15 Genius Instacart Hacks for Maximum Savings

Instacart is a lifesaver for anyone who loves the convenience of grocery delivery, but why pay the total price when you don’t have to? Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or new to the app, there are hidden tricks to save big. Ready to learn how to fill your cart for less with some Instacart hacks? Let’s uncover 15 genius Instacart hacks to keep your wallet happy while getting everything you need.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• How to find and stack coupons to maximize your savings.
• The benefits of Instacart Express and how it can save you on fees.
• How to shop during sales and take advantage of Instacart-exclusive deals.
• The best ways to earn cashback while shopping on Instacart.
• How to split orders with friends or family to reach free delivery minimums.
• Why comparing prices between stores can lead to significant savings.
• How to use referral codes to get discounts for first-time and returning users.

1. Use Coupons Like a Pro

Find Exclusive In-App Coupons

Instacart often partners with retailers to offer exclusive in-app coupons for specific products. Usually, these deals are featured in a special app section or marked directly on items. Check the app before completing your order to see if any new offers apply to your purchase.

Stack Coupons from Other Sources

Here’s a big bonus: You can stack in-app coupons with other online discount codes! Check Websites like Dealhack for Instacart Canada promo codes and coupons, which you can apply at checkout to double up on savings. It’s like hitting the jackpot of discounts—two for the price of one!

2. Leverage Instacart Plus

Why Instacart Plus is Worth It

Instacart Plus is a subscription service that eliminates delivery fees on orders over $35 and drastically reduces service fees. If you’re placing grocery orders multiple times a month, this service will pay for itself quickly.

Monthly vs. Annual Membership

Instacart Plus offers both monthly and annual membership options. While monthly is convenient if you’re testing the waters, the yearly plan gives you the most bang for your buck if you’re a frequent shopper.

• Monthly Plan: $9.99/month
• Annual Plan: $99/year (saves you almost $20 compared to paying monthly)

Pro Tip: Calculate how often you order groceries. Instacart Plus will easily cover its cost in delivery fee savings if you order at least twice a month.

3. Shop During Sales

Look for Seasonal Sales and Promotions

Instacart works with various retailers to promote seasonal sales and limited-time offers. You’ll often find holiday discounts or promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free” on popular grocery items. These deals are usually time-sensitive, so it pays to check the app during peak shopping periods like Black Friday, New Year’s, and back-to-school seasons.

Use the App’s Deals Tab

Instacart’s Deals Tab makes it easy to spot discounts. It consolidates current offers across all stores in your area, and regularly browsing this section can lead to severe savings on everyday items.

Pro Tip: Some retailers will match prices during sale events from their physical stores on Instacart. Keep an eye out for those match-up opportunities!

4. Maximize Cashback with Third-Party Apps

Sync Your Instacart Account with Cashback Apps

Why leave money on the table? Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fetch Rewards give you cashback on qualifying purchases. By starting your shopping session through a cashback app or uploading your receipt post-purchase, you’ll effectively get paid to shop.

Best Cashback Apps for Instacart Orders

Here are some of the top cashback apps you can use:

• Rakuten: Offers cashback on partnered stores (look for deals specifically on Instacart).
• Ibotta: Allows you to scan receipts for cashback on grocery items.
• Fetch Rewards: Earn points for every grocery purchase, redeemable for gift cards.

By stacking these cashback apps with regular Instacart coupons, you could enjoy an extra 5-15% savings.

5. Order with Friends or Family

Split Orders to Reach Free Delivery Minimums

One of the easiest ways to save on Instacart is to share your order with a friend, family member, or even your neighbor! Combining your orders can help you hit the $35 minimum for free delivery, even when your purchases fall short.

Bulk Buying Benefits

Buying in bulk helps you meet the free delivery minimum and lowers the cost per unit on many items. Everyone wins if you split items like toilet paper, bottled water, or pantry staples!

Fun Fact: Bulk items tend to have lower markup rates, so the more you buy, the better the price per item.

6. Compare Prices Across Stores

How to Compare Prices Easily on Instacart

Instacart allows you to shop from multiple stores in your area, and prices can vary wildly from store to store. Simply toggle between stores in the app to find the best price on essentials like milk, bread, and fresh produce. This can help you avoid paying more than you need to for the same item.

Which Stores Offer the Best Deals?

While it depends on location, stores like Costco and Walmart have the most competitive prices on bulk and staple items. On the other hand, smaller local markets may offer better deals on fresh produce. It’s always worth comparing!

7. Referral Codes for First-Time Shoppers

New to Instacart? Use a Referral Code!

If you’re new to Instacart, you can snag $10 to $15 off your first order using a referral code. This offer is especially significant if you’re just starting with the service. Plus, you can stack this offer with existing coupons for even more savings.

Share Your Referral Code

Once you’ve signed up, Instacart allows you to share your referral link with friends and family. Every time someone places their first order using your code, you’ll receive a credit for future orders. It’s like a win-win for both you and your friends!

8. Opt for Store Brands Over Name Brands

The Power of Store Brands

Switching to store brands instead of name brands is a tried-and-true savings hack. These products are often produced by the same manufacturers but sold under different labels, meaning you get the same quality for a fraction of the price. Look out for store-brand versions of pantry staples, snacks, cleaning products, and dairy items.

Store Brand Savings in Action

For example, why pay $4.99 for a big-name cereal when the store-brand version is only $2.49? Or $3.99 for branded peanut butter when you get the store’s label for $1 less? These little savings add up big time for a month.

9. Plan Your Orders Around Delivery Schedules

Avoid Peak Hours to Lower Delivery Fees

Instacart uses a demand-based pricing system, which means delivery fees can increase during busy periods, like evenings or weekends if you can, try to place your order during off-peak hours (think weekday mornings or afternoons) to avoid paying a premium for delivery.

Schedule Your Delivery in Advance

Another neat trick is to schedule your deliveries a few days ahead. You can choose a flexible delivery window that lets the shopper deliver at a less busy time, reducing your delivery fee. It’s like getting express service without paying the express price.

Pro Tip: Some regions offer reduced delivery fees for specific time slots, so always watch the available options.

10. Check Your Cart for Hidden Fees

Review Service Fees and Tipping

Before you hit that checkout button, review the service fees and tips. Instacart automatically applies a service fee, which varies by store, but you can adjust the tip at your discretion. Sometimes, the default tip is set higher than you’d like, so it’s worth reviewing it.

Reduce Fees by Choosing Pickup

Want to cut down on fees altogether? If your budget is tight, consider opting for pickup instead of delivery. Most stores on Instacart offer this option, and you’ll avoid all the delivery-related fees. You’ll still get the convenience of online shopping minus the extra costs.

11. Use EBT for Eligible Items

How EBT Works with Instacart

Did you know you can use your EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for specific Instacart orders? Not all stores accept EBT, but many larger retailers like Aldi and Walmart do. Simply link your EBT card to your account and shop for eligible items, including bread, milk, fruits, and veggies.

Combine EBT with Discounts

Even if you’re paying with EBT, you can apply coupons and use sales. This allows you to stretch those benefits further, getting more food for your buck.

12. Keep an Eye on “Instacart-Exclusive” Deals

Special Discounts Only Available on Instacart

Some retailers offer Instacart-exclusive discounts, meaning you won’t find the same prices in-store or on other online platforms. These deals are often displayed prominently within the app but can come and go quickly, so don’t hesitate to snag them while they’re live.

Example: Limited-Time BOGO Offers

A standard exclusive deal is the Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) offer on pantry items, snacks, or beverages. Keep your eyes peeled for these special promotions—they’re a great way to stock up and save big.

13. Use the Reorder Feature for Frequent Buys

Make Reordering a Breeze

If you have go-to items that you frequently buy—whether it’s a specific brand of milk, bread, or your favorite snack—Instacart’s reorder feature can save you time and money. When you reorder, you’ll see if your frequent items are on sale, making it easier to snag deals without sifting through every item again.

Bulk Orders of Frequently Used Products

Ordering in bulk also works wonders for regularly purchased products like paper towels, toilet paper, and canned goods. Instacart often discounts bulk items, allowing you to save money by buying in larger quantities.

Pro Tip: Set reminders in the app for certain products that are running low so you never run out of essentials!

14. Pay Attention to Weight-Based Items

Understand How Pricing Works for Per-Pound Items

When ordering fresh produce, meats, or seafood on Instacart, prices are often listed per pound, but shoppers may be unable to control exact quantities. This can lead to paying more (or less) than you expect.

How to Manage Weight-Based Orders

To stay within budget, you can leave a note for your shopper requesting a specific weight for items like bananas, chicken breasts, or deli meats. For example, mention that if you only need 2 lbs of chicken. This can prevent overspending and ensure you’re getting exactly what you need.

15. Track Prices Over Time for Better Deals

The Benefit of Tracking Prices

One lesser-known trick is tracking prices on frequently purchased items over time. While Instacart doesn’t have a built-in price tracking feature, you can quickly note the prices during each shopping session. Over time, you’ll spot trends, knowing when items go on sale and when it’s the best time to buy.

Use External Tools for Price Alerts

Third-party apps and tools can also help you monitor price drops. Setting up alerts can alert you when your favorite products are discounted, ensuring you never miss out on a great deal.

Estimated Savings Using Instacart Hacks

Hack	Potential Savings	Details
In-App Coupons	$5 – $15 per order	Using exclusive coupons found directly in the app.
Instacart Express Subscription	$10 – $20 per order	Waives delivery fees and reduces service fees on orders over $35.
Cashback Apps (Rakuten, Ibotta)	2% – 10% cashback per order	Earn cashback through third-party apps while shopping on Instacart.
Referral Code for New Users	$10 – $15 off first order	Use referral codes for discounts on first-time orders.
Comparing Prices Between Stores	$5 – $20 per order	Switching between stores can lead to savings on groceries and essentials.
Buying Store Brands	10% – 30% per item	Store brands are generally much cheaper than name brands.
Peak Hour Avoidance	$2 – $5 per delivery	Lower delivery fees by ordering during non-peak hours.
Group Orders	$5 – $10 per order	Save on fees by sharing orders with friends or family.
Scheduled Deliveries	$3 – $6 per order	Flexible delivery windows can reduce fees.
EBT Discounts	5% – 20% per eligible item	Eligible EBT items often come with extra savings combined with coupons.
Exclusive Instacart Deals	$10 – $25 per order	Take advantage of limited-time exclusive deals and offers.

Conclusion

Shopping on Instacart doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. With these 15 simple hacks, you can maximize your savings while enjoying the convenience of home-delivered groceries. From stacking coupons to leveraging cashback apps and taking advantage of exclusive deals, there’s no shortage of ways to cut down your bill. Ready to become an Instacart pro? Start applying these tips today and watch the savings add up!

For expert tips and exclusive deals, follow us at Dealhack – your go-to source for smart shopping and savings!

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