Instacart Mastercard®
Is the Fee Worth It?
Based on $1,500/mo average spend
Great value — no annual fee. You'd earn ~$765/yr on typical spending.
Instacart Mastercard®
Quick Snapshot
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 20.49%-28.49% variable
- Rewards: 5% on Instacart, 2% gas/dining/streaming, 1% everything else
- Bonus: None
- Best For: Frequent Instacart users who want maximum savings on grocery delivery
- Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)
Overview
The Instacart Mastercard is a no-annual-fee credit card designed for the growing number of households that rely on Instacart for grocery delivery. Earning 5% back on all Instacart purchases, 2% on gas, dining, and streaming services, and 1% on everything else, it converts your grocery delivery habit into meaningful cash back savings.
While the card lacks a traditional welcome bonus, it compensates with a strong everyday earning structure and Instacart-specific perks. Cardmembers receive complimentary Instacart+ membership benefits for 12 months, which normally costs $99 per year and includes free delivery on orders over $35, reduced service fees, and exclusive discounts. This effectively serves as a first-year bonus worth $99.
The 2% categories covering gas, dining, and streaming services make the Instacart Mastercard a capable secondary card for everyday spending. For households that order through Instacart weekly, the 5% rate generates substantial annual savings. Combined with the free Instacart+ benefits, no annual fee, and solid 2% everyday categories, this card fills a niche that no other card targets as directly.
APR Breakdown
- Purchase APR: 20.49%-28.49% variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.49%-28.49% variable
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
- Penalty APR: None
Note: Your APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. There is no penalty APR, but a late payment fee may apply.
Benefits Overview
Instacart Rewards
- 5% back on all Instacart orders including groceries, household items, and alcohol
- Complimentary Instacart+ membership for the first 12 months ($99 value)
- Free delivery on Instacart orders over $35 with Instacart+
- Reduced service fees on all Instacart orders with Instacart+
- No caps on the 5% Instacart earning rate
Everyday Categories
- 2% back at gas stations
- 2% back on dining at restaurants including delivery
- 2% back on streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu
- 1% back on all other purchases
Cardholder Benefits
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Zero liability on unauthorized purchases
- Mastercard World benefits including price protection and extended warranty
Rewards & Points
- 5% back on all Instacart purchases
- 2% back on gas, dining, and streaming services
- 1% back on all other purchases
Cash back is earned as a percentage and can be redeemed as a statement credit or applied to future Instacart orders. The Instacart+ membership included for 12 months provides free delivery on orders over $35 and reduced service fees, adding approximately $99 in value the first year.
Welcome Bonus
There is no traditional spending-based welcome bonus. However, new cardmembers receive complimentary Instacart+ membership for 12 months, valued at $99 per year. Instacart+ includes free delivery on orders over $35, reduced service fees, and exclusive member pricing on select items.
Fees Summary
- Annual Fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5% (min $5)
- Cash Advance Fee: 5% (min $10)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
Who This Card Is Best For
Ideal For
- Weekly Instacart users who order groceries through Instacart regularly and want 5% back
- Delivery-first households who prefer grocery delivery over in-store shopping and want to maximize savings
- Streaming subscribers who pay for multiple streaming services and want 2% back on each
- Gas and dining spenders who want 2% on fuel and restaurants alongside their Instacart rewards
Not Good For
- In-store grocery shoppers who buy groceries at physical stores and would not benefit from the 5% Instacart rate
- Bonus seekers who want a substantial welcome bonus for signing up
- Travel rewards enthusiasts who prefer airline miles or hotel points over cash back
Key Pros & Cons
Pros
- 5% back on all Instacart orders is the highest rate available for grocery delivery
- Complimentary Instacart+ membership for 12 months ($99 value)
- No annual fee makes it free to hold indefinitely
- 2% on gas, dining, and streaming covers common everyday spending
- No caps on the 5% Instacart earning rate
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free delivery on Instacart orders over $35 with Instacart+
- Mastercard World benefits including price protection
- Simple cash back with easy redemption
Cons
- No welcome bonus beyond the Instacart+ membership
- 5% rate is only valuable if you use Instacart regularly
- 1% base rate on non-bonus spending is low
- No travel benefits, lounge access, or trip insurance
- No 0% intro APR offer for purchases or balance transfers
- Instacart+ reverts to paid subscription after 12 months
- No grocery bonus for in-store purchases at supermarkets
- Limited to Instacart for the premium 5% category
Alternatives to Consider
| Card | Best For | Annual Fee | Rewards | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Visa | 5% at Amazon/Whole Foods for Prime members | $0 (Prime req) | 5% Amazon / 2% dining | Good+ |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | Rotating 5% categories with broader coverage | $0 | 5%/3%/1% | Good+ |
| Blue Cash Preferred® | 6% at U.S. supermarkets (in-store) | $95 | 6% grocery / 3% gas | Good+ |
How the Rewards Add Up
Example Annual Value
| Category | Annual Spend | Reward Rate | Earned | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instacart Orders | $5,200 | 5% | $260 | $260 |
| Gas Stations | $2,400 | 2% | $48 | $48 |
| Dining | $3,600 | 2% | $72 | $72 |
| Streaming Services | $600 | 2% | $12 | $12 |
| Everything Else | $10,000 | 1% | $100 | $100 |
Total estimated first-year value: $591 including the $99 Instacart+ membership value. Based on $100/week in Instacart orders. Ongoing annual value is approximately $492 after the Instacart+ benefit expires.
Should You Get This Card?
You Should Get It If...
- You order through Instacart weekly and want 5% back on every delivery
- You want a free Instacart+ membership to save on delivery and service fees
- You spend on gas, dining, and streaming and want 2% back on all three
- You want a no-annual-fee card focused on modern grocery delivery habits
- You prefer cash back simplicity over travel points complexity
You Should Skip It If...
- You shop for groceries in person at physical stores
- You want a substantial welcome bonus for signing up
- You do not use Instacart regularly enough to benefit from the 5% rate
- You prefer travel rewards or transferable points
- You want a card with 0% intro APR for a large purchase
Apply Now
Apply for Instacart Mastercard®
Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.
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