Instacart+ (formerly Instacart Express) has become one of the most popular grocery delivery memberships in the United States, but many shoppers are still unsure whether it's worth the investment. With a free trial available and various partnership deals, it's essential to understand exactly what you're getting before you sign up.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll break down everything you need to know about Instacart+ membership in 2025, from the free trial details to a complete cost-benefit analysis that will help you decide if it's right for your shopping habits.
What is Instacart+?
Instacart+ is a subscription service that provides members with free delivery and reduced fees on grocery orders. Think of it as Amazon Prime for grocery delivery - you pay an annual or monthly fee in exchange for convenience and savings.
Free Delivery
Unlimited free delivery on orders over $35 from most stores
Reduced Fees
Lower service fees on all orders, regardless of size
5% Credit Back
Earn 5% credit back on eligible pickup orders
Family Sharing
Share benefits with family members in your household
Free Trial Details
Instacart offers a 14-day free trial for new Instacart+ members. Here's what you need to know:
| Trial Feature | Details | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 14 days | Starts immediately when you sign up |
| Benefits | All Instacart+ benefits included | Same as paid membership |
| Auto-renewal | Automatic billing after trial | Cancel anytime during trial to avoid charges |
| Eligibility | First-time members only | Previous members not eligible |
| Payment method | Credit card required | Card charged after trial ends |
Cost Analysis: Is It Worth It?
Let's break down the numbers to help you decide if Instacart+ membership makes financial sense for your situation:
Membership Costs
- Annual membership: $99/year ($8.25/month)
- Monthly membership: $9.99/month
- Annual savings: $20.88 vs. monthly payments
Break-Even Analysis
You need to order at least 13 times per year to make the annual membership worthwhile:
- 13 orders × $7.99 average delivery fee = $103.87
- Annual membership cost = $99
- Savings: $4.87 + reduced service fees + 5% pickup credit
How to Sign Up for the Free Trial
Getting started with your free trial is simple:
- Visit Instacart.com or open the mobile app
- Look for the "Try Instacart+" banner or visit your account settings
- Click "Start Free Trial"
- Add a payment method (required but not charged during trial)
- Start enjoying free delivery immediately
- Set a reminder to evaluate before the trial ends
Partnership Deals and Discounts
Several companies offer Instacart+ membership as a benefit, potentially saving you the annual fee:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: One year free membership plus monthly credits
- American Express: Various cards offer statement credits
- Peacock Premium: Bundle deals available with streaming services
- Corporate partnerships: Check with your employer for potential benefits
Tips for Maximizing Your Membership
During the Free Trial
- Place several orders to test the full benefits
- Try different stores to see which offer the best experience
- Compare prices between stores to find the best deals
- Use the pickup option to earn 5% credit back
- Share benefits with family members to maximize value
If You Decide to Keep It
- Plan your shopping to maximize free delivery benefits
- Consider the annual membership for better value
- Look for partnership deals to reduce costs
- Track your savings to ensure you're getting value
When to Cancel
Consider canceling your membership if:
- You're not ordering frequently enough to justify the cost
- You're not seeing significant savings on delivery fees
- Your shopping habits have changed
- You've found better alternatives or partnerships
- The service quality in your area has declined
Remember, you can always rejoin later if your needs change. Instacart frequently offers promotions to win back former members.
Final Verdict
Instacart+ membership is worth it if you:
- Order groceries more than once per month
- Value convenience and time savings
- Can take advantage of partnership deals
- Live in an area with good Instacart coverage
- Don't mind paying a premium for convenience
It might not be worth it if you:
- Rarely use grocery delivery services
- Are very price-sensitive
- Live in an area with limited Instacart options
- Prefer shopping in person for quality control
- Have access to cheaper local alternatives