ costs $99 per year or $9.99 per month, so the free one-year membership and $100 account credit make this a $199 deal.

With Chase issuing this card, it is likely that it will be subject to The 5/24 Rule and other specific Chases credit card application rules.

Benefits of Instacart Mastercard

The most obvious benefit of the Instacart Mastercard is that you get a free year of Instacart+ membership. Instacart+ normally costs $9.99 a month or $99 a year, and your Instacart+ membership (if you don’t already have one) is automatically activated when your account is approved.

Benefits of an Instacart+ membership include free delivery on orders of $35 or more, lower service fees, and 5% cash back on pickup orders.

Please note that your Instacart+ subscription will automatically renew after your free year, charging the credit card in your Instacart account. If you do not want to continue your Instacart+ membership after your free year, be sure to cancel your membership.

The Instacart Mastercard is a Mastercard World Elite Card; this brings additional benefits like 24/7 concierge service and the Mastercard Priceless experience.

You will also enjoy the following benefits:

• Baggage delay insurance: Offers up to $100 refund per day for up to three days after a delay of six hours or more
• Extended Warranty Protection: Add one year to the manufacturer’s warranty of three years or less
• Purchase Protection: Coverage of purchases made within the last 120 days for damage or theft up to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per account
• Lost baggage refund: Provides reimbursement of up to $3,000 per passenger for checked and carry-on baggage
• Travel and emergency assistance services: Coordinate services on your behalf, although you will have to pay for these services
• Travel accident insurance: Provides coverage of up to $500,000 in the event of accidental death or disability
• Roadside Assistance: Provide pay-per-use coordination services
• Car Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Provides rental car insurance when you pay for the entire rental with your own car; coverage is secondary in the US but primary elsewhere
• Access to Chase offers
• ARE NOT foreign transaction fee

Related: The most valuable benefits of the World Elite Mastercard

Earn Cash Back on Instacart Mastercard

With the Instacart Mastercard, you earn rewards points that you can use as cash back—worth 1 cent per point. These earnings are sometimes called points, Instacart points, or cashback rewards—all of these terms mean the same thing.

Cardholders get 5% cash back on purchases made on Instacart.com and the Instacart mobile app, including membership and subscription fees. You also get 5% cash back when you book travel through Chase by calling 833-458-0526 or the number on the back of your card—unfortunately, you can’t book online and get the cash back.

You’ll also get 2% back at gas stations and on dining (including eligible restaurants, takeout, and delivery) and some streaming services. And you’ll get 1% back on other purchases.

Reward points and cashback do not expire as long as your account remains open and active.

• Deposit money directly into your bank account
• Credit report
• Pay for the trip in Chase℠ Travel

There is no minimum redemption amount, although redemption values ​​may vary depending on how you use your rewards. Pay attention to these to ensure you get solid value.

Related: 3 Reasons Why You Want a Cash Back Credit Card in Your Wallet

• If you want the same benefits but have a different income category: The Chase Freedom Flex® There’s also no annual fee and you get 5% back on Chase Travel℠ purchases. You’ll earn 5% back in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter you activate), 3% back at restaurants (including eligible takeout and delivery), 3% back at pharmacies, and 1% back on other purchases. You’ll enjoy the same benefits as the World Elite Mastercard and can redeem your cash back for Chase Ultimate Rewards points. For more information, see the full Chase Freedom Flex Review.
• If you want the same benefits but with Amazon: The Official Visa Currently offering 10% or more back on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com, 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods orders, and Chase Travel purchases for Prime members, including grocery delivery from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods. You’ll also get 2% back at local restaurants, gas stations, and public transportation and 1% back on other purchases, and there’s no annual fee for the card. For more information, see the full Prime Visa Card Review.
• If you want to get valuable rewards when you shop for groceries online: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a $95 annual fee and earns 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs) as well as on online and dining purchases. For more information, see the full Chase Sapphire Preferred Review.

For more options, check out our full list best grocery shopping credit cards And best chase credit cards.

If you’re a loyal Instacart fan, this card might make sense. However, if you’re not brand loyal, you’re better off buying a different card. Credit cards that earn points or cash back when you shop for groceries online. Instacart is also not available everywhere in the United States. Before applying, do your research. Delivery options in your area.

If you order with Instacart, remember that you can earn additional rewards and discounts when you shop with Instacart. Click on Rakuten shopping portal to earn 1%-3% cash back (or 1-3 American Express Membership Rewards points) on your purchases. Then, use an Instacart promo code to save money at checkout.

Related: Best Credit Cards for Online Grocery Delivery Services