With the increasing popularity of grocery delivery services like Instacart, maximizing rewards on your purchases has become more important than ever. Choosing the right credit card can translate into significant savings, whether through cash back, points, or other valuable perks. This article explores the best credit card options for Instacart users in 2024, helping you make informed decisions and optimize your spending.
Best Credit Cards for Instacart Purchases: A Detailed Comparison
| Credit Card | Rewards Structure (Instacart) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 2x points on travel and dining (including eligible delivery services) | Travel and purchase protection, point redemption flexibility (travel, cash back, statement credits), bonus points on anniversary. |
| American Express® Gold Card | 4x points on U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) & dining | High rewards on dining and groceries, annual dining credit, Uber Cash credit, access to Amex Offers. |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries (excluding superstores) | No annual fee, introductory bonus, extended warranty coverage, travel accident insurance. |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1x) | High cash back on groceries, streaming services, and transit, statement credits, purchase protection. |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 5% cash back on rotating categories (often includes grocery stores or online shopping) | Rotating bonus categories, cash back match in the first year, no annual fee. |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 1.5% cash back on all purchases (including Instacart) | Simple rewards structure, introductory bonus, purchase protection, travel and emergency assistance services. |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent), then 1% | Automatically adjusts to your highest spending category, no annual fee. |
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market (Requires Prime Membership) | 2% back at restaurants and gas stations. 1% back on all other purchases. |
Detailed Explanations of Credit Card Options
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card offers 2x points on travel and dining, which includes eligible delivery services like Instacart. The points are valuable due to their flexibility, allowing you to redeem them for travel, cash back, or statement credits. Furthermore, the card provides travel and purchase protection benefits, making it a well-rounded option. The bonus points offered on each anniversary of the card opening makes it a strong contender for Instacart Users.
American Express® Gold Card: The Amex Gold card stands out with its generous rewards on U.S. supermarkets, offering 4x points on up to $25,000 in purchases per year (then 1x). This high earning rate makes it ideal for frequent Instacart users who spend a significant amount on groceries. The card also provides an annual dining credit and Uber Cash credit, adding further value. Access to Amex Offers is another great advantage that provides additional savings and rewards.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card provides a solid 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries (excluding superstores). With no annual fee, it’s an accessible option for those looking to earn rewards on everyday spending without incurring extra costs. It also provides extended warranty coverage and travel accident insurance, enhancing its overall appeal.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: For those who spend heavily on groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred card is a top choice. It offers 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1x). It also rewards streaming services and transit purchases, making it a versatile card for daily expenses. Statement credits and purchase protection add further value to the card.
Discover it® Cash Back: The Discover it card features rotating bonus categories, which often include grocery stores or online shopping. This means you can earn 5% cash back on Instacart purchases during those periods. Discover will also match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards. This card also doesn't charge an annual fee.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: This card offers a simple and straightforward rewards structure, providing 1.5% cash back on all purchases, including Instacart. While not as high as some other cards, it's a great option for those who prefer a single rate across all spending categories. The card also comes with an introductory bonus and purchase protection benefits.
Citi Custom Cash® Card: The Citi Custom Cash card is unique in that it automatically adjusts to your highest spending category each billing cycle, offering 5% cash back on up to $500 spent. If Instacart is your top spending category in a given month, you'll earn the higher rewards rate. This flexibility makes it a good choice for those with fluctuating spending habits.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: For Amazon Prime members, this card offers 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. Since Whole Foods is often available through Instacart, you can earn this high rewards rate on your grocery deliveries. The card also offers 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% back on all other purchases.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card for Instacart
- Spending Habits: Analyze how much you spend on Instacart and groceries each month. This will help you determine which card offers the most lucrative rewards based on your spending patterns.
- Annual Fees: Consider whether the annual fee of a card is offset by the rewards you expect to earn. A higher rewards rate might be worth the fee if you spend enough to recoup the cost.
- Rewards Flexibility: Think about how you want to redeem your rewards. Do you prefer cash back, travel points, or statement credits? Choose a card that aligns with your redemption preferences.
- Bonus Categories: Pay attention to bonus categories that align with your spending habits beyond Instacart. A card that rewards dining, travel, or gas can provide additional value.
- Introductory Offers: Look for cards with attractive introductory offers, such as bonus points or cash back, to maximize your initial savings.
- Credit Score: Ensure you meet the credit score requirements for the card you're interested in. Applying for cards you're unlikely to be approved for can negatively impact your credit score.
- Other Benefits: Evaluate additional perks like purchase protection, travel insurance, and extended warranties, which can add value beyond the rewards program.
Maximizing Rewards on Instacart
To get the most out of your chosen credit card, consider these tips:
- Track Spending: Monitor your Instacart spending to ensure you're staying within any spending caps for bonus categories.
- Redeem Rewards Strategically: Redeem your rewards for the most valuable options, such as travel or statement credits, depending on your needs.
- Combine with Instacart Promotions: Take advantage of Instacart promotions and discounts to further reduce your overall spending.
- Pay Your Balance in Full: Always pay your credit card balance in full and on time to avoid interest charges and maintain a good credit score.
- Consider Multiple Cards: If you have diverse spending habits, consider using multiple credit cards to maximize rewards in different categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card is best for Instacart if I spend a lot on groceries?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is excellent, offering 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1x). The American Express® Gold Card is also a strong contender, offering 4x points on U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) and dining.
What if I don't want to pay an annual fee?
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries (excluding superstores) with no annual fee. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® also offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases without an annual fee.
Can I use a rewards credit card for Instacart+ membership?
Yes, you can use any credit card to pay for your Instacart+ membership. Choose a card that offers bonus rewards on online purchases or recurring subscriptions.
How do I know if a credit card counts Instacart as a grocery purchase?
Check the card issuer's terms and conditions to confirm which merchants are classified as grocery stores. Generally, major supermarket chains qualify, but smaller stores or superstores may not.
What is the best way to redeem credit card rewards earned on Instacart purchases?
Redeem your rewards based on your personal preferences and financial goals. Options include cash back, statement credits, travel, or merchandise.
Does using a credit card for Instacart purchases affect my credit score?
Using a credit card responsibly, by paying your balance on time and keeping your credit utilization low, can positively impact your credit score. Missed payments or high credit utilization can negatively affect your score.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for Instacart depends on your individual spending habits and financial goals. By carefully evaluating the rewards structures, annual fees, and other benefits, you can select a card that maximizes your savings and enhances your overall shopping experience. Consider your needs and choose wisely to reap the rewards of your Instacart purchases.