Instacart

Savings Guides, Deal Strategies & Verified Offers

Instacart
Last verified: January 31, 2026 2:48 pm

Last updated: January 31, 2026 Recently updated

Instacart, founded on July 1, 2012, in San Francisco by Apoorva Mehta, Max Mullen, and Brandon Leonardo, revolutionized grocery shopping by introducing an on-demand delivery service that connects customers with personal shoppers[1][2][3]. Mehta, leveraging his experience as a supply chain engineer at Amazon, created the company out of frustration with traditional grocery shopping inefficiencies, starting with a simple iOS app and crowdsourced shoppers for rapid 1-2 hour deliveries[1][4]. Backed early by Y Combinator, Instacart expanded quickly from San Francisco to nationwide coverage, partnering with over 1,000-1,400 retailers including Costco, Kroger, Albertsons, Whole Foods, and Safeway, serving more than 5,500 cities across the US and Canada[3][5]. The company went public via IPO in 2023 as Maplebear Inc., evolving from a consumer delivery marketplace to a comprehensive grocery technology platform offering enterprise solutions like online storefronts, fulfillment APIs, inventory management, and retail media advertising[2][4][5]. Instacart does not sell products directly but facilitates access to groceries, alcohol, ready-to-eat meals, and more from local stores through its app and website, with options for same-day delivery or pickup[3][6]. Shoppers pick, pack, and deliver orders, using AI for stock predictions, personalized recommendations, substitutions, and efficient matching[4]. Instacart+ (formerly Instacart Express, launched 2013) provides unlimited free deliveries for members, enhancing loyalty[1][2]. People shop at Instacart for unparalleled convenience, saving time on errandsโ€” the app even tracks ‘hours saved’โ€”especially appealing to busy professionals, families, and those preferring contactless service post-pandemic[4]. Its tech-driven model ensures speed, accuracy, and broad retailer selection, making it a leader in the $1 trillion+ US grocery market[5].

How to Save More at Instacart

  1. Opt for Instacart+ membership to waive delivery fees on orders over $35, saving money on frequent shoppers.
  2. Use the app’s substitution preferences and AI recommendations to handle out-of-stock items efficiently and get preferred alternatives.
  3. Schedule orders during off-peak times for faster delivery and potentially lower surge pricing.
  4. Compare prices across partnered retailers in the app to select the best deals from stores like Costco or Kroger.

Best Times to Shop at Instacart

Best times include early mornings or weekdays to avoid peak-hour surge pricing and delays; major sales align with holidays or retailer promotions via partnerships.

Instacart Loyalty Program

Instacart+ (rebranded from Instacart Express in 2022) offers unlimited free delivery on orders over $35 for members, boosting loyalty and order frequency; priced as a subscription for frequent users[1][2].

Instacart Coupon Policy

  • Stacking: Instacart’s policy on stacking coupons is not detailed in available sources; typically, digital promo codes may have restrictions on combinations.
  • Exclusions: Common exclusions for Instacart promotions include delivery fees, taxes, alcohol, and certain retailer-specific items; specifics vary by offer.
  • Price Adjustments: No information available on post-purchase price adjustments.

Evergreen Instacart Discounts

Beyond promo codes, Instacart offers these year-round discount programs:

๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Military & Veteran Discount

Instacart offers a military discount for active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Verify your status through ID.me or SheerID to unlock savings. This discount is typically available online and in-store.

  • Typical discount: 10-15%
  • Verification: ID.me, SheerID, or military ID
  • Eligible: Active duty, veterans, reserves, National Guard, military spouses

๐ŸŽ“ Student Discount

Students can save at Instacart by verifying their enrollment. Use UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or your .edu email address to unlock exclusive student pricing.

  • Typical discount: 10-20%
  • Verification: UNiDAYS, Student Beans, .edu email
  • Eligible: Currently enrolled college and university students

๐Ÿ“š Teacher & Educator Discount

Teachers and educators receive special discounts at Instacart. Verify your teaching credentials through ID.me to access savings.

  • Typical discount: 10-15%
  • Verification: ID.me, school ID
  • Eligible: PreK-12 teachers, college professors, school administrators

๐Ÿš’ First Responder Discount

First responders can save at Instacart. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel can verify through ID.me or GovX.

  • Typical discount: 10-25%
  • Verification: ID.me, GovX
  • Eligible: Police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers

How to Save More at Instacart

Maximize your savings with these insider tips:

  1. Sign up for the email newsletter to get $10-50 off off your first order.
  2. Download the Instacart app for exclusive mobile-only deals and early access to sales.
  3. Check the clearance or sale section first - items are often marked down 50-70% off.
  4. Stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons for maximum savings.
  5. Shop during major sale events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Presidents Day.
  6. Follow Instacart on social media for flash sales and exclusive promo codes.
  7. Sign up for the loyalty program to earn points on every purchase.
  8. Use a cashback browser extension like Rakuten or Honey for additional savings.

Learn How to Save More

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Instacart Savings Tips

  • Instacart+ saves on delivery fees, use store coupons through the app, and shop sales across multiple stores.
  • Sign up for email newsletters for exclusive subscriber discounts
  • Use cashback sites like Rakuten for additional savings
  • Compare prices and check for price match policies

Current Instacart Deals