Is Instacart+ Worth It?
Updated June 20, 2026
Quick Answer
Instacart+ is probably worth it if you place grocery delivery orders at least twice a month and consistently meet the order minimums.
Instacart lists the standard price as $99 per year or $9.99 per month, and members get $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. Service fees, taxes, tips, and other charges may still apply, so “free delivery” does not mean “no extra fees.” You can review the latest details on Instacart’s official Instacart+ page.
If you only order occasionally, prefer pickup, shop mostly in-store, or get annoyed by service fees and possible item markups, Instacart+ may not save enough to justify another recurring charge.
What Instacart+ Includes
Instacart+ is Instacart’s paid membership program. According to Instacart’s Instacart+ benefits page, benefits may include:
$0 delivery fees on eligible orders
Lower service fees on eligible orders
Member-only offers and credits
Family account sharing in some cases
Additional partner or promotional benefits when available
The important detail: service fees and other charges may still apply. Instacart+ can reduce delivery-related costs, but it does not turn grocery delivery into the same price as walking into the store yourself.
How Much Does Instacart+ Cost?
Instacart lists the standard price as $99 per year or $9.99 per month on its Instacart+ page.
The annual plan is cheaper if you keep it for the full year. The monthly plan is safer if you are testing whether you actually use Instacart often enough.
Simple Break-Even Test
Instacart says the membership can pay for itself if you order twice a month. That is a useful starting point, but your real answer depends on your order size, store, service fees, tips, item prices, and how often you would have ordered anyway.
Instacart+ Is More Likely Worth It If:
You order delivery at least two times per month.
You usually meet the eligible order minimum.
You use Instacart for groceries, not just one-off convenience orders.
You compare total checkout cost before assuming you saved money.
You value time saved more than getting the absolute lowest grocery price.
Instacart+ Is Less Likely Worth It If:
You order once a month or less.
You mostly use pickup.
You live close to your main grocery store.
Your orders are small and may not qualify for the best benefits.
You are trying to reduce recurring subscriptions.
You forget to cancel free trials.
The Fee Trap to Watch For
Instacart+ can remove eligible delivery fees, but that does not mean every added cost disappears. Instacart’s own help page says service fees, taxes, tips, and other fees may apply.
That does not mean Instacart+ is automatically bad. It means you should judge the membership by the final checkout total, not the phrase “$0 delivery fee.”
Before You Subscribe
Check these first:
How often you ordered from Instacart in the last 90 days
Your average delivery fee without Instacart+
Whether your favorite stores have higher item prices on Instacart
Whether you already get a promo through a credit card, employer, student offer, or EBT SNAP promotion
Whether you are choosing annual because it saves money or because the monthly price feels annoying
Your renewal date
Instacart says customers using certain EBT SNAP promotions may get a discounted monthly Instacart+ membership for one year, after which it auto-renews at the full monthly price. Check the latest details on Instacart’s EBT SNAP and Instacart+ promotion page.
Monthly vs. Annual: Which Is Safer?
Choose monthly if you are unsure. It costs more over a full year, but it gives you an easier exit if you stop using grocery delivery.
Choose annual only if you already know you use Instacart regularly. Annual plans can be harder to regret because the money is paid upfront.
According to Instacart’s terms, annual membership refunds are limited. Instacart says annual members may receive a refund if they cancel within the first 5 calendar days of a paid term or renewal and have not used Instacart+ benefits during that period. After that, annual memberships are generally non-refundable unless required by law.
How to Cancel Instacart+ If It Is Not Worth It
Instacart says you can manage or cancel your membership from the Instacart+ membership area. See Instacart’s official membership management page.
Sign in to Instacart.
Open your account or membership settings.
Go to Instacart+.
Choose Manage membership.
Select Cancel membership.
Follow every prompt until you see confirmation.
Save the confirmation email or take a screenshot.
If you subscribed through Apple, cancel through Apple Support’s subscription instructions. Deleting the Instacart app does not cancel billing.
Common Roadblocks
You may see discount offers, pause options, reminders about benefits, or prompts asking why you are leaving. That is a retention flow. It does not always mean anything is wrong, but it does mean you should keep going until the membership status clearly says canceled or expiring.
Also watch for app-store billing confusion. If Instacart says it cannot cancel your membership directly, check whether Apple, Google Play, a credit card promo, or another partner is handling the subscription.
How to Decide in 60 Seconds
Keep Instacart+ If:
You order delivery at least twice a month.
You understand that service fees, tips, taxes, and possible item price differences may still apply.
You have checked your renewal date and still want the membership.
Cancel Instacart+ If:
You signed up for a free trial and forgot about it.
You mostly use Instacart for emergencies.
You are not sure the savings beat the fees.
You are trying to cut recurring charges.
You would rather shop in-store or use pickup.
The Not-Subscribed Note
Instacart+ is a classic negative option subscription: once you join, billing continues unless you cancel. The membership can be useful for frequent delivery users, but it deserves a close look because “free delivery” can sound simpler than the real checkout math.
Cancel smarter. Subscribe slower.
Sources
Instacart Help: Instacart+ Benefits
Instacart Help: Manage Your Instacart+ Membership
Instacart Help: EBT SNAP and Instacart+ Promotion
Apple Support: Cancel a Subscription
Disclaimer
Subscription settings, prices, benefits, and cancellation steps can change. This guide is for general informational purposes and is not legal or financial advice. Always confirm cancellation directly in your account or with the billing provider.