In recent years, online grocery shopping has become increasingly popular, and Instacart and Amazon are two of the biggest players in the game. Both services offer the convenience of home delivery, but many shoppers may wonder if they can access Instacart’s services for free with an Amazon Prime membership.
In this article, we will explore whether or not Instacart is free with Amazon Prime, and provide you with all the information you need to make the best choice for your grocery shopping needs.
Is Instacart Free With Amazon Prime?
No, Instacart is not free with Amazon Prime. While both services offer home delivery for groceries, they are separate entities with their own fees and memberships. Instacart requires a separate account and payment for services, while Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping on eligible items and access to streaming services for a monthly or annual fee. However, Amazon does offer its own grocery delivery service, Amazon Fresh, which is free with a Prime membership and can be accessed through the Amazon website or mobile app.
About Instacart and Amazon
Instacart is a grocery delivery and pick-up service that connects customers with personal shoppers who can shop for and deliver their orders from local stores. The service is available in many cities across the United States and Canada. On the other hand, Amazon Prime is a membership program that provides free two-day shipping, streaming of movies and music, and other perks to its members.
Additionally, Amazon offers its own grocery delivery service, Amazon Fresh, which is free with a Prime membership and offers delivery of fresh groceries and household essentials from Amazon’s own fulfillment centers.
Instacart’s Delivery Options and Fees
Instacart offers a variety of delivery options and fees for customers in the United States. The company’s goal is to provide a flexible and convenient service that meets the needs of a wide range of customers.
Delivery Options:
- Same-Day Delivery: Instacart offers same-day delivery to customers in many locations across the United States. The service is designed for customers who need their groceries quickly and cannot wait for the next day. Same-day delivery is available for a fee that varies based on the size of the order and the delivery window selected.
- Next-Day Delivery: Customers who are not in a rush to receive their groceries can opt for next-day delivery. In most areas of the United States, this choice is offered and is typically more cost-effective than selecting same-day delivery.
- Scheduled Delivery: Customers who have a recurring order or who need a large order delivered can choose scheduled delivery. This option allows customers to choose a specific delivery window in the future and pay a flat fee for the service.
Fees:
- Delivery Fee: The delivery fee is the cost of having groceries delivered to the customer’s home. The amount of the fee is determined by the delivery option chosen and the overall size of the order. Same-day delivery fees are typically higher than next-day delivery fees.
- Service Fee: Instacart charges a service fee, which is calculated as a percentage of the total order cost. This fee is meant to cover the expenses associated with running the platform and hiring personal shoppers who are responsible for fulfilling the orders.
- Instacart Express: Instacart offers a subscription service called Instacart Express, which provides free delivery on all orders over a certain amount. The cost of an Instacart Express membership is $9.99 per month or $99 per year.
- Tipping: Customers can choose to add an optional tip for their personal shopper. Tipping is appreciated but not required. The default tip amount is 5%, but customers can adjust this amount higher or lower based on their preference.
How to use Instacart with Amazon Prime?
It is not possible to use Instacart with Amazon Prime as they are separate entities with their own fees and memberships. However, Amazon does offer its own grocery delivery service, Amazon Fresh, which is free with a Prime membership.
To use Amazon Fresh, log into your Amazon account and select the Amazon Fresh option. Browse the available items and add them to your cart. Once you have finished shopping, select a delivery time that is convenient for you. Depending on your location, you may also have the option to pick up your groceries from an AmazonFresh pickup location.
It’s important to note that the availability of Amazon Fresh may vary depending on your location, so check to see if the service is available in your area before attempting to use it.
Final Thoughts
While Instacart and Amazon Prime both offer grocery delivery services, they operate independently with their own pricing structures and benefits. While Amazon Prime members can enjoy free grocery delivery through Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market, Instacart offers a flexible and convenient option for customers who want to shop from a variety of local grocery stores. Regardless of which service you choose, it’s important to understand their fees and membership programs to get the most out of your grocery delivery experience.
