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The Instacart Mastercard® is a relatively new entrant in the world of co-branded credit cards. As you might expect based on the name, it's aimed at the power users of the very popular service. The card rewards Instacart purchases handsomely. Better yet, it also offers several other benefits that might entice new cardholders thanks to its issuing bank, Chase.
Let's dive into the details of the Instacart credit card and see if it makes sense for your wallet.
- 5% cash back on the Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Center, including flights, hotels and more
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and on select streaming services
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Page Contents
Instacart Credit Card Pros
- Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases, and on Chase Travel purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Instacart Credit Card Cons
- No built-in Instacart+ benefits.
- Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
- Limited utility for non-Instacart users.
Chase Instacart Welcome Offer
As a new applicant for the Instacart Mastercard, you can get a $50 Instacart credit automatically upon approval — no minimum spending requirement attached.
In the past, Chase has offered a one-year complimentary Instacart+ membership as part of the sign-up bonus. This membership isn't a staple benefit of the card and otherwise costs $9.99 per month or $99 annually. Thus, you may find it worthwhile to wait for another offer if you want to avoid enrolling in Instacart+ without paying for it outright.
Related: Top Credit Card Offers This Month
Instacart Mastercard Benefits
Despite lacking any formal benefits with its co-branded partner, such as a complimentary or discounted Instacart membership, the Instacart Mastercard still offers a slew of benefits for cardholders.
World Elite Mastercard
Since the Instacart Mastercard is a World Elite Mastercard, all the standard benefits from that designation come with the card. This includes:
- Secondary auto rental coverage.
- Purchase protection for 90 days due to theft or damage ($500 per claim and up to $50,000 per account).
- Extended warranty of a year for products sold with warranties of three years or less.
- Baggage delay insurance for delays over 6 hours ($100 per day for 3 days).
- Lost luggage reimbursement for you or an immediate family member, up to $3,000 per passenger.
- Roadside assistance, travel accident insurance (up to $500,000), and travel emergency assistance services.
While these benefits can be found on every card deemed a World Elite Mastercard, it's great that a no-annual-fee card includes all of these benefits. For example, baggage delay insurance can really come in handy during a trip when a bag is misplaced by your airline.
Related: Which Credit Cards Offer Lost or Damaged Luggage Protection?
Instacart Credit Card Earning Rates
The Instacart Mastercard has some solid bonus categories for a no-annual-fee card; it earns as follows:
- 5% cash back on the Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Center, including flights, hotels and more
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and on select streaming services
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
It's worth noting that your rewards are denominated in points. 5% cash back equates to 5X points per dollar. Your points are worth 1 cent apiece.
If you're an Instacart user, the card's earning categories are a boon. You'll earn cash back handsomely. The value proposition only improves if you use the card for Chase Travel reservations and purchases where you'll earn 5% cash back.
Redeeming Rewards with the Chase Instacart Card
Since the Instacart Mastercard is a cash back card, your redemption options are somewhat limited. Presently, you can cash out in four different ways:
- Direct deposits to a linked bank account.
- Statement credits.
- Cover Chase Travel reservations.
- Pay with points to offset or cover the cost of your Instacart purchase (excludes restaurant orders on Instacart powered by Uber Eats).
Generally, your points are worth 1 cent apiece, and they'll never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
Application Restrictions and Strategy
Since this is a Chase card, the 5/24 rule applies to new applicants. In short, Chase will deny your card application if you've applied for and received five new personal credit card accounts in the last 24 months. If you're curious about what your 5/24 status is, click here to learn how to check it for free.
Moreover, the Instacart Mastercard application page states the following:
“This credit card is available to you if you do not currently have the Instacart Mastercard® and if you have not received a cash back new cardmember bonus from Chase for this card in the past 24 months.”
Besides that, you'll also want to consider if you're an ideal customer for Instacart. While 1,400 brands and 80,000+ stores use Instacart, it's entirely possible that your preferred store or city is outside of Instacart's coverage area. While 5% cash back on travel is great for this card, other credit cards offer that benefit and more.
Related: Understanding Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions
Cards that Compete with the Instacart Card
There are several cash-back cards that compete with the Instacart Mastercard. Here's a look at some notable options:
- If you prefer Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods over Instacart and routinely shop at Amazon, consider the Prime Visa (Rates & Fees). You'll earn 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, plus 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare). Learn more about the card in our Prime Visa review.
- If you want a non-cobranded Chase card that earns rewards on various types of purchases, check out the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (Rates & Fees). The card earns 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% on other eligible purchases. Moreover, if you have another card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can combine your rewards to grow your redemption options. Learn more about the Freedom Unlimited in our comprehensive review.
- If you'd rather earn no-frills unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, don't overlook the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (Rates & Fees). The card's earning structure, no annual fee, and $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months make it a boon for those who prefer a straightforward approach. Learn more in our full Active Cash Card review.
- Unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Unlimited 2% back on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Unlimited 2% back at restaurants and at gas stations
- Unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
- Earn 5% on purchases through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3% on dining at restaurants
- Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
- Earn 1.5% on all purchases
Rates & Fees
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Related: Best Cards for Groceries and Supermarkets
Final Thoughts
For the right kind of shopper, the Instacart Mastercard can be a rewarding wallet addition. Few cards offer the ability to earn up to 5% cash back on a purchase without charging an annual fee. And on top of that, the Instacart Mastercard also has several additional (unheralded) benefits courtesy of its Mastercard World Elite designation.
However, if you're not an Instacart power user or are unsure if it's worth using a 5/24 slot on a niche card, you'd be wise to consider other cards. There's a bevy of cards that offer generous rewards for grocery and supermarket purchases, so you're not without a variety of options.
It's also worth noting that the other cards in the Chase portfolio offer more extensive Instacart benefits than the Instacart Mastercard. Several Chase cards offer a 10% discount on Instacart purchases, and by extension, feature more attractive sign-up bonuses. So, it's worth shopping around before applying for the Instacart Mastercard.
- 5% cash back on the Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Center, including flights, hotels and more
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and on select streaming services
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Prime Visa (Rates & Fees), and Chase Freedom Unlimited® (Rates & Fees)
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