How to Get Free Delivery on Instacart in 2024

Are you into grocery delivery but hate the fees? Then knowing how to get free delivery on Instacart is key.

Instacart is a grocery delivery service that makes it super easy to have someone do your shopping and bring it right to your door.

You can also grab your groceries yourself if you prefer. Save time by skipping the store hassle.

But if those delivery fees bug you, you’re looking for ways to save. Wondering how to get free delivery with Instacart? Let’s check it out.

Exploring Instacart

If you're still curious about Instacart, it's a company based in the United States that provides grocery delivery and pickup services across the US and Canada.

You can access their services through their website or mobile app for food delivery to get your groceries from Instacart.

Instacart connects you with local shoppers who shop and deliver items from stores in your area that are partnered with Instacart. These stores include popular regional and national retailers, and you're not limited to just groceries.

For example, if you're in the San Francisco area, you can choose from stores like CVS, Sam's Club, Best Buy, or even Total Wine & More.

Simply select the items you want to buy and then choose your preferred delivery time. Delivery can be as fast as an hour or scheduled for later in the day or week. The delivery times may vary depending on the operating hours of local stores.

You can also shop on Instacart's website or app and select a pickup time. Instead of having your groceries delivered, you can choose to pick them up at the store.

Not everyone shops with Instacart, but many do. In 2021, the grocery delivery service made around $26 billion in sales. By 2024, it's expected to make about $40.5 billion in its main market.

Although sales growth started to slow down after that, Instacart still managed to generate approximately $26 billion in sales in 2021. It's projected that by 2023, the company's sales in its primary market could reach $35 billion.

Instacart is one of the well-known grocery delivery services in 2024. It ranks fourth in brand recognition in 2023 with 72% of US Internet users aware of the company. That puts it behind Walmart, Uber Eats and Costco.

The rise in popularity is partly due to people embracing the convenience of home delivery. A study in 2021 found that 45% of consumers started shopping online for groceries more frequently than before the pandemic.

Yet, this convenience comes with a price. Grocery stores weren't originally set up for online orders, and there are costs associated with having someone shop for you. So, finding free delivery is a great perk.

Here are six easy ways to get free delivery on Instacart.

Getting Free Delivery on Instacart

Once you've experienced the convenience of online shopping and grocery delivery, it's hard to go back.

Starting out is simple: when you sign up and place your first order on Instacart, you automatically enjoy free delivery. After that initial experience, you'll be on the lookout for any Instacart promos you can snag.

Whether you're new to Instacart or a seasoned user, you're probably wondering: How can I lower my Instacart fees?

Here's how.

1. Use a Referral Code to Sign Up

If you're fortunate enough to have a friend or family member refer you to Instacart, you can take advantage of their referral to save money.

It's a win-win situation: you receive a $10 credit on your first order, and your friend also receives a $10 credit when your first order is delivered.

However, while this may not directly offer free delivery, receiving a promotion code from your friends or family can only be used on your account if you meet the promotion's requirements.

Always review the terms and conditions provided at the bottom of the confirmation email from Instacart to understand the specifics of the promotion.

2. Make a Purchase from Walmart

Instacart claims to be the top grocery technology company in North America. According to the company, it partners with over 900 national, regional, and local retail brands. That allows it to offer delivery services from more than 75,000 stores across 13,000 cities.

One of its notable partners is the retail giant Walmart.

In 2021, Walmart expanded its collaboration with Instacart. it was a part of its strategy to provide fast and affordable delivery services, aiming to compete with Amazon.

Walmart broadened its delivery partnership with Instacart to cover areas in New York City where Walmart does not have physical stores. Additionally, it extended to include a same-day delivery pilot in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.

According to Forbes:

"Retailers need to adapt to customer preferences, which increasingly include delivery services."

In some areas, Walmart might use other delivery platforms like DoorDash or Postmates for grocery deliveries. Each service comes with its own delivery fees, so it's worth exploring different options to find the best deal.

Or, if you're looking to avoid Instacart's delivery fees, you can consider purchasing groceries from Amazon. Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods has intensified competition in the grocery delivery sector. This move has led many grocers to partner with Instacart as a defensive strategy against Amazon's growing influence.

3. Explore Store Options

You can find extra ways to save while using Instacart. For example, you might have access to an Instacart promo code, coupon, or shopping credits. Additionally, some stores offer free delivery.

Instacart's website features a section dedicated to discounts and coupons. Here, you can discover stores in your area that provide Instacart savings. Each store listing specifies the available offer, often labeled as "Delivery" next to the store's name.

For instance, clicking on the CVS Pharmacy button reveals details about using Instacart for CVS shopping. It mentions that delivery fees begin at $3.99 for same-day orders exceeding $35.

Delivery fees may vary depending on factors such as delivery time, order total, and location. Additionally, fees might fluctuate based on the number and types of items in your cart.

Sometimes, you might receive an Instacart free delivery code or another promo code from a retail partner. To redeem such codes, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instacart app and access the side menu.
2. Select “Credits, promos & gift cards.”
3. Tap the “Add promo or gift card” option.
4. Enter the promo code and tap “Redeem” to apply it to your account.

4. Sign Up and Save

You can also get free delivery on Instacart by joining subscription programs like Express.

Is there a free delivery with Instacart Express?

The answer is yes, but there's a catch. You pay a flat fee of $99 per year or $9.99 per month for unlimited free delivery on orders over $35.

Programs like Instacart Express and Instacart+ offer free delivery with a minimum order of $35 per store, along with lower service fees. Just remember, all orders need to be at least $10 to qualify for delivery.

What's the difference between Instacart Express and Instacart+?

There is no difference. Instacart Express has simply been renamed Instacart+.

Remember, service fees are added to help run the Instacart platform and cover costs like shopper operations, insurance, background checks, and customer support.

Extra fees may apply, such as an alcohol service fee if you order alcohol or a higher fee if your order’s total estimated weight exceeds 50 pounds.

5. Join an affiliate program

You can save even more with Instacart by joining an affiliate program with certain stores. Here's how it works:

If you bought an Instacart+ membership on a partner site, you can link that account to Instacart.com to access your benefits at no extra cost.

Eligible partners include:

• Costco
• Heinens
• Price Chopper
• Sprouts
• The Fresh Market
• Tops Markets
• Wegmans

Just visit the partner site and log in to your account. On your Account Profile page, select Link Instacart Account or Import Account Info, then log in and link to your Instacart account.

Be sure to check for other affiliate programs available through Instacart to save even more.

For example, there's the Instacart Customer Affiliate Program, where affiliate partners can refer new customers to Instacart. When Instacart receives an order from a new customer referred by the affiliate, they compensate the affiliate.

Another program is the "Instacart Shopper Affiliate Program." This program rewards affiliates for referring new shoppers in participating cities.

However, this doesn't always mean you, as the shopper, will enjoy savings or free delivery on Instacart. Be sure to review the details carefully and look for affiliate referrals with free delivery at stores like Costco or Target.

6. Invite Friends and Family

After you've become accustomed to shopping on Instacart, you might ask: Can I get discounts on Instacart? Yes, you can through the referral program.

Here's how it works: You refer friends and family to Instacart and earn up to $1000 in referral credits. Your friend receives a $10 credit on their initial order, and you receive a $10 credit once their first delivery is completed. You can easily refer others via text, email, or social media using your personalized referral code or link.

Instacart Free Delivery FAQs

In conclusion, knowing how to get free delivery on Instacart in 2024 can save you both time and money when shopping for groceries online. Whether it's through referral programs, subscription services like Instacart Express, or taking advantage of affiliate partnerships, there are multiple avenues to explore. By leveraging these strategies, you can enjoy the convenience of grocery delivery without worrying about extra fees, making your shopping experience more seamless and enjoyable.