How to make lots of money as an Instacart shopper

Shopping for Instacart has become a popular way to earn extra money, especially as demand has increased during the pandemic. Many people are turning their trips to the grocery store into supplemental income. But what is it like being an Instacart shopper and can you earn enough money to make it worthwhile?

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about being an Instacart shopper, from requirements to step-by-step shopping instructions and more.

What is Instacart?

Instacart is a grocery delivery service that is available throughout the U.S. at over 300 retailers. Instacart operates in large cities, suburbs and even rural communities. It’s available through a mobile app that allows users to shop for groceries delivered within two hours. It’s very inconvenient and has become more popular during the pandemic, when many people have cut down on grocery store runs due to long lines, safety concerns and a lack of time.

Instacart is also a great way to earn extra money while doing something early everyone can: Shop for groceries. If you want to earn extra money with Instacart, there are two roles to choose from:

Full-service shopper

Full-service Instacart shoppers are independent contractors who shop and deliver groceries. They make their own hours, picking up assignments when it’s convenient. They get paid per assignment, which includes tips. On average, shoppers earn $200-$500 per week.

Related: 23 legit ways to make $500 a week from home

In-store shopper

In-store Instacart shoppers are part-time employees who qualify for benefits. They only shop for items and then hand them off to drivers. They do not deliver groceries or qualify for tips.

How much can Instacart shoppers earn?

Instacart shoppers earn money per batch, depending on the total order amount. The minimum you’ll earn is around $7 per batch. Average shoppers earn $200-$500 per week, though there are reports as high as $2,000 per week. Shoppers can grab multiple assignments at a time to maximize each grocery store visit.

In California, Instacart shoppers are guaranteed minimum earnings equal to 120% of minimum wage and $0.30 per mile driven. Considering the minimum wage in California is $12 per hour, Instacart guarantees $14.40 per hour to full-service shoppers.

Related: How I paid off $112,000 worth of debt last year

Requirements for being an Instacart shopper

To be an Instacart shopper, you must be at least 18 years old and eligible to work in the U.S. You also need a car, smartphone and the ability to lift at least 50 lbs. Those grocery bags can get heavy!

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be eligible to work in the United States
• Have access to a vehicle
• Have access to a recent smartphone (iPhone 6s / Android 5.0 or newer)
• Be able to lift 50 lbs with or without accommodation

Instacart shopper gear: Insulated bags, safety kits and more

While Instacart shoppers don’t have a uniform, you should dress neatly and comfortably. T-shirts and jeans are fine, along with comfortable sneakers. This will make running around a grocery store all day much easier.

Instacart shoppers get a free health and safety kit, which includes hand sanitizer and two face masks. Face masks are required at all times while you’re shopping and delivering, so keep that in mind. You’ll also get a debit card on a lanyard for easy transportation. You’ll use this debit card for each shopping assignment, so there’s no need to dip into your own funds and wait to be reimbursed.

Shoppers who transport temperature-sensitive foods are required to have insulated bags. Instacart sells four 13×15 bags for $13.99, which is a great price. You’ll need to complete your food safety tutorial before ordering these bags.

Related: Why is Britney Spears’ net worth so low? 

How to become an Instacart shopper

To become an Instacart shopper, download the shopper app, create an account, agree to a background check, complete a simple food safety course, and begin picking up assignments when they’re available in your area.

How to sign up as an Instacart shopper, step-by-step

Signing up to be an Instacart shopper is very straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works:

1. Download the Instacart shopper app

The shopper app is different from the one you use to order groceries. Make sure you download the one specifically designated for shoppers.

2. Authorize a background check

You can’t shop for Instacart until your background check has cleared. Your background check will clear within 10 days or less. In my case, it took about two days.

3. Complete food safety training

Once your background check is cleared, you need to complete food safety training. This can be done on the app and is fairly simple. You’ll learn about proper food handling, COVID safety, driver safety and sexual misconduct prevention.

These trainings are quick and easy to get through. You will need to complete these courses annually to re-qualify as an Instacart shopper.

If you want to do alcohol and prescription delivery, you need to complete a separate training. This is probably a good idea if you want to maximize your earnings, since these deliveries can earn you more money than a typical grocery run.

Related: How to buy a town like Schitt’s Creek

4. Wait for your shopper starter kit to arrive.

After everything has been approved, you’ll get a starter kit in the mail within a few days. It includes a lanyard that you can wear during your grocery trips (though it isn’t entirely necessary unless you’re going to a members-only store). You’ll also receive your Instacart debit card, which you’ll use at checkout.

You can also add your Instacart debit card to your Apple Wallet to facilitate faster check-out. Doing this saves you the trouble of remembering to bring your wallet with you on every trip. You’re already in a time crunch, so the less stuff you have to carry around, the better.

5. Start shopping!

You can start shopping right away when you have all your gear ready to go. Your first Instacart assignment might be nerve-wracking, but the app is user-friendly and your instructions straightforward. Still, it’s helpful to have a visual ahead of time.

Related: 7 tough money lessons I learned in my 20’s

How to complete an Instacart batch, step-by-step

Once you’re approved and get your card in the mail, you’re ready to start shopping! Here’s a step-by-step look at how to complete your first batch as an Instacart shopper:

Step 1: Open the app and check for batches

Once you’re ready to start shopping with Instacart, just open the app and check for available batches in your area. When you see one you like, simply sign up for it.

You can click on the individual batch to find out how much it pays. This is really important because the total up top may include an estimated tip. Sometimes customers will adjust the tip after delivery, so it’s definitely not set in stone.

Instacart tracks how long you spend shopping, impacting your ability to get more assignments in the future. While Instacart will organize your shopping list based on the store layout, that’s not always the case.

So I highly recommend you start off shopping at stores you’re familiar with. The more you know the layout, the quicker you can navigate the store and complete your batch.

Step 2: Head to the store

The app will specify which store you should go to and provide directions. Don’t take any chances – always double-check the address.

Instacart orders take a minimum of two hours for delivery, so keep this in mind when you’re heading out and shopping. The sooner you arrive at the store, the better. Customers like speediness and will reflect this in your tips.

Step 3: Start shopping

Once you arrive at the store, slide the “start shopping” button on the app. You’ll then see each item you need to shop for.

When you find an item, simply tap on it, mark it as found and scan the SKU. If you can’t find an item, simply select “can’t find” and scan an alternative. You can also contact the customer if you can’t find a suitable replacement. There is an option to “refund” an item you can’t find.

Step 4: Head to checkout

Once you’ve found all the items or made suitable replacements, head to the app and indicate that you’re ready to check out. You’ll get a reminder to bag things according to temperature (i.e., group hot, normal and cold foods separately).

While the grocery clerk will most likely do the bagging, keep an eye on how they’re doing it and adjust if you need to.

Related: Are money market accounts FDIC insured?

Step 5: Pay

Once you’ve notified Instacart that you’re ready for checkout, it’s time to pay. If you’re shopping multiple batches at once, you’ll need to check out each order separately. Customers get copies of receipts, so each order needs a dedicated receipt. Make sure also to keep orders separate, so you don’t accidentally deliver the wrong order.

You can check out with your Instacart debit card or Apple Pay, assuming the grocery store offers it. It’s always a good idea to add your Instacart debit card to Apple Pay, in case you ever leave it behind.

Step 6: Upload your receipt

Once you’ve paid for the grocers and loaded them into your car, take a photo of the receipt. You’ll need to upload it to the app.

Step 7: Deliver your order

When you’re ready to head to the customer’s home, make sure to “swipe to start delivery.”

You’ll get delivery directions and instructions. This will also notify the customer that you are headed in their direction. They will be able to track how far away you are.

Many drivers like to send the customer a note, letting them know they’re on the way. Communication like this creates a more personal experience and can sometimes lead to bigger tips.

Step 8: Drop off the groceries and upload proof of delivery

The final step is to deliver the order to the customer’s house, following the instructions. Nowadays, this will always be “leave at the door.” But if you’re delivering to a gated community, for example, you may be asked to call the customer so that they can open the gate.

Once you’ve dropped the groceries off at the customer’s door, you need to go back into the Instacart Shopper app and take a photo. This serves as proof of delivery.

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When do Instacart shoppers get paid?

Instacart shoppers get paid weekly via direct deposit. You’ll get paid between Wednesday and Friday for assignments done Monday-Sunday the previous week.

Instant Cashout

Shoppers can also choose to get paid instantly via Instant Cashout, as long as they have earned a minimum of $5. Instant Cashout has a $0.50 fee and you can choose this option up to five times per day. Here’s how Instacart Shoppers can get paid immediately using Instant Cashout:

1. Open the Menu and go to “Earnings.”
2. Tap the second “Earnings” button.
3. Under “Current balance,” tap on “Cashout.”
4. Tap “add debit card.”
5. Enter a debit card number and follow the text verification process.
6. Tap “Confirm Cashout.” You’ll get your money deposited within minutes.

It can take 1-3 business days to get your money via Instant Cashout in some cases. Try it out at a time when you don’t need the money immediately to test out how quickly your bank processes these transactions.

Do Instacart shoppers get tips?

Instacart shoppers receive 100% of the tips paid by customers. When you sign up for a batch, you’ll typically see an estimate of the tip. However, customers can change these after delivery so that the amount could increase or decrease.

Create a positive experience for customers (i.e., shop for quality items, keep them in the loop if things are unavailable) and you’ll get higher tips.

Does Instacart pay for gas?

Instacart typically doesn’t pay for gas unless you live in California. California Shoppers get reimbursed $0.30 per mile for deliveries.

Instacart shopper background check

Before getting approved as an Instacart shopper, you have to undergo a criminal background check. When you complete the application, you’ll be asked to authorize it and then wait until it clears.

How long do background checks take for Instacart?

Instacart’s criminal background check take up to 10 days to clear, though in most cases it will be much less time than that.

Can felons work for Instacart?

Felons can work for Instacart as shoppers.

Can you do Instacart if you have a DUI?

You can still be an Instacart shopper if you have a DUI. As long as your driver’s license is valid, you’re good to go.

Is it worth being an Instacart shopper?

Being an Instacart shopper is a good way to make extra money or earn a living while you’re in between jobs. However, the work is pretty strenuous and physically tiring. Plus, you won’t be eligible for health insurance or retirement benefits like you would with a full-time job.

How to make the most money as an Instacart shopper

You can make the most money on Instacart by picking up multiple batches at a time. You can also make a lot of money by getting approved for alcohol and prescription deliveries. As long as you keep customers happy with correct items and on-time delivery, you’ll get high rankings and continue to get more batches.

Instacart Shopper FAQ

Hopefully, the information above was helpful in getting started as an Instacart shopper. Here’s a list of frequently asked questions that might address any outstanding questions you might have:

Can I bring someone with while doing Instacart?

While there’s no policy against bringing someone with you during an Instacart shift, you are not allowed to delegate shopping responsibilities to them. So you could bring a child or friend with you while you shop. However, keep in mind that this could slow you down and it might be difficult to deliver groceries with a child in the car.

Do Instacart shoppers do multiple orders at once?

Instacart shoppers can do multiple orders at once. In fact, shopping multiple batches at once can help you earn more per hour.

Who gets Instacart tip: The driver or shopper?

Instacart tips go directly to the person delivering the order. In other words, all full-service shoppers qualify for tips. Unfortunately, in-store shoppers do not.

Can Instacart be a full-time job? 

You could make Instacart shopping your full-time job. Just keep in mind that you will not get benefits that full-time employees receive: 401k, health insurance, etc. These are valuable perks that can benefit you in the long run. So while you can earn a full-time living shopping with Instacart, it’s better as a side hustle.

Related: The 10 highest-paying jobs in America

How much do Instacart shoppers actually make?

Instacart shoppers make money based on the number of batches they complete, as well as any promotions that might be going on. Each batch pays a minimum of $7 and might take 30 minutes to an hour to complete. So it is possible to earn about $15 per hour or more. Average Instacart shoppers earn $200-$500 per week.

How do I get Instacart batches faster?

You can get more Instacart batches by maintaining a high rating and completing your batches on time. Instacart favors shoppers who are efficient and get good ratings from customers. The better you perform, the more batches you’ll be offered.

Do you bring your own bags for Instacart?

You don’t need to bring your own bags for Instacart. Since you will be dropping the groceries off at the customer’s door, you need to leave them bagged, so bringing your own isn’t going to work. If you’re delivering perishable items, you do need to bring insulated bags to transport the items in. Instacart sells four insulated bags for $13.99.

Does Instacart give you a bag?

Instacart does not give you a bag, but you can purchase one from their online store. If you’re delivering temperature-sensitive items (i.e., frozen foods, fish, poultry, etc.), you need to buy an insulated bag. You can buy a 4-pack from Instacart for $13.99 or buy one off Amazon.

How much do Instacart shoppers make?

Instacart shoppers make between $200-$500 per week, on average. It depends on how active you are and whether you’re able to shop during peak hours.

Instacart peak hours

Peak hours vary but are typically between 11-1 PM Monday-Friday. On Saturday, peak hours are between 10-11 AM and 4-5 PM. On Sundays, peak hours tend to be 2-3 PM. However, this will vary depending on where you’re shopping.

What is a peak boost on Instacart?

Instacart sometimes offers peak boosts if you shop during busy periods. These can vary depending on where you’re shopping and how high demand is.

Is Instacart a good job?

Instacart is a good way to make extra money on the side, especially if you need it fast. Instant Cashout lets you get paid the same day for a $0.50 fee. There are few jobs where you can get paid immediately. During these tough economic times, this aspect of Instacart is appealing to many people.

How long does it take to be an Instacart shopper?

Becoming an Instacart shopper is a simple process. Simply download the app, sign up using a referral code and fill out an application. Once your background check is approved, you will be allowed to start shopping. It takes up to 10 days for the background check to clear.

How do Instacart shoppers pay for groceries?

Instacart shoppers pay for groceries with an Instacart debit card.

Can you earn tips as an Instacart shopper?

Full-service Instacart shoppers can earn tips.

Does Instacart pay same day?

Instacart pays the same-day for a $0.50 fee.

How do Instacart shoppers get paid?

Instacart shoppers get paid via direct deposit every week. They can also request immediate payment through Instant Cashout for a $0.50 fee.

Do Instacart shoppers pay taxes?

Instacart shoppers pay taxes, like all self-employed independent contractors. Be sure to talk to a tax advisor about what your tax liability may be if you are doing Instacart as a side hustle.

Related: Britney Spears’ childhood home is for sale!

How much does Instacart pay per hour?

Instacart does not pay per hour. Shoppers are paid per batch, which start at $7. Your earnings depend on how many batches you can complete in an hour.

Will I get a 1099 from Instacart?

Since full-service Instacart shoppers are independent contractors, they will receive a 1099.

Do you have to report Instacart earnings to unemployment?

Yes, since shoppers receive a 1099, you will have to report your Instacart earnings to unemployment. Depending on your earnings, your unemployment benefits may get reduced if you’re shopping for Instacart.

Can you make $500 a week with Instacart?

You can definitely earn $500 a week with Instacart if you put time into it. This averages to avoid $70 per day.

Are Instacart shoppers employees?

Full-service Instacart shoppers are not employees. They are contractors who receive 1099’s at the end of the year. As such, they do not qualify for benefits. In-store shoppers, on the other hand, are Instacart employees.

Do Instacart shoppers get benefits?

Full-service Instacart shoppers do not get benefits since they are independent contractors. However, in-store shoppers are considered full-time employees and do get benefits.

Does Instacart pay for gas?

Instacart pays $0.30 per mile towards gas for California shoppers.

How soon do you get paid from your first delivery?

Instacart earnings can take about 30 minutes to show up. You get paid once a week, depending on when you completed your batch. Instacart does offer an Instant Cashout option, so if you earn at least $5, you can request immediate payment in exchange for a $0.50 fee.

Where can you work as an Instacart Shopper?

You can work as an Instacart shopper in all 50 states. If there’s a grocery store in the area, chances are Instacart is operating in the region. To find out if that’s the case, head over to the jobs page and type in your zip code. Here’s a complete list:

Alabama

• Hoover
• Birmingham
• Huntsville
• Mobile
• Mt. Olive
• See all

Alaska

• Anchorage
• Eagle River
• Ketchikan
• Fairbanks
• Juneau
• See all

Arizona

• Phoenix
• Scottsdale
• Peoria
• Goodyear
• Queen Creek
• See all

Arkansas

• Little Rock
• North Little Rock
• Cabot-Vilonia
• Pine Bluff
• Searcy
• See all

California

• San Francisco
• Marin
• Greater Walnut Creek (Orinda to Concord)
• Fremont – Union City
• Tri-Valley (Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore)
• See all

Colorado

• Boulder
• Avon-Vail
• Colorado Springs
• Colorado Springs North
• Fort Collins
• See all

Connecticut

• Salisbury
• Bridgeport
• Stamford
• New Haven
• Waterbury
• See all

Delaware

• Wilmington
• Middletown
• Middletown
• Millsboro
• Dover
• See all

District Of Columbia

• Washington, D.C.
• See all

Florida

• Coral Springs
• Boca Raton
• Kendall-Pinecrest
• Miami
• North Miami / Aventura
• See all

Georgia

• Atlanta
• North Atlanta (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody)
• North Fulton (Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, John’s Creek)
• Holly Springs
• Lawrenceville
• See all

Hawaii

• Hilo
• Maui
• Honolulu
• Lihue
• Lihue
• See all

Idaho

• Boise
• Nampa
• Coeur d’Alene
• Pocatello
• Idaho Falls
• See all

Illinois

• Evanston
• Hyde Park
• Naperville
• Westmont
• Libertyville (Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Lake Forest, Mundelein, Lake Zurich)
• See all

Indiana

• Evansville
• New Albany
• Chesterton-Valpo
• Gary
• Hammond
• See all

Iowa

• Davenport
• Des Moines
• Cedar Rapids
• Iowa City
• Waterloo
• See all

Kansas

• Ottawa
• Overland Park
• Wichita
• Lawrence
• Topeka
• See all

Kentucky

• Louisville-Jefferson County
• Florence
• Lexington
• Hopkinsville
• Elizabethtown
• See all

Louisiana

• New Orleans
• Baton Rouge
• Lafayette
• Shreveport
• Mandeville
• See all

Maine

• Portland
• Bangor
• Auburn
• Sanford
• Windham
• See all

Maryland

• Maryland (Silver Spring, Bethesda, Rockville, Potomac)
• Baltimore
• Gaithersburg
• Towson
• Columbia
• See all

Massachusetts

• Boston
• Bos North Shore
• New Bedford
• Taunton
• Salem-Andover
• See all

Michigan

• Ann Arbor
• Bloomfield/Birmingham
• Brighton
• Detroit
• Down River
• See all

Minnesota

• Minneapolis
• MSP West Metro
• MSP Southeast Metro
• Maple Grove- Plymouth
• Blaine-New Brighton
• See all

Mississippi

• Jackson, MS
• Columbus, MS
• Corinth, MS
• Gulfport, MS
• Laurel, MS
• See all

Missouri

• St. Peters
• Kansas City
• Festus
• Washington/Union
• Cape Girardeau
• See all

Montana

• Billings, MT
• Missoula, MT
• Bozeman, MT
• Helena, MT
• Kalispell, MT
• See all

Nebraska

• Omaha, NE
• West Omaha, NE
• Grand Island, NE
• Lincoln, NE
• Plattsmouth, NE
• See all

Nevada

• Reno, NV
• Las Vegas, NV
• Carson City, NV
• Pahrump, NV
• Elko-Spring Creek, NV
• See all

New Hampshire

• Bedford
• Manchester 1
• Nashua
• Claremont-1
• Concord, NH
• See all

New Jersey

• Cherry Hill
• Mt Laurel
• Bergen County
• Union County
• Orange County
• See all

New Mexico

• Albuquerque
• Santa Fe, NM
• Peralta, NM
• Las Cruces, NM
• Carlsbad, NM
• See all

New York

• Lower Manhattan
• Manhattan
• Staten Island
• Bronx
• Syracuse
• See all

North Carolina

• Concord
• Mooresville-Huntersville
• Winston-Salem
• Asheville
• Gastonia/Lowesville
• See all

North Dakota

• Grand Forks, ND
• Fargo, ND
• Bismarck, ND
• See all

Ohio

• Cincinnati
• Cleveland, OH
• Dayton
• Cincinnati North
• Grandview
• See all

Oklahoma

• Oklahoma City
• Fair Oaks
• Tulsa
• Stillwater, OK
• Muskogee, OK
• See all

Oregon

• East Portland, OR
• West Portland, OR
• Eugene, OR
• Gresham, OR
• Tualatin, OR
• See all

Pennsylvania

• Allentown
• Bethlehem-Easton
• State College
• Harrisburg, PA
• Scranton, PA
• See all

Rhode Island

• Providence
• Middletown, RI
• Kingstown, RI
• Southwest Rhode Island, RI
• See all

South Carolina

• Columbia
• Greenville
• Charleston
• Rock Hill
• Myrtle Beach
• See all

South Dakota

• Sioux Falls, SD
• Rapid City, SD
• Spearfish-Whitewood, SD
• See all

Tennessee

• North Nashville
• Nashville
• Franklin
• Murfreesboro
• Knoxville
• See all

Texas

• Austin
• Dallas
• Katy & Cinco Ranch
• The Woodlands
• West Austin / Bee Caves
• See all

Utah

• Salt Lake City
• Orem-Provo
• Park City, UT
• Ogden
• Spanish Fork, UT
• See all

Vermont

• Burlington, VT
• Waterbury-Montpelier, VT
• St. Albans City, VT
• Rutland-Fair Haven, VT
• Ludlow-Windsor, VT
• See all

Virginia

• Newport News
• Norfolk
• Virginia Beach
• Charlottesville VA
• Manassas VA
• See all

Washington

• Seattle
• Eastside
• Puyallup
• Tacoma
• Kent
• See all

West Virginia

• Morgantown, WV
• Beckley, WV
• Clarksburg, WV
• Charleston, WV
• Princeton, WV
• See all

Wisconsin

• Milwaukee
• Milwaukee South
• Madison, WI
• Janesville, WI
• Green Bay, WI
• See all

Wyoming

• • Cheyenne, WY
  • Rock Springs-Green River, WY
  • Casper, WY
  • Gillette, WY
  • Riverton-Lander, WY
  • See all

Featured photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels