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.
The information for the Prime Visa has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.