CREDIT CARDS

Instacart Mastercard®: Cash Back, and Free Instacart+ Membership

The Instacart Mastercard® is a unique co-branded credit card that combines the convenience of grocery delivery with financial rewards.

Issued by Capital One in partnership with Instacart, this card offers users an opportunity to earn cash back on their purchases while also enjoying exclusive benefits such as a free year of Instacart+.

Below, we’ll dive into the details of what makes this card special, its features, benefits, and how it stacks up against other credit cards.


What Is the Instacart Mastercard?

The Instacart Mastercard is designed for shoppers who frequently use Instacart, the popular online grocery delivery and pickup service.

By linking your spending habits with the Instacart ecosystem, this card provides tailored rewards and perks that align with your lifestyle.

Whether you’re buying groceries, dining out, or shopping at retailers like Costco, Walmart, or Target, the card ensures you’re earning value wherever you spend.

 


Key Features of the Instacart Mastercard

1. Cash Back Rewards

One of the standout features of the Instacart Mastercard is its generous cash back program. Here’s how it works:

6% Cash Back on Instacart Purchases : Earn 6% cash back on all purchases made directly through Instacart.

3% Cash Back on Grocery Store Purchases : Get 3% cash back when you shop at physical grocery stores.

2% Cash Back on Dining Out & Drugstore Purchases : Enjoy 2% cash back at restaurants and drugstores.

1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases : For everything else, you still earn 1% cash back.

This tiered cash back structure ensures you maximize your rewards where it matters most—groceries and everyday expenses.


2. Free Year of Instacart+

Another major perk of the Instacart Mastercard is access to a free year of Instacart+ , which normally costs $99 annually (or $9.99/month). With Instacart+, members enjoy:

  • Unlimited Free Delivery : On orders over $35 from participating stores.
  • Lower Service Fees : Reduced fees compared to non-members.
  • Exclusive Discounts : Access to member-only sales and promotions.
  • Early Access to Sales : Be among the first to shop during limited-time events.

By waiving the subscription fee for one full year, the card essentially pays for itself if you regularly use Instacart.


3. No Annual Fee

Unlike many premium rewards cards, the Instacart Mastercard does not charge an annual fee. This means you can take advantage of the cash back rewards and Instacart+ membership without worrying about hidden costs.


4. Intro Bonus Offer

To sweeten the deal further, new cardholders may qualify for an introductory bonus offer.

Typically, this involves earning a significant cash back bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of opening the account. For example:

  • Spend $500 in the first 3 months → Earn $150 in cash back.

Be sure to check the latest offer details when applying, as these bonuses are subject to change.


5. Other Benefits

In addition to the core features, the Instacart Mastercard includes several other perks:

  • Purchase Protection : Safeguard eligible purchases against damage or theft.
  • Price Protection : Receive refunds if you find a lower price on a covered item within 60 days.
  • Travel Accident Insurance : Coverage for eligible travel-related accidents.
  • EMV Chip Technology : Enhanced security for in-person transactions.
  • Zero Liability Policy : Protection against unauthorized charges.

Who Should Consider the Instacart Mastercard?

The Instacart Mastercard is ideal for individuals who:

  • Frequently shop for groceries, either online via Instacart or in-store.
  • Value cash back rewards on everyday purchases.
  • Want to try Instacart+ without committing to a paid subscription.
  • Prefer no-annual-fee credit cards but still want robust rewards.

If you don’t already use Instacart or rarely purchase groceries, this card might not be the best fit for you.

However, if you’re part of the growing number of people relying on grocery delivery services, the card could significantly enhance your experience.


How Does It Compare to Other Credit Cards?

When evaluating whether the Instacart Mastercard is right for you, consider how it compares to similar cards:

Feature
Instacart Mastercard
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Citi Double Cash Card
Cash Back Rate on Groceries
6% (online), 3% (in-store)
3%
2%
Annual Fee
None
None
None
Intro Bonus
Yes (e.g., $150)
Yes (e.g., $200)
No
Exclusive Subscription Benefit
Free Instacart+ for 1 year
N/A
N/A

Tips for Maximizing Your Instacart Mastercard

Use the Card for All Grocery Spending : Since the card offers high cash back rates on both online and in-store grocery purchases, make it your go-to payment method for food shopping.

Take Advantage of the Intro Bonus : Meet the spending threshold early to secure the sign-up bonus.

Leverage Instacart+ Perks : Once you activate your free membership, take full advantage of unlimited free deliveries and reduced service fees.

Track Your Rewards : Regularly log in to your Capital One account to monitor your cash back earnings and redemption options.


Conclusion

The Instacart Mastercard® stands out as a practical choice for anyone looking to combine grocery savings with cash back rewards.

Its combination of a free Instacart+ membership, generous cash back rates, and no annual fee makes it an attractive option for frequent Instacart users.

Whether you’re a busy professional, parent, or simply someone who appreciates the convenience of grocery delivery, this card offers tangible value that aligns with your needs.

Before applying, ensure that your spending patterns match the card’s strengths and review any current promotional offers. With careful usage, the Instacart Mastercard can become a valuable tool in your financial arsenal.