Instacart Mastercard review: Great for Instacart lovers but few others
Editor's Note
Instacart Mastercard overview
The Instacart Mastercard® earns highly on more than just Instacart purchases and provides more benefits than typical for a card without an annual fee. However, its bonus categories require making purchases in specific ways that may not appeal to everyone. These restrictions are unlikely to convince those not already loyal to Instacart to get the card. Card rating*: ⭐⭐½
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The popularity of grocery and meal delivery services has exploded over the past few years. Following this trend, the Instacart Mastercard launched in mid-2022 as the first credit card for grocery delivery fans.
This card provides elevated earning rates beyond Instacart purchases and more benefits than no-annual-fee cards typically offer. That said, it’s not ideal for everyone, given Instacart’s limitations and the earning opportunities on other credit cards.
Is the Instacart Mastercard the right card for you? Let’s take a detailed look at it to find out.
The information for the Instacart Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Instacart Mastercard pros and cons
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Instacart Mastercard welcome offer
New applicants for the Instacart Mastercard can receive a $50 Instacart credit upon account approval. There is no spending requirement to unlock this bonus offer.
The offer terms say that the $50 credit should be applied to your Instacart account immediately upon approval for the Instacart Mastercard; however, the terms also state that it could take up to 10 days to receive the credit.
Additionally, you cannot receive this bonus if you have earned a bonus on this card in the past 24 months — which shouldn’t be an issue for too many people yet, given that this is a relatively new card.
The $50 account credit from the welcome offer can be applied to any Instacart purchase but cannot be used toward taxes, tips, gift cards, prescriptions, delivery fees or other service fees.
Previously, we've seen a complimentary year of Instacart+ offered along with the $50 welcome discount. It's unclear whether that welcome offer will ever return, but most consumers in this card's target demographic likely already have Instacart+.
Given that Chase issues this card, it’s likely subject to the 5/24 rule and other Chase-specific credit card application rules.
Instacart Mastercard benefits
The Instacart Mastercard is a World Elite Mastercard; this provides benefits like 24/7 concierge services and Mastercard Priceless experiences.
You’ll also enjoy these perks:
- Bagagge delay insurance: Provides reimbursement of up to $100 per day for up to three days after delays of six hours or more
- Extended warranty protection: Adds an extra year to manufacturer’s warranties of three years or less
- Purchase protection: Covers purchases made in the last 120 days against damage or theft for up to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per account
- Lost luggage reimbursement: Provides up to $3,000 of reimbursement per passenger for checked and carry-on luggage
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Coordinates services on your behalf, though you’ll pay for these
- Travel accident insurance: Provides up to $500,000 of coverage for accidental death or dismemberment
- Roadside assistance: Provides dispatch services on a pay-per-use basis
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Provides coverage on rental cars when you pay for the entire rental with your car; coverage is secondary within the U.S. but primary elsewhere
- Access to Chase Offers
- No foreign transaction fees
Related: The most valuable World Elite Mastercard benefits
Earning cash back on the Instacart Mastercard
With the Instacart Mastercard, you’ll earn rewards points that you can use as cash back — worth 1 cent apiece. These earnings are sometimes referred to as points, Instacart points or cash-back rewards — all of these terms mean the same thing.
Cardholders earn 5% cash back on Instacart.com and Instacart mobile app purchases, including membership and subscription charges. You won't earn 5% cash back on restaurant orders made through Instacart.
You’ll also earn 5% back on travel reservations made through Chase Travel℠.
You’ll also earn 2% back at gas stations and on dining (including restaurants, takeout, and eligible delivery services) and select streaming services. Finally, you’ll earn 1% back on other purchases.
Rewards points and cash back don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
Redeeming cash back on the Instacart Mastercard
You can use your earnings to pay for 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 providing 1 cent apiece in value:
- Direct deposit to your bank account
- Statement credit
- Pay for travel in Chase Travel
There are no minimum redemption amounts, though redemption values can vary depending on how you use your rewards. Pay attention to these to ensure you obtain solid value.
Related: 3 reasons why you want a cash-back credit card in your wallet
Which cards compete with the Instacart Mastercard?
The Instacart Mastercard is unique as the first credit card from a grocery delivery brand. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any competition:
- If you want similar benefits but different earning categories: The Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) also has no annual fee and earns 5% back on Chase Travel purchases. You’ll earn 5% back in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter you activate), 3% back at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 3% back at drugstores, and 1% back on other purchases. You’ll enjoy similar World Elite Mastercard benefits. To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
- If you want similar perks but with Amazon instead: The no-annual-fee Prime Visa (see rates and fees) currently offers 10% or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com, 5% back on Amazon, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods orders, and Chase Travel purchases for those with a Prime membership, including grocery deliveries from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods. You’ll also earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and local transit and commuting and get 1% back on other purchases. To learn more, check out our full review of the Prime Visa card.
- If you want valuable rewards on online grocery purchases: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) has a $95 annual fee and earns 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs) as well as streaming and dining purchases. To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
For additional options, check out our full list of the best grocery credit cards and best Chase credit cards.
Related: Why I chose the Chase Sapphire Preferred as my next credit card
Is the Instacart Mastercard worth it?
If you are a devoted Instacart fan, this card likely makes sense. However, if you are not loyal to the brand, it would be a better idea to get another credit card that earns points or cash back on online grocery services. Instacart is also not available everywhere in the U.S. Before applying, research delivery options in your area.
Bottom line
The Instacart Mastercard has a solid array of benefits for Instacart fans and those who want a card without an annual fee. Its earning categories extend beyond grocery delivery but may not sway those who aren’t already loyal to the brand.
If you’re ordering with Instacart, remember that you can earn additional rewards and discounts when shopping with Instacart. Click through the Rakuten shopping portal to earn 1%-3% cash back (or 1-3 American Express Membership Rewards points) on your shopping trips. Then, use an Instacart promo code to save money at checkout.
Related: The best credit cards for online grocery delivery services
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.