Instacart Mastercard®: Groceries & More On Your Schedule

Instacart Mastercard® Review

The Instacart Mastercard® delivers savings in as big of doses as it does groceries and pizzas. Chase’s no-annual-fee credit card earns up to 5% back in rewards, charges no foreign transaction fees, and provides World Elite Mastercard features and protections.

How to Get the Card

Credit Score Needed

Like other co-branded Chase credit cards, the Instacart Mastercard requires a “good” or “excellent” credit score to apply. FICO, the credit agency used by 905 of lenders, states that a “good” score starts at 670. VantageScore, the other leading model, considers scores of at least 700 to be good, with excellent scores starting at 750.

Application Requirements

Here is the information required when applying for the Instacart Mastercard:

• Aged 18 or older
• U.S. mailing address (no PO Boxes permitted)
• SSN or ITIN
• FICO Score above 670 (good)
• Proof of income

You should also be aware of Chase’s 5/24 rule. The 5/24 rule states that applicants likely won’t be approved for a new Chase card if they’ve opened five or more personal credit cards in the past two years (24 months). This rule applies to applications from all issuers- and not just Chase.

Complimentary Instacart+ Membership

New Instacart Mastercard accounts enjoy one free year of Instacart+ (a $99 value). Instacart+ provides additional savings for members on more than 800 national, regional, and local retail brands from more than 70,000 stores across more than 5,500 cities.

These enhanced savings include free delivery on all purchases over $35 and lower service fees on orders. Instacart+ members also earn 5% back on pickup orders, potentially raising the cash back with the Instacart Card to 9% back.

Upon approval, new accounts also earn a $100 Instacart credit – letting them load up on savings (and nachos) from the first purchase.

Instacart Mastercard® Guide to Rewards

How to Earn Rewards

The Instacart Mastercard prioritizes cash back savings with the Instacart brand – but provides versatile rewards across multiple categories. Here is how to earn cash back rewards with the credit card:

• 5% cash back on Instacart purchases
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Center
• 2% cash back on restaurants, gas stations, and select streaming services
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

There are no caps on the reward categories nor on the total amount of rewards earned. Points never expire, provided the cardmember account is open and in good standing.

The 5% back on Instacart.com and Instacart app purchases is a great earning rate – and on par with other issuers’ grocery cards. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature – also from Chase – earns 5% back on groceries through Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Markets, for instance.

The Amazon Card offers 5% back on Amazon.com purchases, offering access to millions of deals at that accelerated rewards rate. While Instacart can’t provide that sheer volume of inventory to cardmembers, the app includes over 800 national, regional, and local retail brands from more than 70,000 stores across more than 5,500 cities.

The biggest difference between the cards is adding 5% back on Chase Travel purchases with the Instacart Mastercard. This feature is usually tied to Chase’s proprietary credit cards (notably the Freedom and Sapphire families). Still, its addition here is welcome news for takeaway or delivery fans – and booking vacations through travel portals.

Cash Back Categories Explained

Not every purchase qualifies for the bonus cash back. Like other issuers, Chase uses Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) to help merchants classify their services best. Here are the limitations and exclusions for the Instacart Mastercard credit card:

Restaurants

Chase defines dining in several ways: first, dining out at restaurants; second, as delivery and takeout orders; and third, Chase Dining, its in-house dining program. “Restaurants” with the Instacart Mastercard covers the first two definitions.

According to Chase, this category includes “sit-down, eat-in, or take-out dining when purchased directly from a restaurant, including fast food and fine dining establishments.” Other third-party delivery apps (outside of Instacart) are not eligible for bonus cash back.

Gas Stations

Chase defines “gas stations” as any service station offering automotive fuel that can be paid for directly at the fuel pump or inside the station. They may also offer various other products or services at their establishment, although this is not required.

It is crucial to note that merchants who do not primarily focus on selling gas for everyday vehicles, like cars, motorcycles, and trucks, are not classified within the “gas” category. Examples of businesses like that include truck stops, marinas, oil and propane distributors, and more.

Select Streaming

Streaming is a popular category, with dozens of options available. Chase has specific regulations regarding which streaming services are eligible for bonus cash back.  Only subscriptions paid for or purchases made with the following services qualify for this category:

How to Redeem Cash Back with the Instacart Mastercard

Here’s a quick overview of how to redeem rewards with the Instacart credit card:

• Cash back as a statement credit or direct deposit
• Credits towards free Instacart orders
• Gift cards
• Travel through the Chase Travel Center

Redeeming rewards, like earning, is simple and streamlined with the Instacart Mastercard. Cardmembers can redeem their rewards as cash back as a direct deposit or a statement credit. Or book reward travel through the Chase Travel Center. The Center provides various redemption options, including flights, car rentals, and hotels.

World Mastercard Features

While the Instacart Mastercard features no annual fee, cardholders enjoy a substantial list of benefits and protections courtesy of the World Elite Mastercard network:

Delivery App Comparison

Pros & Cons

What We Like About the Instacart Credit Card

There’s plenty to like about the Instacart Mastercard:

Broad Delivery Categories

One of the best features of the Instacart credit card is the complimentary Instacart+ membership. Instacart is best known for grocery delivery services, but the app provides delivery of quite a bit more. Members can order the following categories through the Instacart mobile app:

• Groceries
• Convenience items
• Alcohol
• Beauty and health supplies
• Gifts
• Pet food and supplies
• Prescription and pharmacy items
• Retail products
• And more

These broad categories open up a range of options for cardholders – particularly those who are impacted by mobility or sight issues that prevent them from going to the local supermarket or small grocery store.

Things to Consider

Instacart Not Available Nationwide

If you are a dedicated user of Instacart, this is a logical choice. However, you need to gauge your interest based on where you live in the United States. Instacart is unavailable in all areas across the United States, with rural areas in the West most impacted by restrictions. Check with Instacart to see if the service is available in your area.

Fortunately, most Americans can access Instacart, so is the card worth it? The answer is yes if you rely heavily on the service and like deliveries to include more than just groceries. Others who prefer a well-rounded grocery credit card could consider Chase Freedom Unlimited. That card provides a broader reward structure for those who want more flexibility.

Chase Ratings

How does the card stack up? Here is a selection of expert reviews for the card, as well as an overview of JPMorgan Chase as a bank:

Should You Apply for the Instacart Mastercard?

Overall, the Instacart Mastercard from Chase offers a lot to love. The 5% cash back rewards are generous, as is the addition of Chase Travel to the 5% back bonus tier. And while the Instacart+ membership benefit ends after year one, the $99 annual charge (should cardmembers opt to continue) is fair for the value on offer.

The 5% back on travel and the $99 Instacart+ membership charge (should cardholders continue to use the service) place the card in the same realm as the Chase Sapphire Preferred. That card, which features a $95 annual fee, earns 5X points on travel through Chase Travel and 3X on rideshare and meal delivery services, like Instacart. Given the love that card receives, it’s easy to see a bright future for the Instacart Mastercard and Chase.