Instacart Mastercard Review: Ideal for Instacart Enthusiasts, but Limited for Others

Overview of the Instacart Mastercard

The Instacart Mastercard® offers excellent rewards beyond just Instacart purchases and provides more perks than most no-annual-fee cards. However, its bonus categories necessitate specific spending habits that may not attract everyone. This could deter those who aren’t already dedicated to Instacart. Card rating*: ⭐⭐½

*Card rating reflects the views of TPG's editors and is not swayed by the card issuer.

The rise of grocery and meal delivery services has surged in recent years. In response to this trend, the Instacart Mastercard debuted in mid-2022 as the first credit card tailored for grocery delivery fans, offering a complimentary year of Instacart+ membership (which includes lower fees and credits on pickup orders).

Nonetheless, the card offers higher earning rates beyond Instacart purchases and provides more perks than most no-annual-fee cards. However, due to Instacart's limitations and the earning potential of other credit cards, it may not suit everyone.

Is the Instacart Mastercard the ideal card for you? Let’s explore its features in detail to determine if it fits your needs.

The information regarding the Instacart Mastercard has been independently gathered by Dinogo. The details on this page have not been verified or provided by the card issuer.

Pros and Cons of the Instacart Mastercard

Welcome Offer for the Instacart Mastercard

New applicants for the Instacart Mastercard can enjoy a free year of Instacart+ membership along with a $100 Instacart credit upon account approval. There are no spending requirements to qualify for this bonus offer.

According to the offer terms, the $100 credit should be credited to your Instacart account immediately after approval for the Instacart Mastercard; however, it may take up to 10 days to appear. Additionally, you will not be eligible for this bonus if you have received a bonus for this card in the past 24 months — which should not be a concern for most, considering this card is relatively new.

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

Instacart+ is priced at $99 annually or $9.99 monthly. Therefore, a complimentary year of membership along with a $100 account credit makes this bonus valued at $199.

Since Chase is the issuer of this card, it likely falls under the 5/24 rule and other specific credit card application guidelines set by Chase.

Benefits of the Instacart Mastercard

One of the main advantages of the Instacart Mastercard is the complimentary year of Instacart+ membership. Typically, Instacart+ costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year, and your membership will be activated automatically upon account approval if you don't already have one.

Instacart+ membership benefits include free delivery on orders over $35, reduced service fees, and earning 5% back on pickup orders.

Be aware that your Instacart+ enrollment will automatically renew after your free year ends, charging the credit card linked to your Instacart account. If you prefer not to continue your Instacart+ membership beyond the complimentary period, be sure to cancel it.

The Instacart Mastercard is classified as a World Elite Mastercard, offering additional perks such as 24/7 concierge services and exclusive Mastercard Priceless experiences.

In addition, you'll enjoy these benefits:

• Baggage delay insurance: Offers up to $100 per day for a maximum of three days for delays exceeding six hours
• Extended warranty protection: Adds an additional year to manufacturer warranties of three years or less
• Purchase protection: Covers purchases against damage or theft for up to $500 per claim and a total of $50,000 per account for items bought within the last 120 days
• Lost luggage reimbursement: Provides up to $3,000 reimbursement per passenger for lost checked and carry-on luggage
• Travel and emergency assistance services: Coordinates necessary services for you, though you'll need to cover the costs
• Travel accident insurance: Offers up to $500,000 in coverage for accidental death or dismemberment
• Roadside assistance: Available on a pay-per-use basis for dispatch services
• Auto rental collision damage waiver: Covers rental cars paid for with this card; coverage is secondary in the U.S. but primary in other locations
• Access to Chase Offers
• No foreign transaction fees

Earning cash back with the Instacart Mastercard

The Instacart Mastercard allows you to accumulate rewards points that can be redeemed for cash back, valued at 1 cent each. These earnings are commonly known as points, Instacart points, or cash-back rewards — all referring to the same benefit.

Cardholders receive 5% cash back on purchases made through Instacart.com and the Instacart mobile app, which includes membership and subscription fees. Additionally, you can earn 5% back on travel bookings made via Chase by calling 833-458-0526 or the number listed on the back of your card — unfortunately, online bookings do not qualify for this cash back bonus.

You will also earn 2% cash back at gas stations and on dining expenses (including restaurants, takeout, and eligible delivery services), as well as select streaming services. For all other purchases, you’ll receive 1% back.

As long as your account remains active and in good standing, your rewards points and cash back will not expire.

How to redeem cash back with the Instacart Mastercard

You can apply your earnings to cover all or part of a purchase in the Instacart app or on Instacart.com. Additionally, you can redeem your points in the following ways, most of which value them at 1 cent each:

• Direct deposit into your bank account
• Credit on your statement
• Pay for travel through Chase Travel℠

There are no minimum requirements for redeeming rewards, but keep in mind that redemption values may fluctuate based on how you choose to use them. Be mindful to maximize the value you receive.

What cards are alternatives to the Instacart Mastercard?

The Instacart Mastercard stands out as the first credit card introduced by a grocery delivery service. However, it does face competition:

• If you're looking for similar benefits with different earning categories: The Chase Freedom Flex® has no annual fee and provides 5% back on purchases through Chase Travel℠. You’ll earn 5% back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter when activated), 3% back at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery), 3% back at drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases. This card also offers comparable World Elite Mastercard perks and allows you to convert your cash back into Chase Ultimate Rewards points. For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
• If you prefer similar benefits but with Amazon: The Prime Visa currently provides 10% or more on a rotating selection of items on Amazon.com, as well as 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases and Chase Travel purchases for Prime members, including grocery deliveries from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods. You'll also earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and for local transit, with 1% back on other purchases, and there's no annual fee. For more details, see our full review of the Prime Visa card.
• If you want excellent rewards on online grocery shopping: 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 for streaming and dining. For more information, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

For more options, explore our comprehensive lists of the best grocery credit cards and best Chase credit cards.

Is the Instacart Mastercard a good choice?

For dedicated Instacart users, this card is probably a solid option. However, if you don't frequently use Instacart, consider opting for a different credit card that offers rewards on online grocery services. Keep in mind that Instacart's availability varies across the U.S., so it's wise to check delivery options in your area before applying.

Conclusion

The Instacart Mastercard offers a strong selection of benefits for loyal Instacart users and those looking for a no-annual-fee card. While its earning categories go beyond grocery delivery, it might not appeal to those who aren’t already brand loyal.

When you order through Instacart, remember that you can boost your rewards and savings. Use the Rakuten shopping portal to earn 1%-3% cash back (or 1-3 American Express Membership Rewards points) on your purchases. Plus, apply an Instacart promo code to get additional discounts at checkout.