How to Make Money on Instacart (2025: Complete Guide

Ever wondered how to make money on Instacart without clocking into a 9-to-5? If so, you’re in good company. Thousands of gig workers are turning to Instacart in 2025 to earn anywhere from $150 to over $2,000 per week.

This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know — from shopper types and pay rates to requirements, tips, and real earnings examples.

After reading, you’ll know exactly how to start making money on Instacart, maximize your earnings, and unlock the full income potential of grocery delivery.

Key Takeaways

• Earn up to $2,000+/week – Efficient shoppers in high-demand zones can earn well over $25/hour with tips included.
• Choose your path – Become a full-service shopper (shop + deliver) or in-store shopper (just shop).
• Earnings depend on strategy – Timing, location, tips, and your shopper rating all influence how much you’ll make.
• Quick startup requirements – All you need is a smartphone, a vehicle (for full-service), and basic onboarding steps.
• Flexible income streams – Combine Instacart with other apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats to stack your income.

How to Make Money on Instacart?

Instacart is a legit, flexible side hustle or even full-time option for people who are efficient, have reliable transportation, and understand how to pick the best batches.

You can work when you want, see estimated earnings up front, and earn tips — which often make up nearly 50% of total pay.

That said, it’s not entirely passive. You’ll be grocery shopping in-store, managing delivery times, and competing with other shoppers for top-paying orders.

The good news? With strategy, consistency, and a good rating, it’s possible to earn solid income with very little overhead.

What Do You Need to Get Started?

To become an Instacart shopper in 2025, you must be 18+, eligible to work in the U.S. or Canada, and own a smartphone. Full-service shoppers need a reliable vehicle and car insurance. You’ll also need to pass a background check and onboarding quiz, and optionally get alcohol delivery certification to unlock more batches. Having insulated cooler bags is also recommended.

How Much Money You Can Make on Instacart?

Your earnings will depend on which type of shopper you are:

• Full-service shoppers average $15–$25 per hour, including tips. Efficient pros in dense zones can push up to $30–$45/hour.
• In-store shoppers, who are part-time employees, typically earn $14–$16 per hour, without tips.

One real-life shopper earned $2,190 in a week across 50 batches, averaging over $25/hr — mostly from smart batch selection and tips.

Instacart’s algorithm assigns base pay per batch ($4–$10+), with bonus boosts and customer tips. Tips often make up 30–50% of your total pay, so speed, friendliness, and communication can seriously boost your earnings.

13 Best Ways to Make Money on Instacart

Whether you’re a new shopper or a seasoned gig pro, these 13 proven strategies reveal how to make money on Instacart—boost tips, win better orders, stack bonuses, and maximize earnings with smarter timing, certifications, and tools.

1. Delivering Full-Service Batches

Delivering full-service batches is the primary and most profitable way to make money on Instacart. This method involves accepting orders through the Instacart app, shopping for the groceries yourself, and delivering them to the customer. It gives you full control over which orders to take based on estimated pay, location, and items.

This method pays a base amount (typically $7–$15 per batch), plus tips, which often make up 30–50% of your earnings. Top shoppers report making $25–$45 per hour during peak hours in busy urban areas. If you want to earn $1,000 or more a week on Instacart, full-service shopping is the most scalable route.

It’s also flexible — you can choose your schedule and decline low-paying or inconvenient batches. Experienced shoppers often use the heat map to position themselves near popular stores to get first access to high-value orders.

Requirements: Vehicle, driver’s license, background check, smartphone, cooler bags.

How to Deliver Full-Service Batches on Instacart?

• Download and sign up on the Instacart Shopper app
• Complete the onboarding process and pass a background check
• Log in during busy hours (especially weekends and evenings)
• Use the heat map to locate busy zones
• Accept high-paying batches based on tip, distance, and item count
• Shop efficiently by organizing your route through the store
• Communicate with the customer if an item is missing
• Deliver promptly, using insulated bags for perishables
• Ask for a rating if the experience went smoothly
• Rinse and repeat to stack high-paying batches

Quick tip: Aim for batches with fewer items but high tips to boost your hourly rate.

2. Becoming an In-Store Shopper

In-store shoppers are W-2 employees of Instacart who only shop for groceries — they don’t handle deliveries. If you don’t have a car, or prefer not to drive, this method provides steady, hourly income without fuel costs or customer interactions.

These shoppers are usually scheduled for up to 29 hours per week and earn around $14–$16 per hour depending on region. While you won’t earn tips, the work is less variable and offers greater stability.

It’s ideal for part-time workers, students, or those who prefer structure and predictability over variable gig income.

Requirements: Must be eligible for part-time employment and pass an interview.

How to Become an In-Store Shopper on Instacart?

• Apply directly via the Instacart website or app
• Choose the “In-Store Shopper” option during signup
• Select your preferred store location
• Complete an in-person or video interview
• Pass a background and identity check
• Complete training modules on item handling
• Start picking items based on app instructions
• Organize items neatly and notify when ready
• Get consistent weekly shifts based on store volume
• Use downtime to study store layout and boost efficiency

Quick tip: Show up early and be fast — reliable workers often get priority shifts.

3. Earning More with Alcohol Delivery Batches

Instacart allows certified shoppers to deliver alcohol in certain markets. These batches often pay more due to added verification steps and higher order values, especially on weekends or holidays.

To access these orders, shoppers must complete a quick alcohol delivery certification within the app. Because alcohol is often added to party-sized grocery orders, tips are usually larger.

This monetization method is especially lucrative if you’re working near upscale neighborhoods, event-heavy areas, or college towns.

Requirements: Alcohol delivery certification, ID verification, insulated bags.

How to Get Alcohol Delivery Batches on Instacart?

• Open your Instacart Shopper app
• Navigate to settings and begin alcohol certification
• Pass the quiz and upload a valid license
• Look for batches with “21+” icon
• Use your ID scanner app to verify customer age on delivery
• Be polite and ensure the recipient is sober and matches the ID
• Use extra caution transporting breakable or glass containers
• Never leave alcohol unattended at the door
• Always log successful delivery in-app
• Continue certification to maintain eligibility

Quick tip: Alcohol orders during events or Friday nights often include 25%+ tips.

4. Referral Bonuses for Inviting Other Shoppers

Instacart pays you a bonus when you refer new shoppers to the platform. Each referral typically earns between $100 to $1,000 based on your location and whether the new shopper completes a certain number of batches.

Referral payouts are time-sensitive and vary by market, so check your app’s referral center regularly. This method is easy, passive, and stackable — you can keep earning by inviting friends, posting your code online, or using social media.

Some Instacart pros even use referral bonuses as their main earnings stream!

Requirements: Must be an active shopper with a referral code.

How to Get Referral Bonuses on Instacart?

• Go to the Instacart Shopper app and open “Referrals”
• Copy your unique referral code
• Share your code with friends, online forums, or TikTok
• Make sure referrals use your code at signup
• Encourage them to complete their first 30–50 batches
• Track your referral progress in the app
• Get paid once their batch goal is complete
• Repeat and scale using social channels or content

Quick tip: Target forums, Facebook groups, or Reddit where gig workers look for app reviews.

5. Leveraging Tips for Consistent Extra Income

Tips are the most important income multiplier on Instacart. In many cases, shoppers earn more from tips than from base pay. Improving your tip average can significantly raise your hourly rate — often by 30–50%.

Strategies include excellent communication, fast service, friendly updates, neatly packed bags, and delivering ahead of schedule. Shoppers who go above and beyond often find customers tipping 20–30% or more — especially during holidays or bad weather.

Requirements: Good communication and customer service skills.

How to Maximize Tips on Instacart?

• Always greet customers through the app chat
• Offer high-quality replacements if items are missing
• Double-bag fragile or heavy items
• Use insulated bags to preserve temperature
• Deliver early when possible
• Say thank you at drop-off with a short message
• Avoid contactless if tip expectations seem high
• Leave items neatly on the doorstep
• Ask for a 5-star rating (indirectly)
• Accept high-tip batches and decline low-tippers

Quick tip: Orders with alcohol or bulk items usually come with higher tips.

6. Working Peak Hours and Zones

Peak batching hours are the goldmine of Instacart earnings. These typically fall between 4–9 PM on weekdays and 10 AM–2 PM on weekends. Delivering during these windows boosts your access to high-paying batches and better tips.

Hot zones are another factor. The Instacart app highlights where demand is highest, so positioning yourself near popular stores increases your chances of snagging top orders.

Shoppers who time shifts and locations right can easily double their hourly rate compared to slower periods.

Requirements: Flexibility to work weekends/evenings and follow app demand signals.

How to Work Peak Hours and Zones on Instacart?

• Open the app and check for surge areas (highlighted zones)
• Drive to the busiest grocery stores within those areas
• Log in 15 minutes before the peak window starts
• Refresh batches quickly to grab high-paying offers
• Stay active by completing short batches nearby
• Stack smaller orders when volume is high
• Use weather, events, or holidays to predict rush periods
• Monitor your area’s trends and adjust your timing
• Track tips and earnings by hour to find patterns
• Repeat best windows weekly for consistency

Quick tip: Sunday mornings and Friday evenings often yield the best tips and batch value.

7. Combining Instacart with Other Delivery Apps

Many successful Instacart shoppers also work for DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Shipt. Multapping — the art of using multiple apps at once — helps fill downtime between batches and multiplies your income potential.

For example, while waiting for a high-paying Instacart batch, you can complete a quick DoorDash delivery nearby. It requires a little coordination but results in smoother, higher-yield shifts.

This method is great for maximizing hourly efficiency and diversifying income streams.

Requirements: Accounts on other delivery apps.

How to Multitask Delivery Apps on Instacart?

• Apply to at least 2 other gig apps (like DoorDash or Shipt)
• Keep both apps open and toggle between batch alerts
• Prioritize high-paying or short deliveries
• Use multiple devices if needed to manage overlap
• Focus on apps with short travel times during Instacart lulls
• Use a delivery tracker to manage mileage and income
• Avoid double-booking during rush orders
• Stack short orders only if locations align
• Watch for surge pricing or bonuses across apps
• Log daily income to track your best combo hours

Quick tip: Use Gridwise to track multi-app earnings and optimize shift timing.

8. Completing Promotional and Challenge Bonuses

Instacart occasionally offers bonus incentives for completing a set number of batches in a timeframe. These can range from $25 to $200, depending on your region and the demand.

Challenges are great for weekend hustlers or those trying to hit a specific earnings goal. They’re also a way to get ahead during slow weeks.

These bonuses often show up in-app with short expiration windows, so check frequently and opt-in early.

Requirements: None beyond being an active shopper.

How to Complete Challenges on Instacart?

• Check “Promotions” tab in the Instacart Shopper app
• Opt-in to weekend or weekly challenges
• Plan your availability to hit the batch target
• Schedule shifts in busy zones during challenge windows
• Use batch filters to prioritize quick deliveries
• Track your progress in-app daily
• Avoid no-shows or cancellations that void eligibility
• Hit your goal and receive automatic payout
• Stack with tips and surge zones for extra income
• Watch social forums for early promo leaks

Quick tip: Stack challenge bonuses with weekend surges for easy extra cash.

9. Delivering During Bad Weather or Holidays

Weather disruptions and major holidays often create massive order spikes on Instacart. When most people don’t want to leave the house — due to rain, snow, or family events — batch volume skyrockets. That means higher base pay, surge bonuses, and unusually generous tips.

Instacart shoppers willing to brave the elements or work Thanksgiving weekend, New Year’s Eve, or even Sunday mornings during a storm often pull in 2x to 3x the normal rate. It’s one of the easiest ways to make more without changing your routine — just work when others don’t.

Quick tip: Keep an umbrella, rain jacket, and snow-safe shoes in your car for last-minute weather runs.

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10. Specialty Shopping for Heavy or Bulk Orders

Instacart sometimes issues large “warehouse-style” grocery batches from stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s. These high-ticket orders include heavy items like cases of water, dog food, and bulk frozen goods.

Because they’re time-consuming and physically demanding, many shoppers skip them — which is where the opportunity lies. These batches pay significantly more due to weight, item count, and large order size. Customers ordering in bulk also tend to tip higher.

If you have a larger vehicle or enjoy a physical challenge, this niche can help you consistently earn more than the average shopper.

Quick tip: Bring a dolly or collapsible cart to make bulk deliveries smoother and faster.

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11. Using Gridwise to Analyze Instacart Pay Trends

Gridwise is a third-party analytics tool built for gig workers, and it integrates seamlessly with Instacart. It tracks your hourly earnings, mileage, delivery zones, and batch acceptance rates — giving you a clear view of what’s working.

With Gridwise, you can identify which times of day pay best, which stores give the highest tip averages, and even how your efficiency compares to other shoppers in your area. It helps eliminate guesswork and lets you focus on only the most profitable hours.

This isn’t a direct way to earn, but using data to make smarter decisions will increase your income significantly over time.

Quick tip: Use Gridwise’s weekly report to plan your best three-hour block each day.

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12. Upskilling Through Prescription or Specialty Certifications

Instacart now offers additional certification options — including delivering prescriptions from partner pharmacies. These deliveries are smaller, faster, and often higher-paying, but require extra screening or training.

Completing certifications in-app unlocks more exclusive, less competitive batches that pay better and require fewer items. This makes it a smart income strategy if you’re aiming for consistency without the chaos of full-service shopping.

Most certifications only take 10–20 minutes to complete and are available directly in the app dashboard under “Opportunities.”

Quick tip: Look for “Rx” or “Health” tags when reviewing batches to spot prescription deliveries.

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13. Taking Advantage of Instacart’s Gas Rewards and Incentives

In 2025, Instacart continues offering fuel cashback deals through partnerships with gas chains and prepaid card programs. Active shoppers who meet a weekly batch minimum can qualify for 2%–5% cashback or per-gallon savings at participating stations.

While it’s not cash in your hand, this incentive helps lower one of your biggest expenses: gas. Over a month, that can add up to $30–$60 in real savings, which boosts your overall profit margin.

Quick tip: Use your Shopper app settings to activate fuel rewards at the start of each week.

Step by Step Guide to Make Money on Instacart

Whether you’re aiming to earn a little extra cash or make $1,000+ a week, this step-by-step roadmap will walk you from signup to strategy. Follow these clear stages to start earning confidently on Instacart.

Step 1: Sign Up for an Instacart Shopper Account

Visit the Instacart Shopper website or download the Shopper app to start your application. Choose between full-service shopper (shop + deliver) or in-store shopper (just shop). You’ll need to be 18+, have a smartphone, pass a background check, and have access to a vehicle if delivering.

Step 2: Complete Onboarding and Get Approved

Once you submit your application, you’ll take a quick onboarding quiz covering best practices and safety. Full-service shoppers must also upload a driver’s license, insurance, and banking info. Approval usually takes 3–7 days, depending on demand in your area.

Step 3: Order Your Starter Gear

Purchase a few insulated cooler bags (some stores require them). You’ll also want reusable grocery bags, a phone mount, and a power bank. These small tools boost your efficiency and professionalism, which leads to higher tips.

Step 4: Learn the App and Accept Your First Batch

Open the app during peak times (like Friday night or Sunday morning), and review your first batch offer. Consider the distance, item count, and expected tip. Accept orders with high pay-to-effort ratios to start strong.

Step 5: Shop Efficiently and Communicate Well

Know the layout of your local grocery stores. Use the app’s checklist and item categorization to navigate faster. Message customers when you can’t find an item or offer a replacement — great communication equals higher tips and better ratings.

Step 6: Optimize for Ratings and Tips

Your shopper rating determines how early you see batches. Maintain a rating above 4.7 by being punctual, courteous, and accurate. A better rating = better batches = more money. Tips will follow if you deliver on quality and friendliness.

Step 7: Use Heat Maps and Peak Times

Check the app’s busy zone indicators and time your shifts accordingly. Instacart pays more during peak hours, weekends, and holidays. Work smarter by positioning yourself near top-performing stores before demand spikes.

Step 8: Level Up with Certifications and Bonuses

Unlock alcohol or prescription delivery certifications to access higher-paying batches. Watch for challenge bonuses in the app — completing just 10 batches over a weekend can add $25–$100 to your earnings.

Step 9: Stack Earnings with Other Apps

During lulls, use delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats to fill the gaps. Many pros earn an extra $100–$200/week just by multitasking. Tracking tools like Gridwise help monitor and optimize your earnings across platforms.

Step 10: Refer New Shoppers and Scale Up

Finally, share your referral link with friends, online groups, or social media followers. For every new shopper who completes their first batches, you can earn $100–$1,000 — one of the easiest passive income streams on the platform.

Best AI Tools for Making Money on Instacart

AI-powered tools can help you shop faster, manage your time, and even predict high-paying batches. For example, Gridwise uses real-time data to track your earnings, identify hot zones, and optimize shift timing. This is especially useful for multapping between apps like Instacart and DoorDash.

Another helpful tool is Para, which gives you transparency into batch tips, customer ratings, and delivery distance before you accept. While unofficial, it’s widely used by serious gig workers to filter out low-paying orders and boost their hourly rates.

For shopping speed, some Instacart pros use AI grocery-list organizers like AnyList or Notion AI to plan batches more efficiently and reduce time spent in-store.

Quick tip: Use Para to preview batch payout details and avoid wasting time on low earners.

Best Marketing Tools for Monetizing on Instacart

Marketing tools help if you want to scale income using referrals or content creation about your Instacart journey. Many top earners promote their referral links through TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Facebook Groups using tools like Canva, Buffer, or Later for social scheduling.

By documenting your experience — earnings, batch strategies, top tips — you can build a small following and turn referrals into passive income. Use Linktree to house all your gig links in one place, and Canva to design visually engaging posts that attract attention and clicks.

These tools are especially powerful if you combine gig work with affiliate content or want to explore influencer-style monetization.

Quick tip: Use Canva to create high-engagement “how much I made today” posts to drive referrals.

Best Affiliate Platforms for Instacart Shoppers

As an Instacart shopper, you can earn additional income by promoting related gear through affiliate programs. Cooler bags, phone mounts, grocery caddies, and fuel-saving apps are all products gig workers frequently use.

Join platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Impact.com to get affiliate links for those items. Then, share them on YouTube, Medium, Reddit, or Instagram with tips on how they help you shop smarter. This method stacks well with referral bonuses and can bring in steady passive income.

Be sure to mention personal use — transparency boosts trust and click-through rates.

Quick tip: Promote insulated bags or gas trackers that other shoppers will actually use.

Tips to Increase Your Instacart Revenue

Small improvements lead to big earnings growth. First, aim to consistently maintain a shopper rating of 4.7 or higher — this ensures you get early access to high-paying batches. Next, work during peak periods (like Sunday mornings or holidays) and position yourself near high-volume stores.

Take the alcohol delivery certification to unlock higher batch values. Use cooler bags and a tidy setup to improve delivery experience (and tips). If you’re multapping, use Gridwise to track income and reduce downtime between apps.

Lastly, focus on customer experience. Communicating well, bagging neatly, and being timely leads to better tips — sometimes 25–50% of your total earnings.

Quick tip: The best shoppers aren’t the fastest — they’re the most efficient and intentional.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn real money — fast — Instacart delivers. Whether you’re a weekend side hustler or aiming for $1,000+ weeks, the platform gives you control, scalability, and minimal startup costs.

You’ve learned how to sign up, get certified, find high-paying batches, and stack your income with referrals and other apps. With strategy and consistency, you can turn grocery delivery into a steady, rewarding income stream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)