by Cory Santos | Last updated on May 24th, 2024
Instacart Mastercard®
Instacart Mastercard®
Instacart Mastercard®
- 19.49% to 28.24% Variable Regular Purchase APR
- 19.49% to 28.24% Variable Balance Transfer APR
- 29.49% Variable Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Instacart Mastercard® is a cash back card that offers big savings on food and grocery deliveries. The no annual fee credit card from Chase earns 5% back on Instacart purchases, offers one-year free ofInstacart+ membership, and more.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Best Offer: Get a free year of Instacart+ and a $100 Instacart credit automatically upon approval. Membership auto-renews. Terms apply.
- Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases
- Earn 5% cash back on Chase Travel℠ purchases, including flights, hotels, and more
- Earn 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations and on select streaming services
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual card fee
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.49% to 28.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.49% to 28.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.49% Variable
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% Variable
- You get your groceries or food delivered through Instacart
- You have wanted to try out Instacart+
- You want a $100 Instacart credit to start chowing down today
- You do't want to pay an annual fee
Instacart Mastercard®
Terms & ConditionsInstacart 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 Chase Travel℠
- 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:
Apple Music | HBO Max | Showtime | YouTube TV |
Apple TV | Hulu | SiriusXM | Vudu |
Disney+ | Netflix | Sling | |
ESPN+ | Paramount+ | Spotify | |
FuboTV | Peacock | YouTube Premium |
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. 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:
Zero Liability Protection | Airport Concierge | Cell Phone Protection |
Mastercard Global Services | Priceless Experiences | Lyft Credits |
ID Theft Protection | Priceless Golf | Mastercard Travel Services |
Mastercard Hotel Stay Guarantee | ShopRunner Membership |
Delivery App Comparison
Instacart Mastercard® | Chase Freedom Unlimited | DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® | |
---|---|---|---|
Annual fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Rewards | Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases, plus travel booked through the Chase Travel Center, 2% back at at restaurants, gas stations and on select streaming services, and 1% back on all else | Earn 5% back on Chase travel, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on everything else | Earn 4% back with DoorDash & Caviar; 3% back on when purchased directly from a restaurant, 2% back at grocery stores, online or in person, and 1% cash back on all else |
Intro APR | N/A | 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers | N/A |
Best for | Groceries | Dining out, prescriptions, everyday spending | Deliveries, dining |
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
No annual fee | Instacart not available in all locations |
Complimentary Instacart+ membership for the first year (a $99 value) | App charges fees unless you meet spending minimums |
World Elite Mastercard protections | Other cards provide better rewards for in-store shopping |
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:
BestCards | Better Business Bureau | TrustPilot |
4.5/5 |
3.5/5 |
2/5 |
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.
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