Is Instacart Worth It? 2026 Driver Review & Pay Breakdown
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: February 14, 2026
Instacart Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: Instacart is a solid gig app for earning money by shopping and delivering groceries. It offers a flexible way to make cash, especially if you enjoy active work.
Why We Love It
- Flexible work schedule
- Instant cashout option
- Wide availability across cities
The Catch
- ✕Earnings can vary by location and demand
- ✕Reliance on customer tips
- ✕Vehicle expenses and maintenance
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What is Instacart & How Does It Work?
Instacart is a gig app that pays you to shop for and deliver groceries and other items to customers. You act as a personal shopper, picking out items and bringing them to people's homes.
Unlike some delivery apps focused solely on restaurant food, Instacart lets you earn by shopping for a full basket of groceries from many different stores.
At A Glance
- TypeDelivery
- PlatformiOS & Android
- CostFree
- Est. YearN/A
How It Works
Sign Up
Download the Instacart Shopper app. Create your profile and pass a background check to become a shopper.
Accept Orders
See available orders in your area. Choose orders that fit your schedule and earning goals. You can see the payout before accepting.
Shop & Deliver
Go to the store, shop for the customer's items, and then deliver them. You can chat with the customer if items are out of stock.
Get Paid
After completing deliveries, your earnings are added to your account. You can cash out instantly or wait for weekly direct deposits.
Is Instacart Legit? (Company Background)
When considering any gig app, it is important to check its background. Here is what makes Instacart a real earning opportunity.
- Widespread Operations: Instacart operates in 14,000 cities across the US and Canada. They partner with 80,000 stores, showing a large and established network.
- Public Company Presence: Instacart has public sections for careers, press, and help on its website. This indicates a transparent company with real operations and leadership.
- High App Ratings: The Instacart shopper app has strong ratings on both iOS (4.8) and Android (4.2). Millions of users rely on these apps every day for work.
- Clear Shopper Opportunities: The website clearly lists "Shopper Opportunities" and a path to "Become a Shopper." This shows a direct and legitimate way to find work.
Verdict: Legit
Instacart is a legitimate gig economy platform. It is a well-known company with a large footprint, offering real opportunities to earn money by shopping and delivering.
How Much Do Instacart Drivers Actually Make?
Working as an Instacart shopper can provide extra income. Here is what you can expect regarding earnings.
- Average Hourly Rate: Shoppers can typically expect to earn between $15-25 per hour. This average rate is reported by the platform itself.
- Bonuses and Incentives: Signup bonuses and referral bonuses are sometimes offered. These can change based on your local market and current demand for shoppers.
- Impact of Customer Tips: A good portion of your earnings will come from customer tips. Providing excellent service can often lead to higher tips from grateful customers.
- Order Availability and Efficiency: How much you earn depends on how many orders are available in your area and how quickly and efficiently you can complete them. More orders mean more chances to earn.
Bottom Line: Instacart offers a flexible way to earn money, with hourly rates that can be competitive for gig work. Your total earnings will depend on factors like tips and order volume.
How & When Does Instacart Pay?
Getting paid is a key part of any gig. Instacart offers clear ways for shoppers to receive their earnings.
- Payment Method: Instacart offers payment through direct deposit to your bank account. You can also use an Instant Cashout feature for quicker access to your money.
- Minimum Cashout: For Instant Cashout, you can withdraw your earnings once you have at least $5 in your account. This is a low threshold for quick access to funds.
- Cashout Speed: Standard payments are processed weekly via direct deposit. The Instant Cashout option lets you get your money right away, often within minutes.
- Approval Process: Earnings are generally available shortly after you complete a delivery. There is no long waiting period for individual orders to be approved before you can access your funds.
- Tax Considerations: As an independent contractor, you are responsible for reporting your Instacart earnings as income. Keep track of your mileage and expenses for tax purposes.
Bottom Line: Instacart makes it easy to get paid, offering both weekly direct deposits and an instant cashout option for quick access to your earnings.
Pros and Cons of Driving for Instacart
The Good
- Flexible Schedule. You can choose your own hours and work when it suits you, offering great flexibility.
- Instant Cashout. The option to cash out your earnings instantly for a small fee means you do not have to wait for payday.
- Wide Store Selection. You can shop from many different grocery and retail stores, giving you a variety of work.
- Earn Tips. Customers can tip directly in the app, allowing you to increase your earnings through good service.
- Available in Many Cities. Instacart operates in thousands of cities, making it accessible for many people looking for gig work.
The Bad
- Variable Income. Your earnings can change from week to week based on demand, location, and customer tips.
- Background Checks. You must pass a background check, which can take some time and might be a barrier for some.
- Car Expenses. You are responsible for your own gas, car maintenance, and insurance costs while working.
- Customer Issues. Dealing with out-of-stock items or difficult customer requests can sometimes be stressful.
Instacart Driver FAQ
Is Instacart legit or a scam?
Instacart is a legitimate gig app. It is a well-established company operating in many cities across the US and Canada, offering real earning opportunities for shoppers.
What are the background check requirements for Instacart shoppers?
To become an Instacart shopper, you must pass a background check. This typically looks into your driving record and criminal history to ensure safety for customers.
What are the vehicle requirements to be an Instacart shopper?
You need access to a reliable car to deliver groceries. Instacart does not specify a vehicle age, but it must be in good working condition for deliveries.
How much money can you make as an Instacart shopper?
Most Instacart shoppers can expect to earn between $15-25 per hour. This amount can vary depending on your location, the number of orders you take, and customer tips.
How do tips work for Instacart shoppers?
Customers can add tips directly in the Instacart app, either before or after delivery. Shoppers keep 100% of their tips, which can significantly boost overall earnings.
Can you cash out instantly with Instacart?
Yes, Instacart offers an Instant Cashout option. For a small fee, you can transfer your earnings to your bank account right away, as long as you have at least $5 available.
What are the busiest times to work for Instacart?
Generally, evenings and weekends tend to be the busiest times for Instacart. Weekday afternoons and holidays can also see higher demand for grocery deliveries.
