Instacart has become a go-to solution for many people looking to shop for groceries from the comfort of their homes. Offering same-day delivery from local stores, this service has grown immensely in popularity, especially with shoppers looking for speed, convenience, and minimal in-person interaction. With this increasing demand, many potential users are curious about whether Instacart offers a free trial, especially for its premium service, Instacart+
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Yes, Instacart does offer a free trial of its premium subscription service, Instacart+ (formerly Instacart Express). This free trial typically lasts 14 days and includes benefits like reduced service fees and free delivery on eligible orders. Users can take advantage of the trial to see if the premium features fit their shopping needs. Be aware that if you don’t cancel before the trial ends, you’ll be automatically charged the subscription fee.
What Is Instacart?
Before diving into the specifics of the free trial, it’s important to understand what Instacart is and what services it offers. Instacart is a grocery delivery and pick-up service that partners with various national and regional retailers, including stores like:
- Kroger
- Costco
- Safeway
- Wegmans
- Publix
Users can shop via the Instacart app or website, add items to their cart, and have a personal shopper pick and deliver the groceries, often within hours.
Does Instacart Offer a Free Trial?
Yes, Instacart offers a 14-day free trial for its premium subscription, Instacart+. This subscription comes with various benefits designed to save frequent shoppers both time and money. Here’s what trial users typically get:
- Free delivery on orders over a certain minimum (varies by region)
- Lower service fees compared to non-members
- Access to exclusive promotions and discounts
- Ability to share your subscription with another household member
To start the free trial, users can select the Instacart+ option during checkout and follow prompts to activate the trial. All that is needed is a valid payment method.
How to Sign Up for the Free Trial
Signing up for the Instacart free trial is simple and only takes a few minutes. Below is a step-by-step guide:
- Download the Instacart app or go to the official website.
- Create an account or log in with an existing one.
- Start shopping and proceed to checkout with your items.
- During checkout, you should see an option to try Instacart+ free for 14 days.
- Select that option and confirm your payment method.
- Complete your checkout to activate the trial instantly.
After this, you’ll start enjoying all the benefits of Instacart+ immediately, including free deliveries and reduced service fees on eligible orders.
What Happens After the Trial Ends?
This is a critical part of the process. Once your 14-day free trial ends, your account will be automatically charged for the monthly or annual Instacart+ subscription fee, unless you cancel beforehand. As of recent data, the fees are:
- $9.99/month for the monthly subscription
- $99/year for the annual subscription
To avoid getting charged if you decide it’s not for you, make sure to cancel your subscription before the trial period expires. This can be done easily through your account settings.
Benefits of Instacart+ During Trial
Instacart’s free trial is not a watered-down version of its premium membership. You get full access to all of these key features during the 14-day trial:
- Free Delivery: No delivery fees on orders over the regional minimum requirement, often $35.
- Reduced Service Fees: Enjoy lower fees across your orders compared to standard users.
- Family Sharing: Share your Instacart+ benefits with a family member at no additional cost.
- Exclusive Offers: Gain access to select discounts only available to Instacart+ members.
Who Should Try the Free Trial?
The Instacart+ free trial is a great option for:
- First-time users wanting to test the service before subscribing
- Frequent grocery shoppers looking for savings on delivery and service fees
- Busy professionals who value time and convenience
- Families who want to use the family-sharing feature
Even if you don’t plan on becoming a long-term subscriber, the trial can be incredibly useful during busy times such as holidays or special events.
How to Cancel the Trial
If you decide that the service is not for you, canceling the free trial is quite simple. Here’s how:
- Go to Account Settings in the Instacart app or website.
- Select the Instacart+ tab or section.
- Click on “Cancel Membership”.
- Confirm your cancellation to avoid getting charged.
After canceling, you will still get to use Instacart+ until the end of your 14-day trial period.
Things to Keep in Mind
While the trial offers many benefits, there are a few limitations and terms to consider:
- You must add a valid credit or debit card to activate the trial.
- Free delivery is only available for orders over the minimum amount (usually $35).
- Service areas may affect what stores are available to you.
- If you cancel and later resubscribe, you may not be eligible for another free trial.
Final Thoughts
The Instacart free trial is an excellent opportunity to experience the convenience and perks of grocery delivery without making a financial commitment. Whether you’re new to online grocery shopping or just want to save on fees for a couple of weeks, Instacart+ can offer real value. Just remember the auto-renewal at the end of the trial so you can make an informed decision before any charges apply. It’s one of the most consumer-friendly ways to test out whether grocery delivery is a good fit for your lifestyle.
FAQ
- Q: How long is the Instacart free trial?
A: The free trial lasts for 14 days from the date you sign up. - Q: Do I need to enter payment information to get the trial?
A: Yes, a valid credit or debit card is required to begin the trial. - Q: Will I be charged after the trial ends?
A: Yes, if you do not cancel, your card will be charged either the monthly or annual subscription fee. - Q: Can I cancel my trial before it ends?
A: Absolutely. You can cancel anytime in your account settings to avoid being charged. - Q: Is there a difference between the trial version and the paid version of Instacart+?
A: No, you get full access to all features during the 14-day trial period. - Q: Can I get the free trial more than once?
A: Usually, the free trial is available only once per account. Multiple trials are typically not allowed.
