
Instacart Reviews
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About Instacart
Instacart is a grocery delivery service that allows customers to shop one app and get access to multiple stores. Users can submit a grocery order online or through the app and have groceries delivered straight to their door for a one-time or monthly fee.
Visit www.instacart.com- Order from many stores on one order
- Direct contact with personal shopper
- Flexible delivery options
- Prices may be higher than in store
Instacart Reviews
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Reviewed April 15, 2026
Honestly, Instacart sounded super convenient, but my experience wasn’t that great. A few items were missing, and some replacements just didn’t make sense for what I had ordered. It felt like there wasn’t much attention to detail. The delivery also came later than expected, and the updates weren’t very accurate. I reached out to support, but it didn’t really solve much. It’s an okay service if you’re in a rush, but not something I’d fully depend on.

Reviewed April 14, 2026
Instacart is terrible now that you all have offshored customer support overseas. They don’t understand much & are unable to assist. Terrible business move, and I will be deleting my account. I will also spread the word to family and friends.

Reviewed April 14, 2026
On April 7th I sent a grocery order to my parents’ home in New Jersey as a contribution to a party I could not attend. My mom signed for the delivery, which was large, but noted to the driver that 4 bottles of wine that were supposed to be included were missing. He apologized and said he would mark them as undelivered. He did not. So, when I received the receipt shortly after, I then marked them as missing. I received your standard email acknowledgment and then another the next day. On day 4 I received an email saying that the order has been signed for and nothing more could be done, I would not be receiving a refund.
I have since spend numerous hours with both your inept chat feature where when I finally get a live person they simply say I've received an email and to refer to that and then end the chat, I then tried your phone line with your "specialists." They have told me they can't refund my missing alcohol because “I am outside the 3 day window." However, I immediately reported the missing items within minutes of delivery. When I finally got a supervisor on the phone last evening they assured me they had rectified the situation and apologized and communicated that I would be receiving an email letting me know my refund was on the way. Instead, I received an email today telling me that a driver’s license has been scanned and nothing more could be done.
I want to make several points here:
1. No driver’s license was scanned since no wine was in the order and my mother has confirmed she did not hand one over.2. I immediately marked the items as missing after my mother confirming the same with the driver.
3. The answers from your customer service team have changed consistently through this whole process. (One of them being that the issue was outside the three-day window, when it was your determination that I should not receive a refund was outside the window, a policy that I’m pretty sure the Better Business Bureau would consider that a fraudulent business practice.)
Finally, I have been an Instacart customer for nearly a decade and have never experienced anything like this. If this is what your company has adopted as the way to it treats its customers, I am going to reconsider any future business.

Reviewed April 12, 2026
Put in an order for a $25 credit toward next order, just needed to spend $100. Watched order actively adding replacements the Instacart shopper could add to keep over $100. They did not listen to the order updates and my order dropped to $98. Was declined the $25 credit- cancelled my Instacart account. Customer service was terrible, they lost out on hundreds of dollars over a small credit.

Reviewed April 11, 2026
Very bad experience with the corporate office, the manager and supervise. They deactivate my account for asking question about overcharge, so they deactivated my account and to re-activate it they keep asking for copy of my Visa card and my driver license. This company is going under. Very bad customer service completely. They need definite overhaul from the inside of the company. And refused to give me my receipt.

Reviewed April 9, 2026
Instacart is supposed to provide a discount to members who receive SNAP. The discount is only for one year, and this does not help at all! When you reach out to customer service, they are rude and dismissive. Take the discount away if it's not going to actually help. I'm disabled, and I can't afford the regular membership price. If Walmart can give us a discount, what is the problem with Instacart???? And then you're paying all this money just for the in-store shoppers to give you replacements you didn't even ask for and don't match, or they're just nasty and deliver the order damaged or missing stuff... Orrrrr you might be lucky and get someone else's order. Let's not forget when you expect one person to deliver, and not only is it not them, but there's some unknown person with them!
Reviewed April 7, 2026
Late shopping, unresponsive shoppers, wrong. Items shopped, poor substitutes, shoppers rude, deliveries late, delivery instructions not followed, customer service useless, always accept our apologies, and "We'll refund your Instacart account." What good is that if you never plan on using Instacart ever again? And accept apologies? Why it's a recurring issue and you figure. Out what it should cost in total including fees and service charges, and it's always much higher in. Cost also Instacart puts a hold on your bank account, and it takes days to have the hold taken off causing more harm financially. I can do my shopping through Walmart, have it delivered on time, all free of charge and only pay my membership fee. Of like 6.95 monthly and no extra charges. No holds. On bank cards either and 100% better help through customer service. In my eyes Instacart is a rip-off.

Reviewed March 31, 2026
I purchased a tv through Instacart and it was delivered. I found a better buy a couple days later and returned my tv to the store and they put the money back on the card that was used. Not my card, I have been talking with instacart for my refund and they say the card was not theirs. So I am out my tv and $120.00. I think that the shopper used her card and she now has the refund so she earned an extra $120.

Reviewed March 30, 2026
I made an order yesterday. The order total came up to $19.01 initially. The delivery person came to my door. I mean, I saw them on my camera! He checked the address on my door and walked away with my order. So, I contact Customer Service through chat that issued me a refund for $13.12. Where’s the rest of the money?? And not only that, while I was on chat they charged me again before they did the refund. So, they charged me double! Then gave me back $13.12 which is half of what they took in total! To sum it all up, they never really gave me a refund because they took the money twice. That is shady business and I will no longer be using Instacart. I do not trust them. I’ve never been through that with them before, but that one time is enough for me!
Reviewed March 28, 2026
If I could give it a negative 5 I would. I recently placed an order for Starbucks and my order came completely wrong. The drinks were spilled all over the place and looked like they had been tampered and didn’t provide any straws for the ice string and no napkins. The driver just dropped them at the door and disappeared within 30 seconds.. I called Instacart to resolve the issue, and they told me that I need to call Uber Eats to complain with them because that is who fulfilled the order. I asked them why they can’t just refund me or replace the order and they said that Uber eats is responsible because they partnered with them.. I then asked them to take responsibility for the partner that they’ve chosen and to resolve it on their end because I ordered through Instacart, not Uber eats, which they absolutely did not accept.
I believe when you partner with someone and offer a service or product and the customer buys that product, you are responsible for carrying all of the customer care responsibilities through your company., and take ownership of the complications that were caused by your partner, after all, I did not choose that partner for them so why should I spend 15 minutes on the phone with Instacart just to hear I have to go to another person and resolve it. If I wanted to order through Uber Eats, I would’ve done so in the first place.
Absolutely horrid Customer Service. They just repeat the same thing in a robotic fashion and it’s extremely frustrating to deal with them as long as your order is fine you’ll be fine but if anything Were to go wrong or any complications with your order, they will absolutely not take accountability nor will they help you in anyway whatsoever to resolve the Issue. I will be disputing the supporter through my credit card as well as my membership. Waste of time and money.

Reviewed March 28, 2026
I had an item that the shopper was not able to procure for the order. When the shopper left the order at my door, they messaged me letting me know the item was unavailable. It is the shopper's responsibility to mark an item as unavailable during the shopping process so that the customer will not get charged for that item. My assumption was that since the item was not available, the shopper followed this process. It wasn’t until I opened my app almost a week later to place another order that I realized I had been fully charged for that item. This is because just happened to view the receipt for my prior order. Instacart refused to refund me for the item, even though there was a digital trail of what happened since the shopper initiated communications regarding the item not being available.
Their standard policy is that you must report an item missing within three days. Unfortunately, this was not about a missing item. This was about an item that I was charged for because the shopper failed to do their part of the job. Furthermore, this leaves the responsibility solely on the customer to doublecheck the work of the shopper and apply for forensics to each shopping receipt. This is unacceptable in my opinion to place the burden of proof on the customer when the process failure was on the end of the shopper. I’m extremely disappointed in Instacart’s response to this, even upon me escalating it to upper management.

Reviewed March 28, 2026
I will never use Instacart again. They don't seem to care about their customers like other businesses do. The driver stole my groceries and now I'm without my food and my money to buy more. So I have to wait for days until the refund gets back on my debit card and all they did was give me a $5 credit and insist that's all they can do. Unbelievable. Never again.
Reviewed March 26, 2026
If I could give our shopper, Kenya, a 0, I would. We had a fairly small grocery order that included a case of bottled water (which we paid a heavy weight service fee of $5.63 for in addition to the $7.99 delivery fee). Our shopper called when she arrived and said she couldn’t carry the water. She proceeded to drop the case in the street (per the doorman) and managed to gather 3 bottles as the rest rolled down the hill. She threw the three bottles along with the 3-4 bags of groceries on the chair in the lobby. The doorman said she was something. We spent over an hour on the phone with InstaCart for over an hour trying to rectify the situation. They refunded the damaged goods, but they would not refund any fees (including the service fee for the heavy weight item). They also would not send another driver with the water. Zero stars for the shopper and one star for the customer service. March 25, 2026.

Reviewed March 24, 2026
Orders paid for express are over an hour late and then they charge you for canceling. They have gone down hill immensely.

Reviewed March 23, 2026
I purchased groceries online for pick up at Publix. Publix uses Instacart to do the online grocery pickup orders. I picked up my order and when I got home realized many items I was charged for were not in the bags. I called Publix and they said it was a problem for Instacart. I called Instacart next and they took down all the items to be refunded with the price of $117.46 to go back to my card of payment. That was March 16. Then on Tuesday, Instacart emailed me and wanted me to give another list of the items through email. I went to see my receipt online and Instacart had removed it. I couldn’t recall all the items without the receipt but told them I had already done this verbally with a customer service rep at Instacart. They then deactivated my account so I couldn’t check anything.
After many emails, I spoke with three different Instacart reps and finally a supervisor. The supervisor said that I would need to give them my Govt ID info (photo) and a credit card to reactivate my acct. that they deactivated for unknown reasons. When I told them I did not agree it made sense or was comfortable giving them that info for an ordering app they told me that there was nothing more they could do then, and they would not refund me. When I said that was poor policy and if they see that I’m due a refund on the acct as stated and have the card info to refund, it seems fraudulent to request govt id and another credit card. The supervisor told me I wouldn’t get a refund then and hung up on me. They already confirmed on the phone with me three different times that they saw I was suppose to get a $117.46 refund for the items missing.
No delivery company should be asking for a customers Govt Id and credit card to resolve an error they made. Instacart is a fraudulent company in my experience here. Charged me for items I never received and demand customer govt id to be refunded. Publix just passed the problem to Instacart and took no action to refund me either.

Reviewed March 21, 2026
App misleading on the charges for membership. This app automatically charges 99 instantly. You have to call customer service to get it changed to monthly membership. Not Senior Citizen friendly or Special needs friendly. You will constantly have to speak with customer service who are brainwashed into charging 99 dollars because agent slipped and said the 99 dollar plan when I was on the phone with them. Membership I will not purchase again and use a prepaid credit card.
Reviewed March 20, 2026
Charged for an account I never did. Fraudulent and sent them all the needed information and they said they could not find it. But yet money was taken from bank account. Went back and forth. Finally after they answered and told go through my bank, which is cancel card which pays my bills and wait for a new card. THEY DO NOT REFUND.
Reviewed March 17, 2026
Worst customer service I have ever experienced when contacting Instacart about a refund for 2 missing items in my order in the amount of $12.98. They claim the refund was issued back to the payment for that order. But there is no refund on my debit card. They told me I needed to contact my bank, which I did, and there is no refund of $12.98. I will NEVER use Instacart again!!!

Reviewed March 16, 2026
Mildew fruit and they want me to take a picture and open up this mildew fruit. 😂😂😂 I'll go shopping for myself then told me I had free deliveries. That was a lie also then the driver didn't even ring the doorbell. Just left the food outside.

Reviewed March 15, 2026
We utilize Instacart on a regular basis and appreciate the service and quality delivery. We have ordered from many local stores and support the efforts of the drivers by tipping and rating the service. Most drivers are professional and kind. Give it a try if you don't wanna go out in the rain. Pajama day or just plain pooped. The shoppers are dedicated and committed to provide quality service. Highly recommended.

Reviewed March 15, 2026
If I can give it a zero and I will give it a zero. I always have problems with Instacart. I order three hot sandwiches from Publix and it always goes to the store next to me but all of a sudden they're going to give it to a store that's over an hour away. Sandwiches came cold, they were all hot sandwiches, they were supposed to be but they came cold and they weren't good. Shame on instacart for not letting people know that it's going to randomly select a store which that is not correct. It should not do that but instacart is horrible

Reviewed March 15, 2026
I was charged a $15 cancellation fee for an order that was supposed to be a priority order and delivered within a certain time window. The first representative told me there was a glitch in the system and that the shopper should never have picked up my order. Even after admitting that, she refused to refund the $15 cancellation fee. She then brought up a previous $15 courtesy reimbursement from another order, which had absolutely nothing to do with this current issue, and said there was nothing she could do. I was transferred to another department, and that representative simply repeated the same thing.
As a customer since May 2018, I feel Instacart’s system has changed in ways that are unfair to customers and seem designed to protect the company instead of doing what is right. Priority orders are not being handled properly, shoppers still make repeated mistakes, wrong items are delivered, and customer service often refuses to properly correct or reimburse obvious problems. The customer service experience has gone downhill. Representatives seem to read from scripts, offer sympathy, but do not actually resolve the issue or show real concern for loyal customers.
Because of this experience, I will be canceling my service. Long-time customers deserve better treatment, better accountability, and fair refunds when Instacart admits the issue was caused by a system glitch. I asked that my order be given to another shopper. It was then cancelled. Instacart could’ve fixed this and kept me as a customer but they needed to keep my $15 instead.

Reviewed March 13, 2026
I had the worst experience with Instacart. My orders never showed up and tried to say I didn’t answer my door. I had my door wide open waiting for them to show. And they lied and said I wasn’t there and cancelled my orders.

Reviewed March 12, 2026
The helpdesk is very rude, repeats themselves over and over and comes up with stupid excuse for my food, not being here. Four hours late. Supposedly my order was completed on the way to my house and the person supposedly had an emergency. Took my groceries back to the store and then a new person was supposed to get my groceries again with half of the things now missing and four hours late.

Reviewed March 12, 2026
I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with my recent experience. I found the advertising to be misleading and the delivery service was completely unacceptable. Short the stock! Short the stock!
Reviewed March 8, 2026
Absolute worst company ever to deal with. When you call for complaint they tell you they can't find your account by phone number or email... Drivers have worst attitudes and leave your stuff out by street. I had an order for myself delivered and it was running late and they were to notify me when it was on the way. Never did. Finally when I got driver info to contact they told me "oh I left outside your building". By time I got out by the street half the order was stolen. If you can try to get to store yourself and do not ever use this loser company.

Reviewed March 7, 2026
I placed an order with Instacart at noon which was supposed to be free delivery. This was a SIMPLE order due for delivery between 4p and 6p. Once my order was placed I was notified that the free delivery I was offered was dishonored. Since it was placed 4 hours ago My order has sat unattended and for the entire day then stating at 5:00 began getting notified that the order was delayed for no reason 4 times in 30 minute increments until they had added an additional 2 hours to the originally promised no longer free delivery time. Instacart is a terrible, unreliable service and should be avoided at all costs!!
Reviewed March 4, 2026
In general I really love Instacart. I think their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Shoppers are usually great, my biggest complaint is the expedited service they offer which they charge for and never deliver on time. I placed an order over an hour ago and my delivery time has just been pushed out for the 3rd time.

Reviewed March 2, 2026
I ordered food on Instacart and called due to food took hour and half after they picked up. Driver took multiple orders. My food was ice cold and asked for refund.. No apologies. Nothing. Refuse any compensation. Nor cared saying they don't do that portion of customer service and literally left me no way to get compensation. I'm furious. Will never use them again. After their 3 free deliveries worst theft I had from a company who wants my business. 4 deliveries 2 of them stole money from me. Don't ever use them. Take your money. Not return any of it.. and give you garbage. Considering to call DHEC and other agencies about appropriate food temps. at delivery. They make no attempt to fix. Just excuses.

Reviewed March 1, 2026
I place an order with Instacart for 49 items. 45 items were found on arrival of the shopper. He said the fish smelled spoiled so I put them back. My order came up to $340. I waited for a refund. I never got it so I tried contacting support. They keep telling me they can’t find an order to resolve. I had several conversations and they keep either cutting off the chat while I’m typing or they would tell me they can’t find my order. I finally got to a specialist only for them to tell me unfortunately they can’t refund me because it’s past three days. Mind you I have been speaking to them from day one. Fish is very expensive. From that $340 the fish alone was $100. I was very disappointed. I will never use this app again. The customer service sucks. They have no regard for hard working people spending their money so I just lost my money to them. Just so very disheartening.
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2026
I usually order groceries for delivery, because I suffer from anxiety and PTSD. I ordered groceries on February 25, 2026. I noticed that I paid a higher price for meat than the store's price. My online receipt stated higher prices than marked on food items. I don't know how long I have been paying this marked up price, but I normally order at least 1 or 2 times in a month. Very disappointed in this.

Reviewed Feb. 28, 2026
Kroger called and told me my order showed to be ready but they couldn't find it. After being on the phone with them, chatting with 2 different "specialists", one of which just ended the chat... it was determined my order was in fact lost. So Instacart canceled it for me and refunded my money. I was told that this was a one time $15 courtesy cancelation... It wasn't even my fault. And it wasn't that the mistake was made with my order, it was the HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. I canceled my Instacart membership which was paid annually, but when I told him I wanted to cancel my Instacart.... he gave me instructions to delete my account. I knew if I deleted my account that it wouldn't be canceled! Liars, thieves and rude.
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2026
They somehow signed me up for a yearly subscription without my knowledge and are telling me it is non refundable. What a rip off. I will tell everyone I come into contact with that Instacart deals with people in this manner. That is not what people are looking for (a sneaky company) when dealing with a company.
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2026
I will never order through Instacart again. I ordered groceries. Waited all day for delivery. My order was cancelled. Then they told me my money wouldn't be given back to me for t to 7 business days. Then had the nerve to send me an email to tell me they are charging me $15 because the delivery person cancelled my order because they couldn't contact me which is a lie. These people are scammers. I have to wait to eat because of the bastards.
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2026
Stop trying to take money out of my Cash App account...for membership renewal...I don't want to renew my membership ...now stop this, the second time you people have tried to take 105.00 out of my account done.

Reviewed Feb. 26, 2026
They just delivered everything from somebody else’s order and nothing from my own. I’ve not yet received the email where they said I would get my money back and they put a $408 pending hold on my credit card. A third of which I actually spent on the purchase. How dare they put my entire order on hold three times!

Reviewed Feb. 25, 2026
I would give a zero. I ordered a bunch of things for my brother's birthday and balloons. Paid to get it there that day. The time changed 3 times till they cancelled it at 11 pm. Then let me choose the next day, I choose the earliest, and once again they cancelled 3 times that day, and then it finally arrived at almost 10 pm that night. I tried to contact someone, the help button is never helpful for this place. Just a robot repeating words. They suck, they say stuff is in stock, then it's not, and they choose, but you have to accept the swap. It kept me in my phone like a crack head staring at Instacart for two days. Ridiculous. Horrible company.
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2026
I placed an order for four items, which several items were expensive so the total was over $50 plus tip. I placed the order at 4:30 p.m., and initially my order was to be delivered by 5:30. However the shopper was horrible and extremely rude. He didn't even start chatting with me until 5:30, therefore my order delivery time changed twice; first to 6:30 then to 7:30. After 6:00 p.m. the rude shopper told me only one of my items was available. And he was extremely rude telling me he'd already told me that which he hadn't. I hadn't used Instacart in a few years and I will never never use them again.
Reviewed Feb. 21, 2026
I have been a customer since Covid quarantine. We use it frequently in winter months. I have to say that customer service had been pretty good but with recent issues it has been subpar. Recently, they have imposed an automatic tip of 10% that you cannot override till after the order has been delivered. I have always tipped shoppers but do not like the practice of adding a tip by the company without addressing issue with the consumer. When I tried to discuss this with customer service they did not address my concern, they send me directions on how to delete tip after delivery. I am very dissatisfied with this practice. I will be cancelling my subscription. Also, just an FYI prices are higher than if you shop yourself.

Reviewed Feb. 21, 2026
The delivery driver roamed through the grocery bag right in front of our RING Doorbell and pulled out the crab cakes. Then she brought us subpar food in addition to over ordering items that we needed.
Reviewed Feb. 15, 2026
They do not give refunds whether you let them know at the time of the shopper asking to substitute an item, and you request a refund instead. I did not receive a refund. Another time, there were 8 items on my shopping list I did not receive when delivered. I requested a refund and did not receive that one either. I will no longer use Instacart due to the fact they are a rip off.

Reviewed Feb. 14, 2026
Shopper charged me for several items. Did not deliver the items. She did deliver several cheap items I did not order. Per Insacart I have to file a claim appeal. Last week the shopper shopped my Sam's and Fresh Thyme orders. She delivered both to the wrong address. The picture in the delivery was not my house and I sent a picture of my house and now I'm being penalized for the shopper's inability to pay attention.

Reviewed Feb. 12, 2026
On Sunday I had a delivery. Somehow everything got erased out of the app. I text the help section trying to get the customer address. I was told that they could not help me. I also asked them if they could contact the customer. I was told that they could not do that. I still have the customer food in my refrigerator. Now they looking at me like I stole some lady food. I have no number to contact no one do. What if that happens again? I was told to donate the food.

Reviewed Feb. 11, 2026
I do not know who they hire. I can tell you when someone drops my food off at the wrong address is bad. Today I did an order and the text messages were in another language. I speak English; I expected to be spoken to in English! I have no idea what this lady was texting me. I’ve had awful experiences with this! I’ve had expired food & dented can goods. I hope they do background checks on the people they hire!

Reviewed Feb. 11, 2026
I ordered 3 1099 MISC packaged forms from Office Depot via Instacart on January 30. I used a package and had to return 2 packages on February 2. Once the cashier scanned my receipt and the returned items, he informed me the refund will be going to my Mastercard ending in **. Immediately, I informed the Office Depot staff and we agreed I contact Instacart. For days, I couldn't get through and when I finally did, the Instacart representative confirmed that the Mastercard was my card and I may not get a refund because it's more than 3 days since the purchase.
I informed her severally the Mastercard wasn't mine and that the items were returned within 3-days even though the Instacart site states it has to be 14-days. She later came back that the shopper used their card to make the purchases and the returns went to the shopper. She asked for copies of the original receipt and that of the return receipt which I emailed and she confirmed received.
She promised the refund would be credited to my Instacart account and I would get an email - February 2nd. It's February 10th, and I had to call back and the same storyline occurred, but finally a supervisor confirmed my original form of payment with me and promised it will now be credited within 7-10 days. Nowhere on their site does it state, a shopper or Instacart gets the refund, and not the actual customer. To me this is stealing... If that representative hadn't state "....To your Mastercard card **" I wouldn't have even noticed. Will definitely not shop with them any longer.
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2026
If I could give this company 0 stars, I would. My sister uses them, so I thought they were a good company. I ordered groceries, and they came three days later. I had a 10 dollar credit and decided to use it before I closed out the account. I ordered Wingstop and the driver never brought my food. I still have not received my food or a refund. Stay away from Instacart. They are horrible.
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2026
I’ve had ongoing issues with Instacart delivering the wrong version of the same product over and over again. About 90% of the problems involve Polar Diet Grapefruit soda. The diet and regular versions have very similar labels, so I always leave a clear note for the shopper to read the label carefully, and I consistently set the item to refund if unavailable, not substitute. Despite this, shoppers frequently deliver the non-diet (full sugar) version, or a mix of diet and non-diet. This continues to happen even with explicit instructions and refund settings in place.
When I report the issue, refunds are handled inconsistently. In several cases, support has denied refunds or warned me that refunds may stop because I am making “too many complaints,” even though the complaints are caused by repeated shopper mistakes and ignored instructions. This is not an ordering issue on my end. The correct item is selected every time, and the instructions are clear. The problem is lack of shopper attention to labels and Instacart’s failure to address an obvious recurring issue. I’m posting here because the problem has not been resolved internally.
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2026
DO NOT WORK INSTACART AS A JOB!!! They’ll pamper you at the beginning then throw you under the bus like the rest of us once you find pace!! This is happening to ALL of us shoppers, not just me. I’ve had multiple other shopper friends explain the same frustration to me. They’ll give you tons of batches when you first start, stay consistent, and eventually you’ll notice you barely even receiving orders like they couldn’t care one bit about you. I’m not a spiteful person. I tend to be too accepting sometimes, but I WON’T let this company run over me without voicing it to the public and possibly saving other the HEADACHE. There’s plenty other delivery apps you could work for like Shipt, Spark, DoorDash, UberEats, but Instacart should NOT be one of them. They show NO loyalty to their shoppers and this is coming from someone with 7,000+ orders completed. TRUST I know what I’m talking about.
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2026
I like this service. However, every other time I order there is a problem. Customer service is terrible. "I want you to know you're being heard". Thanks for gaslighting me. Clearly you are not hearing me or you'd refund the service fee. I should not have to make two separate orders because it was misrepresented on the order interface that "many" were in stock, when actually "none" were in stock. In that way it is completely unreliable.
Reviewed Feb. 4, 2026
I ordered some fish fillets. They were the same brand I always buy but these tasted real fishy. When I looked closer they were made with minced fish not whole fillets. I bought them 5 days ago. They won't do anything because it is past 3 days. Same way with my cat food I bought 10 days ago. My cat has been sick and she ate a couple of cans and now won't eat it. I was almost $23.00.

Reviewed Feb. 4, 2026
If you are looking for a second source of income, don't come to Instacart. I have personally been sitting on their "Waitlist" for almost 4 years now. Same crap responses. Don't waste your time if you are trying to make money and quickly. Company is a joke.

Reviewed Feb. 3, 2026
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding an interaction I had with your automated support assistant. During my conversation, I requested to cancel my account and ensure that I would never be charged again. However, the assistant repeatedly provided redundant and confusing information, conflating account deletion with subscription cancellation. When I clarified my concern and stated that I did not consent to further handling or sharing of the chat, the assistant disregarded that statement and continued responding with repeated prompts.
This experience was both frustrating and misleading. I expect your support systems to: Provide accurate, non‑contradictory information about cancellation versus billing termination. Respect explicit user statements regarding privacy and consent to data use. Offer a clear process for escalation to a human agent when requested.
Reviewed Feb. 2, 2026
As an Instacart Shopper, the company is terrible, it steals from shoppers, lies to them and refuses to follow their own procedures and rules. They promise money that they will never actually give you and say that they will remove ratings that are not the shopper's fault, but they don't and since there is no actual way to contact support there is no way to fix anything properly. Can only call support during orders, otherwise you have to chat to the AI that doesn't understand basic sentences and disconnects constantly.
I've had my referral bonus stolen, despite multiple agents promising I would get it before lying and saying I never referred anyone, despite them accepting the person I referred, and have had them, they have had me chat with support for 2 hours due to them sending me a delivery only order that wouldn't be ready for another hour, twice in a row, then promised I would get a pay bump, then decided that the 2 hours was actually only 10 minutes and they would give me $5... Then they never gave it to me. It's a horrible company that takes advantage of their employees and customers. Very shady and morally corrupt.
Reviewed Feb. 1, 2026
Placed an order, about 90 minutes later, got a confirmation that the order was delivered. However, no order has been received. Hard fail - will never use this service again. Please do not rely on Instacart - they are fake.

Reviewed Jan. 31, 2026
I have been dealing with this issue now. For over a year. I used to use Instacart to order groceries for my dad, who was homeridden. My dad passed away. They locked the account because they said of some suspicious activity and asked for a driver's license and credit card for the items used. My dad had a credit card. But never had a driver's license. It was taken away from him. Over fifteen years ago. I have tried to explain to people on their chat and all they do is say, "Sorry, nothing I can do for you."
They send me a link and it says, in close a copy of driver's license and credit card. This was the information that was used by my dad. Who is deceased and has been deceased for over a year. I'm trying to get my email address off the account. Their customer service is not existent. No one wants to help you. They see. You have to send an email in to this address, customerprivacy@instacart.com. I send it in and they say they can't do anything until they receive the driver's license of a dead man who never had one. I would recommend staying away from Instacart.
Reviewed Jan. 30, 2026
Absolutely disgusting service. Their delivery drivers are incompetent! They canceled my order for trying to explain to the order picker that I have a milk allergy. In the house they proceeded to not understand English and kept showing me non lactose free products and also after telling them I needed plain they continued to show me flavoured yogurt options! I was extremely nice and articulated as best as I could for the person to cancel my order! It was all the money I had left and now I have to wait 1-5 business days to be refunded. I am disgusted! And now go without for their incompetence. :-( This company should be shut down. Highly recommended using another delivery service!
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2026
Ordered an order from Costco. Was told via email order would be here at 1:36 pm. At 11:58 order was cancel. I never got a phone call or text. They said no one was home. This is BS! 3 people were home and not one attempt was made by the delivery person Jasian!! I live in a gated home so the driver should have called. No text other than he was going to call.

Reviewed Jan. 28, 2026
I've dealt with them previously and should had learned my lesson with poor, uncaring delivery drivers and customer service. I gave them another try and was utterly disappointed again by not receiving my order at all. No response from the driver named Zoe B. and a customer service representative hung up on me. I will NOT be using Instacart again!!!
Reviewed Jan. 27, 2026
On 1/17 I placed an order through Instacart for Chinese food. The order was $11.75, a .49 special delivery charge & $4.00 tip. $16.24 should be my total. Immediately I got receipt for $22 & change. I called restaurant. He Said he put order in correctly, it's on their end. I canceled my order with him, I called driver also. I Tried contacting Instacart but could only do Chats. I chatted, I explained issue. Instacart didn't show my order & told me they contract with Uber Eats for delivery. I tried contacting them, they don't show my order.
No orders showed until Tuesday 1/20 7:30 am due to holiday weekend. The pending $22+ chg was billed my bank immediately & in pending status. My bank said wait to see if they remove it. I still tried calling both companies all weekend. Still no check on their end. Finally the checking appears 3 days later. I called Instacart. Now I'm told I called after the 48 hr. period to Cancel. They can't view any of my Chats etc.to show my attempts. I never got the food, I'm out $22, and couldn't dispute all weekend regardless how many times I tried. What a SCAM. My bank is working on the dispute. If I could give a 0 rating I would.
Reviewed Jan. 26, 2026
I'm a caregiver, and was unable to get groceries before we received over a foot of snow. My walkway and stairs are not shoveled, but Instacart delivered my groceries right to my door. The shopper even cleared some snow so he could place them right in front of my door so I could just open it and get my groceries. It was so considerate.

Reviewed Jan. 25, 2026
Yesterday morning, I put my back out and my daughter suggested that I use Instacart. Wow, what a nightmare!! I downloaded the app and got signed in and started shopping. I thought wow what a great idea! I can shop anywhere from home, not just Amazon!! I ended up ordering just over $100 from Costco and 80 something I think from Walmart. The first delivery messaged me was Lexi at Walmart. I get a text saying that my groceries are dropped off. I go upstairs and check and they're not there, so I come back downstairs and look at my phone again, and it shows the picture of upstairs front door.
My back was out so going up there to carry water, kitty litter, fruit, jars and cans felt like it hurt. So I messaged the girl right away and let her know that I specifically put the address to say left side of house to make sure it comes to my door because I'm in a lot of pain. Plus, it was snowing to beat the band, which I felt bad for her about, too. I was just scared of falling. I was very kind when I asked her, and she came back and brought it to my door.
My next delivery to come was Costco. That delivery went the exact same another person not reading the correct address, but this was from Costco and it was another heavy load. Anyways I talked with the guy and he said it's at my neighbor's and that he would come back. He turned the chat off immediately and from the footprints in the snow, it looks like he did come back but then I had no groceries at the front door anymore. That's what I'm thinking anyway. I don't have proof, my neighbors haven't been home the whole day and there's two sets of footprints earlier and two sets of recent footprints. Somebody took them. With the same set of footprints I spent the day trying to get a complaint through to Instacart.
I was cut off at least six times going through all of the questions and then they say that they're putting me through to a specialist and then they cut off. I've asked them repeatedly to call me and I have had zero calls. I haven't even received an email to say anything from customer service. My house burnt down in BC in October and I moved to Calgary in November with nothing but my pets. I do not work, I do not have any income and I cannot afford to give a thief over $100 of groceries. I'm very very disappointed in the customer service at this place. I am still out groceries and out of my $100. This has been such a big disappointment and a lot of stress.
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2026
I had a promo code in my app. I placed an order, it applied in checkout and then when I went to pay, an error came up that said I already used it. Customer service said it expired. So either the error message was wrong or customer service was wrong.

Reviewed Jan. 24, 2026
I have had a few mishaps with Instacart before but I never did a review but today is the day. I placed an order Friday afternoon and there were no options for me to get my order the same day so I had to pick a time for the next day which is Saturday. We have a big storm coming so the stores are packed and there is nothing on the shelves so I’m really having anxiety so the shopper Melissa started shopping. We’re texting back-and-forth about what they do have and what they don’t have. I see she’s almost done….The next text I got was from customer support telling me they have to find me another shopper because this shopper had a problem so now I waiting again for someone to start my order again and I called customer service and she couldn’t give a 💩about my problem. This is a reminder of an old saying….WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE RIGHT DO IT YOURSELF!!!!
Reviewed Jan. 23, 2026
They can't fulfill your order. Look for another reliable service, they cater to the shopper rather than the paying customer. They do not value customers at all, they will take your money and you have to work hard to get your own money refunded.
Reviewed Jan. 22, 2026
Food delivery is a necessity for me. Sometimes prices you are charged are higher than the store prices, & due to emailed receipts you have difficulty establishing how much. But recently a $17 item had a $63 charge which showed up when I investigated the high credit card charge on my monthly statement. It was 13 days after the delivery was made, so Instacart refused to refund the $46 over charge. As a result the store from which it was purchased is now investigating whether they will make the refund. I'm used to seeing $ or so increases from purchasing through Instacart, but this is ridiculous. I don't have an account with them because 1 order evey couple of months isn't worth the yearly cost. DO NOT TRUST THOSE TOTALS! CHECK YOUR TOTALS QUICKLY ON ANY INSTACART DELIVERIES!

Reviewed Jan. 22, 2026
Instacart is by far the most useless company I have ever dealt with. When it comes to customer service I would rate them negative 10. They redirect. They don't support. Inaccurate information. Useless!!
Reviewed Jan. 21, 2026
Two items delivered on 1/6/26 were spoiled but we didn't know until we opened them on 1/10/26 (use before date was 1/13/26). I attempted to contact the company on 1/11/26 via their website and help email and received a very confusing email, closing my request, with ten CVS attachments that were irrelevant. Ultimately I was told that refunds are only issued within 3 days of purchase even when escalating to a supervisor. How can we ask for a refund for a product that hasn't yet been used? I've been a customer for 6 years and am cancelling my account.

Reviewed Jan. 21, 2026
Was charged a membership when I was only looking for the $5 flat fee option only for my card to be added to my son's existing account. Was told that I couldn't get a refund because I used the membership even though I never subscribed to one. This means they charged me and my son for the same account.
Reviewed Jan. 20, 2026
Wrong ETA, No available shopper, worst customer service, minimum effort to help and provide a solution. Even the representative interact like AI. Very disappointing. They stole my money and didn't help.

Reviewed Jan. 19, 2026
Poor delivery driver and very poor customer service. Delivered wrong item and won't correct their mistake... Very, very poor.. many Negative stars.. Don't use Instacart as they don't stand behind their commitment. Not good at all... Will never ever use them again.

Reviewed Jan. 19, 2026
They suck. Time goes further and further for a delivery. Do not use Instacart, your order won’t arrive or will arrive next day. They should sell the business to someone who’s a real CEO that will care about their business. They need to hire people. Cancel Instacart.

Reviewed Jan. 15, 2026
Instacart has a ridiculous policy of only refunding an item not beyond 3 days. There is no way a customer can check all sealed items such as cans, resealable packaging etc within that time frame. You are not going to be using all those items in your purchased groceries in that period of time to know if they are fresh or not right in any way in 3 days. Especially when some items don’t have a best used by stamp or an expiration date. Just posterous

Reviewed Jan. 14, 2026
Should be -5. This is the worst company ever. They've never gotten an order to us. They show delivery to some house that doesn't look remotely like ours. Then we have to fight to get our money back. Companies should ban them from delivering for them.
Reviewed Jan. 13, 2026
If I could leave less that a 1 star, I would. I ordered $400 worth of groceries, and when my items finally arrived, my frozen items were thawed, and my dairy was warm, and my meat was warm. The shopper had 2 deliveries before mine, and instacart said that my items would be in a climate controlled bag - I assumed the same type of bag my whole foods orders arrive in. Everything was in plastic. Instead of assisting me and attempting to resolve my issue, instacart decided to deactivate my account. I called customer service 3 times and was hung up on each time.
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2026
So, the fan and air purifier that a loan from the love of my life let me order yesterday, to try to deal with the problem of ** fumes/stink getting into this apartment, got delivered somewhere else by mistake. But Instacart won't give me a refund or credit. No idea why. Not planning on using instacart again.

Reviewed Jan. 11, 2026
Do not use this company. We ordered a 400 dollar vacuum from Costco using Instacart, but received a cheaper model instead. After returning the cheaper model, we were still out 150 bucks. This was in November of 2025. Still fighting to get the difference. Hope our credit card will take care of this. They seem to be slow about it as well. Horrible experience.
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2026
“Customer Service” is not a thing. They send you a refund confirmation, yet never process it. Must deal with MULTIPLE people if you email them. One person says something - then another disagrees & changes what was already done. Fees for EVERYTHING! If strawberries are $4 in the store, Instacart is charging $5. You pay a yearly fee, then more fees EVERY single time you order. Orders are confirmed, then not picked up by someone & no recourse for expecting something that didn’t happen… Just order somewhere else. Not worth it.
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2026
This company is a complete rip off. I had a promo code that offered 3 free deliveries and I had ordered 1 time and they charged me anyways. I called to let them know and refused to refund the money. They tried to tell me that I used them 22 times. The customer service is rude. They would rather lose customers than refund a delivery fee.
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2026
So disappointed. I for the first time put in a order for pickup. I was in communication with shopper for exchanges. My pick up was at 7:09pm. When I got to the store the Publix employee who was very friendly said, "I am sorry we can't find your order. It's been erased from the system." In other words shopper took my order. Instacart was a nightmare to get through. Publix helped me get through to at least get my money back. I literally had to now go shopping when I did not feel good. Instacart gave me a 5.00 credit only. Not happy with this experience at all.
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2026
Poor customer service. They stated that they didn't have access to my receipt from my Order and needed to screenshot it to them and when I did they stated since my receipt in the app matched what I ordered (of course it did, it's the receipt from when I placed the order) I was not eligible for even a credit on the shake I never received. I called the store first and was told I had to contact the delivery service I used.
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2026
Company is impossible to deal with. Their shoppers make numerous mistakes and they are very cheap when trying to make it right for the customer. I have had more issues with this company than any other service. I lost my cool with them and they banned me. That’s how bad they are. I can’t even get my account deleted. They don’t answer emails. STAY AWAY FROM THEM!!!

Reviewed Jan. 7, 2026
Horrible program. They don’t have drivers available make you wait hours and hours and still charge if you cancel and refunds are slow to arrive. They added extra items into the order and said I did it - this was a malfunction I’m sure with their program app as I was trying to edit my order and it wasn’t editing. I was given $5 previously for my inconveniences of them not coming through with a shopper. I wanted to get a refund for the rest of my membership prorated to June and they said no. I deleted the app and am not going to use or recommend them to anyone. They had great drivers too. When it worked it was great. I blame the parent company and the app. Horrible customer device on the app and phone from the company - drivers had great communication.
Reviewed Jan. 7, 2026
First, I ordered Vitamin Water Zero Calories and they sent the sugar variety. The would not give me a refund, only a credit. Stuck with a credit, I reordered what I wanted and Instacart sent the sugar variety again. After that, they wanted photo after photo and then ultimately denied a refund. This is a scam!

Reviewed Jan. 6, 2026
I used to receive promotions on a regular basis but I haven't received any information at least 6 months. When I called and chatted with them I was told it's because my notifications weren't on but they are nothing has changed on my end. Another said he didn't know why and couldn't help me. I ordered 5 times in one month. Very disappointing for no promotions and that they can't answer to why.
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2026
One item was missing from our order, and 4 items were expired. Instacart refused to refund for these items. On appeal they said that they would not even explain why except to reiterate that they are allowed to charge for wrong, missing and expired items. That is illegal and unethical.
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2025
I've used Instacart twice now and both times I received complicated orders in unbelievable time and everything was there. I see a lot of negative reviews here but for me this service is a dream. The Walmart is 6 miles of L.A. traffic away and this order was assembled and delivered in less than 2 hours! Truly amazing.
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2025
I had an extremely disappointing experience with this business due to poor customer service. My concerns were not taken seriously, communication was unprofessional, and I felt dismissed rather than helped. I gave multiple opportunities for the issue to be resolved, but nothing changed. Customer service should make people feel heard and supported—unfortunately, that was not the case here. I would not recommend this business based on my experience.

Reviewed Dec. 27, 2025
Terrible service! They NEVER have a cart to bring your groceries to your door!!!! The drivers do not follow very basic instructions and are RUDE when you try to explain things to them. Stores should stop outsourcing delivery to Instacart.

Reviewed Dec. 24, 2025
Terrible customer service for members. They say in their policy very clearly that they will communicate to the customer or member if there is increase in fees. They raise the fees and still don’t communicate. High charges everywhere. Not worth.
Reviewed Dec. 21, 2025
After over a year with them, I've finally come to understand why my friends hate them. On 19th, I placed a grocery order for delivery on the 20th between Noon and 3:00 PM. They confirmed it, then sent a series of delay reschedules finally ending at 6PM to 9PM on the 20th. I rescheduled to the 21st 11AM to 2PM and they confirmed that. There were no updates from them and no delivery. Then it got ugly. I discovered that they hide behind a chat function and use canned responses. They kept referring to a help function on the order app that did not work. When I finally got a live chat agent, he used canned responses and never did answer my question as to why they accept a delivery schedule if they have no one to deliver it. There is no way... no way you can use a phone to talk with a supervisor are get a straight answer. He said, via chat, they would "try" to have my delivery by 5:24 PM.

Reviewed Dec. 21, 2025
I ordered a stop and shop order on 12/11/2025 and received an expired 12 Pack of Sugarfree Rootbeer. I reported this the same day and Instacart is reducing to credit & refund the expired item, I contacted Instacart online via chat & instacart representative said they couldn't process the credit for the rootbeer cause they only credit expired items within same day. I reached out to Instacart by email after the online chat, The online representative said they would not refund or credit the expired item because it passed the 3 day period for expired items. I reported this issue the same day so how is is past the supposed 7 and 4 day period. They claim for refund or credit on expired items. They also were sent pics of the expired items. I am taking this matter to the Better Business Bureau, ConsumerAffairs and the Food and Drug Administration due to my family member is in the hospital due to the expired item.

Reviewed Dec. 21, 2025
Absolutely ridiculous. Ordered food. Simple request.. Hot food... should be a given ordering from a restaurant right? WRONG. Was told "according to our policy your order does NOT qualify for a discount or refund." Really??? Disabled and ordered a single meal. They had one job... deliver a hot meal. The Teriyaki Chicken should NOT be the same temperature as the COLD macaroni salad! Called customer NO SERVICE... was told "it is out of my hands and I can't help you because you contacted the "Help" center. They advise me to contact them again. I did. I was told "I know, this is not the experience you were expecting..." Ya think? Who wants COLD dinner? I would honestly like to know what policy says "If your food is cold... you're out of luck but feel free to order again.."
They obviously do not care about their customers... the businesses that use them nor people in general. I paid for an entire year of THIS??!! Absolutely ludicrous and sad that a company cares so little about people.. Zero integrity. 100% dissatisfaction is more like it. If you want hot food.. pick it up yourself. Save yourself money and the aggravation! DO NOT RECCOMEND! 🤦♀️
Reviewed Dec. 20, 2025
I put in an order to be delivered at a certain time because I wouldn't be home until the scheduled arrival and didn't want my frozen items sitting out in the warmer temperatures. The order was delivered 40 minutes earlier than scheduled. The shopper did not attempt to replace an item (which I needed) and when I asked directly through text to replace with a different brand I was told there was none. When I called later I was informed they have stock of the item I needed. I hadn't used Instacart in many years because these things were issues in the past and sadly nothing has changed. I will not use this again. I should have done a pick up myself order.
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2025
I have been using Instacart for years and have liked it a lot. I have been aware of the upcharges on many items but I am very upset about the coupons they send. My daughter and I placed an order at a restaurant and it was $38.00. Then I realized I had a coupon from instacart for that restaurant so we placed the exact same order with a $15 off coupon and the total was $39.00. Instacart—Shame on you. That’s unacceptable! The coupons are false because your price of food at that restaurant increases when you use the coupon!

Reviewed Dec. 18, 2025
INSTACART STOLE MY MONEY!!! So I had missing items in my order, I reported those missing items, I waited 3 days to inquire about my refund for those items only for me to be met with a very rude customer service representative. I asked for a supervisor for the situation and the supervisor wasn't much help at all. I was told to fill out a form, and when I filled this form out, I got an email stating that I'm not going to get a refund, credit, or a redelivery for the three items that were missing. WITHOUT ANY EXPLANATION!
I feel it is not fair that the consumer has to suffer because their shoppers aren't doing what they're supposed to or possibly forgetting things. I know that these drivers combine orders and these things can get mixed up. I feel if it was so easy for Instacart to take my money for the order, I mean we are talking about $10 for a long-distance fee and all these other various fees for their service, but when it's time for them to pay back a customer for a mistake, they refuse to do so. They took my money with no reason. I feel anyone who wants to use this service should be very careful because I do not care about the customers; they just care about subscriptions and fees. I'M CANCELLING MY SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2025
Ordered a padded folding chair. The shopper delivered past my delivery time and picked up the wrong chair. Instacart only refunded the price of chair and not the tip and service fees. No accountability to their incompetent shoppers. They are doing multiple orders and not paying attention.
Reviewed Dec. 9, 2025
Why do you pay for a priority service and there's no priority service given when you can't hold up your end of the bargain charging a high price for a priority service plus a tip and a service charge and the membership is over a hundred dollars. I think for the inconvenience, there should be a $100 gift card in place every time that happens.
Reviewed Dec. 8, 2025
I ordered tube socks through Instacart and received crew socks instead. I was away when the delivery. I immediately contacted Instacart and was told they would do nothing as I contacted them outside the 3 day window. My initial contact was at 3.5 days. Bottom line, I will never do business with Instacart again and recommend you reframe from doing business with them as well.
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2025
I am extremely disappointed in this company, not only doesn’t charge you yearly and does not let you cancel if you are unsatisfied, but it charges you monthly and then every time you order groceries, the charges seem to go up. There always seems to be some hidden reason why they have to give you another charge and another charge and another charge. I put in a complaint and they were just well that’s because yada yada. Very much a scam and then when I went to cancel finally because my year is up, they forced me to do another year, locked me into it and now I’m paying for a service I don’t want so so I went with a different company that lets you cancel at any time and it is highly recommended by not overcharging you being reliable because even Instacart also at least five or six times didn’t bring my order. So completely unreliable. Very disappointed.

Reviewed Dec. 7, 2025
I wish I could give zero stars!!!! The driver stole my grocery!!! They refuse to give me a refund! They basically stole my grocery and my money!!!! I wish I could give zero stars!!!! The driver stole my grocery!!! They refuse to give me a refund! They basically stole my grocery and my money!!!!

Reviewed Dec. 1, 2025
They charge you twice--whatever your order costs, you'll see two charges hit your account, and the second charge takes about a week to get refunded. I don't know why, but they are scamming you temporarily out of a LOT of money! Nowhere is it disclosed that they are going to do this. My budget it tight & I can't have that extra $$ gone every week. Terrible practice.

Reviewed Nov. 29, 2025
I am writing this review as a SHOPPER, not a customer. INSTACART policies and promos are very MISLEADING!!!!! For example, they had a promo to complete six (6) BATCHES in the Bronx and get an additional $64. Well not so fast! One of the orders I did not get credit for because I was told E. 173rd St., Bronx, NY is not the Bronx. Then after completing 6 batches when I made an inquiry into the $64, I was told the promo works like this: if a SHOPPER earned $50 Instacart would make up the difference by adding $14 to the money earned. However, if a SHOPPER earned $70 then no additional money is given. Yet that is not explained in the promo nor the promo details.
Instacart treat its SHOPPERS horribly. What is unfortunate is many shoppers do not tell the truth about Instacart. In NYC the majority of the Shoppers are immigrants and I believe that is the reason for the deceit, low Batch pay, many times no tips and more. I would not recommend anyone to be a SHOPPER for Instacart. In addition, they do not reimburse for gas and rolls. Therefore, if you drive, to make a halfway decent amount of money you gotta be out all day and you could end up spending a lot of your earnings on gas.
Reviewed Nov. 28, 2025
I placed an order with Costco, but the shopper delivered melted ice cream and poor-quality meat. Instacart sent an email stating they would issue a $66 refund, yet they only refunded $32. When I contacted Instacart customer service, they falsely claimed that the full $66 was sent from their end and blamed my bank for not processing the remaining $30. This is incredibly frustrating! I called my bank, and they confirmed that only one transfer was made. I reached out to Instacart again and got Costco warehouse on the call as well, but Costco is also refusing to take responsibility.
Instacart continues to lie, stating that they refunded the money after a month has passed, but if they had, it would be reflected in my bank account! Never ever again will use Instacart! Their product prices are way higher, they deliver melted products and never care for the quality, but to lie that they did transfer the money, when they didn't -it's another level of fulling the customers!!!
Reviewed Nov. 27, 2025
A few of my orders have been delivered to the incorrect house. UPS, FedEx and other Instacart shoppers don’t have an issue finding the house. I even leave the people delivering my groceries instructions and a picture of the house. Anyways, I have a had a few deliveries go to the wrong house, they even sent me a picture of the wrong house. I have contacted Instacart and now they are saying if they deliver to the wrong house again I will not get a refund even though they are delivering it to the incorrect house.
Reviewed Nov. 27, 2025
I had a horrible experience with Instacart. Their shoppers don’t really take their time to look and pick out fresh food. They just pick up anything so a lot of my items were expired or just about to be expired. For example, my mushrooms were brown. They just don’t care about the people they’re shopping for.
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2025
It is the week of Thanksgiving and there are a few staple items I needed more of before I can leave on our journey to my daughter's to help cook. I placed my Instacart order to be picked up on Monday the 24th, from 5-6. Not exact on this time, but hours before 5 am notified the someone was picking my order and found 4 items. I'm thinking, great, we are on our way to fulfilling my order! Then, for the next few hours, there has been no progress. I think that's ok, I'm sure they are busy. 5 o'clock rolls around and still no progress. Text to see if things are good if we are looking to have this ready by 6. Nothing.....it is now 6:15 and no response.
So, I need this stuff for our journey. So, I cancel the order and hopefully be able to get it someplace else. Order cancels but now I am charged $15 to do so. Well, I wouldn't do that if they held up their end of the plan. Tried to contact Instacart to get this back, and was told no because I should have canceled before someone started picking the order. Just not fair....so everyone be careful of this. I know it's not a lot of money but it is the principle!!!!

Reviewed Nov. 25, 2025
I put an order in with a large tip. The shopper input that she couldn't find my items. I sent a response with basically pick up whatever works. She never texted me back and then cancelled the order. BY THE WAY, if they cancel the order, you cannot leave a rating on them! So all these people with nothing but 5 stars just cancel anything going sideways or if they don’t want to drive far. Horrible service.

Reviewed Nov. 24, 2025
Instacart has become horrible, I have come to the conclusion that some of shopper I believe are stealing items that the customer (me) are paying for, example, today 11/23/25 I place a order that had 13 items listed. The shopper check all item found yet I did not receive them all!... Of the 13 items ordered I was missing a item short of half my order, the one consolation I was refunded for those items that were kept by the shopper (my gut is telling me these shopper not all but some... have found a way to hustle on the customer's dime, maybe getting items for themselves). I'm not sure, just my thoughts.. I do not have proof... This is the second time I have not received all my items. And had to get a refund!.. Something is suspect.

Reviewed Nov. 23, 2025
I've tried this company three times and all three times my orders were cancelled ten minutes after they were placed. After the first cancellation, I went through the settings, made sure all was in order - and then the same thing happened twice more. I don't have time for this nonsense. Look elsewhere.

Reviewed Nov. 22, 2025
I had a very upsetting experience with Instacart. When checking out for my order, the page clearly showed $0 surcharge, $0 fees, and stated that my membership would auto-renew in November 2026. There was no obvious notice that I was being enrolled into a new paid membership. There was extremely tiny fine print hidden underneath the “Accept & Checkout” button — so small that even with my glasses, I could not read it. Without my knowledge or consent, Instacart immediately charged me $99, which I absolutely cannot afford as a senior on a fixed income and currently unemployed.
When I called customer service, I was shocked to be told that I could not receive a refund because I had already placed my first order — even though I never knowingly signed up for this membership. This is a classic “gotcha” tactic, and it feels deeply anti-senior, predatory, and deceptive. No company should be setting up seniors with surprise charges through unreadable fine print and misleading checkout screens. Instacart should be upfront and ethical about when they are enrolling customers into paid memberships. I’m extremely disappointed and feel taken advantage of.

Reviewed Nov. 19, 2025
Even when I choose items listed with "many in stock", the item will be substituted as "out of stock". If I put "no substitute", the total is reduced and I'm charged a delivery fee. It would be a great service if not for this issue, but I will not renew unless they fix this.
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2025
I’m so extremely upset that I ordered one 12-pack of Weruva kitten pate was charged $29.82 for ONLY ONE CAN DELIVERED! This was ordered on 11/14 evening, came on time, but the shopper only picked up one 3 oz can and INSTA CART CHARGED me for the WHOLE 12 pack! I spent hours last night trying to rectify this mistake and every PERSON I SPOKE TO and TEXT with kept telling me I ONLY ORDERED ONE can!
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2025
I used Instacart once. It popped up when I was searching for a small order with a promotion entitling me to a free delivery. Because some items were unavailable my bill from ShopRite was for $16.22. Instacart charged my card card for $29.81. I wrote a complaint and they credited me $7.25 which meant that I was overcharged by $6.34. Now I see a new charge on my credit card for $105.56. I checked my email and found that they have charged me a membership for Instacart + $99 plus $6.56 tax. I never authorized this membership. What a scam. Now I have to report this to the authorities and contact my credit card company. This is a horror. Please be wary of this company.
Reviewed Nov. 13, 2025
This is the first time I’ve ever written a negative review, BUT my experience has been awful. The first problem I had was being billed twice for the same order. The shopper took a picture that didn’t show anything to show they had delivered both orders. When I called Instacart they said they would look into it and call me back. They never called back, when I called back they said I was more than 3 days after the problem so would not refund. My most recent order, I only got 1 bag of 3, put in for refund for items not delivered, right in the order, got email saying that I was being refunded, didn’t get the refund, tried calling and again outside the 3 day limit. I will never again use instacart and will tell everyone I know my story.
Reviewed Nov. 11, 2025
I am disabled, which is why I was forced to use this service. I only order food once a month because of ordeals like this one. I post all over my shopping lists to not make the bags too heavy. I just chased my canned goods down the walk. The bag PAPER bag was filled with dozens of cans, the bag gave of course gave out as soon as I picked it up. One bag had over 30 pounds of meat. That is beyond the limit of the bag and my stated 10-pound weight limit!! I can't say it was every bag, there was one with 2 boxes of cereal and nothing else!
When I called to revoke his tip, I was informed it was past a magical 2-hour window and he got $40 and I got to spend hours picking up each item because all but one bag ripped! I was having trouble walking during the fabled 2-hour window, so I left the groceries in subzero temperatures until I could walk without fear of falling! When I was finally able to walk, I found by stairs were completely barricaded with bags. If there has been an emergency, I would have not been able to get out of my house!! I was offered $10 credit that miraculously turned into $5 because I wasn't appreciative. I was put on hold for an 40 minutes the first time and 75 the next. This was not the first time this happened, but it will be the last!
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2025
I used them for the first time and they send way too many texts. I was so mad they sent the first text at 6:00 AM on a Sunday. I don’t need so many updates. Otherwise it was a good as any other grocery delivery.
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2025
This company is a horror in the New York area. There is always a shortage of shoppers, & orders are constantly late. I never have a problem with their competition, & I believe Instacart just doesn't care about its customers.
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2025
I seldom had a problem with Instacart until this week, when the app refused to load. It has been several days now and I don’t know how I can contact them about it. On occasion, an item would be missing, or I would receive an item that was probably a part of another person’s order but I did receive a credit for missing items when I reported it. I don’t expect perfection all of the time, and it is rare that it happens. I also get the discount on sale items. The app not loading is a new problem.
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2025
Placed order with address and apartment number. Order was listed as arrived but it did not get delivered. The delivery person took a picture of the delivery out in the street and claimed it was delivered. They probably just took the picture and kept the order because they can't make any money delivering for Instacart. When I called Instacart to tell them the issue they said they could not try again to re-deliver the order until the next day when it would be far too late. They said they would process a refund but it could take weeks to get it. The opportunity cost of using Instacart is that I am left without the groceries I needed to cook what I needed to make tonight and by the time they pretended to deliver them the stores are all closed. Don't use them if you don't want to be their next victim.
Reviewed Nov. 5, 2025
I have a good job but feel like even that’s not cutting it anymore, so I thought I’d make a few extra bucks being an Instacart Shopper. I signed up with all my information, a CORRECT address, and uploaded my ID. In order to start you need a shopper card, and I applied for one in MID SEPTEMBER. Mind you it’s now November 5. It says shipping would take 5-7 business days. I went on vacation in late September fully expecting my card to be there when I returned. It did NOT arrive. OK, I thought maybe it got lost so I ordered a new one. Well this one also did not arrive.
Wash, rinse, repeat and I’ve now attempted to order a card 6 times now. On 2 occasions I contacted a supposed human on their useless chat bot, since customer service is otherwise non existent. They confirmed my address and assured me they ordered a card for me. Still no card. What the ** is problem?!? The first time I excused, but 6 times?!? This is completely unacceptable and ridiculous. It’s not like I live in the middle of nowhere, with no reception where a mail truck comes once a week. What is wrong with this company and why is no one capable of helping or actually sending a card??? I attempted to contact them via bot again and I got cut off mid sentence and then the second “assistant” I connected with just didn’t bother to answer me at all! This place is a complete joke.
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2025
So I made an order through Publix and canceled immediately due to price and drove up to publix. Was told by Instacart that it is taken out immediately and wasn't refunded, mind you on Venmo account, it was $115.66. How could a company do this to anyone, it's called stealing!!! Lucky to get a star, they don't deserve it!
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2025
These guys are a farce, we ordered and not all of our products were delivered and yet they charged us for these items, we tried contacting them and all we got back was a generic email saying they will not refund us or bring us our product. Never again will I use this.
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2025
My deliveries are consistently an hour or two late which means I end up sitting around for 3-4 hours waiting. This is just absurd. I can’t believe they are unable to predict a more accurate window. 2 hours is plenty of wiggle room.
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2025
Driver, Alina delivered restaurant order to garage door during rainstorm on wrong side of town! Driver did not respond to messages. Staff did not try to map correct address or read messages! Charged for meal never received!
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2025
Instacart is the worst service I've ever used. The website makes it incredibly difficult to see what the store hours are. When the shopper is contacting you there is absolutely NO NOTIFICATION pop-up. The store I ordered from was closed and I didn't realize the shopper was contacting me the whole time. I ended up spending a bunch of money on basically NOTHING.
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2025
DO NOT BECOME A SHOPPER FOR INSTACART! They will SCAM you out of money that you earned. You cannot get in contact with a support specialist. I accepted a 153$ order that required me to go 2 hours away. I accepted it, drove 2 hours, paid tolls costing 30$ and started shopping. The customer cancels mid shopping and Instacart DID NOT PAY ME. I contacted them multiple times stating that I needed to be paid for this order and got no response. THIS BUSINESS IS A SCAM FOR CUSTOMERS AND SHOPPERS!!!!
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2025
First time I ever used them. Ordered some beer, I never put in a replacement item! Driver showed up out of the blue with wrong beer. She took it back for exchange and came back and said because it was alcohol, no replacement or refund. After calling cust service, which were extremely rude, I'm stuck with something I didn't order and don't want.
2nd problem. I ordered beer again and instead of sending it from the Safeway 2 miles away, you ordered it from Roseville, CA and I'm in Elk Grove, like 45 miles away. I texted the driver 5 times and told him to cancel order and turn around and not waste his time and gas but no reply. He texted me for gate code when he got here which tells me he got the previous texted but just didn't care. I texted him the gate code 4 times and then finally walked out to the gate and tried to get his attention and he just peeled out really fast. I want a FULL REFUND FOR ALL OF MY PURCHASES FOR TODAY. I FEEL YOU ARE THIEFS AND WILL NEVER USE YOU AGAIN and certainly will not recommend you to anyone. Horrible business practices.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2025
I was billed for an annual membership which I never applied for or requested. After numerous emails and messages to have my money refunded I am still waiting. First they couldn’t find the the transaction and then I receive an email that, "Oh it’s for a membership." I know that, I can read. I don’t ask what it’s for, I asked for a refund. I would’ve had to close my bank account to prevent them from taking my money it seems.
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2025
I recently had a delivery from Publix Supermarket that never arrived. This was 1 of over 300 such deliveries I have had over the past few years. Never a big issue. However, the shopper decided she did not want to complete the delivery and dumped my entire order in a hallway at the other end of our complex. We have an elevator and even offered our wagon to haul them up in. Shopper was rude and a liar after claiming she searched for the elevator for 20 minutes (she was here for 5 minutes). I just had shoulder replacement surgery and was helpless to go search for the groceries. I filed a complaint with Instacart on 10/4 and was told I would have credit/refund in 24 hours. It is now 10/6 and I get the same canned responses. They fired the shopper but still feel it's necessary to investigate my story before refunding. I have a case with the BBB as well as reported to my states attorney office. I am still waiting for my $280 plus refund.
Meanwhile, I had to re-order and this time the delivery was fine. Instacart customer service is typical ** call center where you get scripted responses and no real assistance. They will treat you like you are lying about your delivery even with presented with an obvious shopper problem. This incident shows their true colors and extremely poor customer service. Beware!
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2025
Extremely unreliable. Very nice delivery people, for the most part; but they do not refund our tax $ on incorrect deliveries. WHERE ARE OUR TAX $ GOING? This is a State and Federal crime. Check your receipts for different prices. Ask for refund of your tax $ charged if there are refunds.
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2025
Instacart is falling down to the commitment and services. They are not capable to solve any problem. The shopper misplaced my Grocery in the wrong location because she was not qualified or doesn’t know the addresses. Then following up with Instacart, I haven’t received anything. Not a confirmation when this will be delivered. Different messages, unqualified supervisor that communications and now I’m fighting to get the Grocery. I have been five years with them and I can tell you you are losing money with using them. I know it’s a hassle to go and do your grocery, but that’s the only way unless a competitor comes in the market and beat them in the service.
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2025
While staying in Florida, I had to use Instacart for the first time and was bitterly disappointed. The order was missing items and ALL OF MY BUY ONE/GET ONE items were MISSING. Instacart refunded some of the money but not all and I'm sick of dealing with their customer "service" department. DON'T USE INSTACART!!
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2025
This app could have been a game changer for me, but when it comes to the human aspect of the app, very disappointing, most of shoppers are lazy, will not put forth the effort to find items, these last two orders were shocking, the shopper was making a delivery on a bike, and gave my order to a drug dealer up the street to deliver to me, the drug dealer said, his cousin has another order so I’m helping him out, and the last order, the shopper couldn’t read or write English, this shopper didn’t know what a Apple Turnover was, kept sending me pictures of grapefruit,
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2025
Have used Instacart for almost 5 years, I am a senior & unable to drive, so I rely on delivery for my groceries. Up until recently it was OK. But now my orders have been all messed up! Instacart offers little assistance. Not trying to be rude or racist, but can't understand the people on the phone. The online chat is useless. Don't recommend them at all anymore. Looking for other options.
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2025
If I could leave zero stars I would!! DOORDASH DOORDASH DOORDASH!! EFF INSTACART!!! AND PLEASE BE CAREFUL. They will cancel your order, say you did it, and charge you a $15 cancellation fee!!! They are clowns!! Everything they deliver you can easily get another way!!!!

Reviewed Sept. 28, 2025
I wish I could give them zero Stars. The fees are lies. The prices are ridiculous. They're never on time. It's hard to get a resolution. It's hard to find someone when you do get to speak to someone to know what they're doing where you're not frustrated and constantly have to ask for a supervisor. They suck.
Reviewed Sept. 22, 2025
Absolutely the WORST as a company overall! No customer service, no one there really cares what the problem is. The software is not intuitive and when there are no showers it should tell you so you can make other arrangements. If Walmart was closer I would never use Instacart again.
Reviewed Sept. 18, 2025
I got locked out of my Yahoo email account and had to create a new email address because yahoo wanted me to buy a subscription in order to get tech support. I went to update my email with Instacart and in order to do that, they sent an email to the account I no longer had access to. Even though I was signed into my instacart account, I could not update my information. So I had to search for a customer service number to call and they refused to help. So I requested my account be closed. They refused. I would have to go into the app and do it by sending an email to an account I no longer have access to. I do not recommend this service. If I am signed into the account, I should be able to update my information without this much hassle.
Reviewed Sept. 17, 2025
Terrible service! They dropped orders on my doorstep and walked off without even ringing my doorbell many different times. We didn't get multiple different orders because they delivered it to the wrong address, I'm assuming and they refused to refund our last order that we purchased, yet didn't receive. They are absolutely terrible. We've had so much better luck with doordash!
Reviewed Sept. 17, 2025
On May the 1st 2025 I ordered a pizza from Papa John's through Instacart who uses Uber eats as their delivery service. My order went through smoothly. I ordered a medium pepperoni pizza and a 20 oz. coke. As I was tracking the order I noticed that the person who was picking up my order was riding on a bike. That was the first red flag for me. How are you going to deliver a pizza and soda on a bike. It was well over 90 degrees as well that day. I live about 9 minutes by car from Papa John's. Anways I am standing to the door tracking my order. And because I don't like my food on the ground. So as I am staying there it's like the lady goes off the radar. Then a few minutes later it says delivered.
I step outside to see if I see a person on a bike. I only saw a man exercising. I asked him did he see anyone on a E bike. He says no I did not. I then call Instacart to report my missing food. I went through all the steps they told me to do. Someone promised to get back with me in 2 hours. I never heard back from anyone. I reached out to my bank and they also gave them the run around. Then after I heard back from the bank I reached out to Instacart again and they continued to give me the run around even more. What happened to good customer service in this country. It's this simple either deliver my order or refund me my $23.95. The people who deliver the food are required to take a picture in case people lie about not getting their food with the address shown. Where is the picture?
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2025
If I could give a zero I would. This company needs to be searched for fraud. Misleading fees and expectations. Poor service to the shoppers (workers) who get paid below the horrible unreasonable fee charges. Lack of respect and care with a fake voice of customer support. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. Report them if you can to stop them from scamming more people.
Reviewed Sept. 13, 2025
Don’t even bother if you’re in Ontario Canada. My shopper didn’t communicate. Probably only delivered 7 out of the 25 items I ordered and dropped it off at the wrong address. Huge disappointing experience and everything costs more. Better off to try another delivery service. This was a nightmare.
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2025
Many orders over the past couple of years and no issues. On 09/10/25, I ordered a few items and paid a delivery fee of $1.99 plus a nice tip. The delivery time was supposed to be 8pm-10pm. Order time kept being pushed up until it reached after midnight. I contacted the shopper and received no response. I contacted a specialist at Instacart, who also received no response from the shopper, and I was given the option to cancel... for an EXTRA $15 since the shopper completed the order. I chose not to cancel. Now it's 11:41 pm and I have a new shopper. I'm going to ride this out, but after this ordeal ends, so does my relationship with this service.
Reviewed Sept. 9, 2025
They continue to make their drivers shop for orders but DO NOT support them with the appropriate technology to make an effective and efficient delivery to their customers. And they really don’t care about being an ethical business!
Reviewed Sept. 9, 2025
I'm disabled and I cannot go to the grocery store so I was using Walmart but Walmart kept double charging me for one order so I thought well I'll try Instacart. I ordered groceries on Saturday around noon for a Sunday delivery between 10:00 and 12:00. That is their times of delivery on Sundays. It's right there on their website. I did not get my order till after 1:00 after they stopped for it at 9:45 I said there and contacted customer service. Customer service called me a liar saying that no their deliveries on Sunday is from 10:00 to 1:00. I even sent them a screenshot of their delivery times on Sunday and they still called me a liar and argued with me. My food was warm and I will never use them again because number one you call me a liar when I've got it and print on your own website. It's on instacart's website. Yeah look it says 10 to 12:00 on Sundays not 10:00 to 1:00 but they're going to argue with me. Do not use them. They are rip off.
Reviewed Sept. 7, 2025
Until recently my experience was rather positive. Unfortunately, lately my shoppers have been doing a sloppy job when it comes to hand off and product selection. I ordered a detergent, he brought me a broken bottle because he placed a heavy item on it. I have disc herniation and am in bed now. Today I ordered some items. I wanted a 1 pint blueberries but got something else. I ordered paper towels just 2 in a pack. Got 16 value size for a much higher price instead when my selection was refund if item was not found. I tried to stop the female shopper by saying "Excuse me" but she didn't stop and said "Thank you" and left. Thank you for what? Another thing is the shopper' picture was blurred but clearly male. So lately, this is another issue. The person bringing the items and the picture do not match. If a psychopath brings my items and kills me when I open the door, who will take responsibility?
Reviewed Sept. 5, 2025
Many items arrive in good shape. Chilled items arrive warm and frozen items are thawed. They claim items are kept in temperature-controlled containers. This is clearly not true. Kroger delivery actually keeps items chilled and frozen. Also, Instacart shoppers will not deliver items like a case of water. They told me I had to go to shopper's car and get it myself. Kroger and other services deliver water and the like. I just received 5 cases of water from Kroger delivery with no issues.
Reviewed Sept. 1, 2025
Instacart is garbage. You can't place a complaint with them. They force me to use Publix in Holiday Florida which never has anything in stock and can't change it. Can't communicate with them. This website is garbage too.
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2025
Had I gone to the store, my Costco Order would have cost $80, but with the 25% price markup, it came to $100. On top of that, the service fee, delivery fee, tax and 10% tip came to $130 total so I was charged an extra $50 extra on an $80 order!!!! Do the math yourself. This is INSANE.
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2025
I ordered. My driver dropped off most my order. Left something. We responded through text. I told her she realized but was dropping off another person stuff. Instacart stopped messages saying order complete. She was awesome. Sending messages where she was as I have a gate and and dogs to put in but thanks to instacart she couldn't see my messages. Instacart things happen people fix it but you just can't stop the respondents when things go wrong. This will probably be my last time ordering from you.
Instacart Company Information
- Company Name:
- Instacart
- Website:
- www.instacart.com