This is the perfect no-nonsense partnership. Effectively every Chase card has a combined free trial of Instacart+ and a monthly credit. While I don’t love using delivery (or pickup) for orders in general, I’m all for it if it’s actually cheaper. This is.
Instacart+ is effectively a no-fee (really, reduced-fee) delivery. Typically it’s $99/year or $9.99/month. Instacart itself has all your typical grocers, convenience stores, even stores like Costco and Target for wider range of products. For highly occasional uses, Instacart+ is just another useless subscription. For folks who really value their time and don’t mind paying a bit more (typically the prices are marked up from actual store prices), it’s not a bad deal.
What’s a good deal, though, is free Instacart+. If you don’t use it, you didn’t miss anything. If you do, you save a few dollars on every delivery. Chase is offering Instacart+ on effectively all of their card co-branded (read: “partner cards” like United, Marriott) and Ink Small Business offerings. This previously extended to Branded Chase products too (Freedom, Reserve, etc.), but that was recently removed. What’s an even better deal is a discount on your purchases. This offer is made up of two components:
- Instacart + Membership – each card has a 3-month free membership (pro tip – if you complete the process multiple times for multiple cards, the expiration for Instacart+ stacks!)
- Recurring Instacart Purchase Credit – credit amount varies
- Co-Branded Cards offer $10/month in-app discount for linking and using (enrollment & information link) – United products offer some additional credit for a second transaction, as well as a discount on Instacart membership of 25-50%, too
- Ink (Small Business) offers $20/month in-app discount for linking and using (enrollment & information link)
My strategy here is simple:
Link all my cards to maximize the Instacart + membership length. If I’m feeling particularly lazy, or have a single item I need to purchase from the store, use Instacart, and take advantage of the free money they’re throwing my way. Keep the transaction as close to the free thresholds as possible, and tip that driver! Also scheduled delivery window saves $2 per order, too. Bank that $30/month discount.
So far it’s been great. I did two orders this month, and saved myself two trips to the store while also paying nominally for things I needed (can’t run out of TP!) Highly recommend. Good chance they’ll even sucker me in to purchasing non-discounted orders at some point, too.
Hope you’re able to take advantage yourself!
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