Merchants · Instacart
Does Instacart count as groceries for credit card rewards?
· Category rules checked against issuer terms
Usually yes. Instacart orders are reported to post as groceries with issuers like American Express, Chase and Capital One, although the exact merchant code isn't published. Membership fees are treated differently.
- Grocery on Amex, Chase and Capital One cards (reported)
- Online grocery on Chase cards, where the delivery service classifies as grocery
- Chase online grocery for Instacart+ membership fees
- The Prime Visa's Whole Foods rate on Whole Foods items ordered through Instacart
How Instacart is coded
Instacart is a delivery service, so its code is set by Instacart and its processor, not by the store you order from. Cardholders and reviewers report that orders post as groceries. Whether ordering from a warehouse club or superstore through Instacart changes that isn't confirmed.
| MCC | Category | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| 5411 | Grocery Stores, Supermarkets | Grocery delivery orders (commonly reported; not published by Instacart or the networks) |
| — | Instacart+ membership, restaurant orders | Not published |
How card issuers treat it
- Chase. Online grocery covers "grocery pickup and delivery that are placed online with grocery stores" and delivery services that classify as grocery. Membership and subscription fees and gift cards are excluded.
- Chase. Instacart's own card, the Instacart Mastercard, pays 5% on the first $6,000 a year of Instacart purchases, including memberships, then 1%.
- Chase. The Prime Visa excludes Whole Foods products bought through Instacart from its Whole Foods rate.
- American Express and Capital One. Instacart is reported to earn grocery rewards on cards like the Amex Gold and Capital One Savor. Neither issuer names Instacart in its terms.
Getting the most from Instacart purchases
- Use your grocery or online grocery card, then confirm on your statement how the first order posted.
- Pay the Instacart+ membership with a different card if your grocery card excludes subscriptions.
- Look at how a recent purchase posted on your statement or in your card app. That shows the category your issuer actually assigned.
Common questions
Does Instacart count as groceries on the Amex Gold Card?
It's reported to, yes. American Express doesn't name Instacart in its terms, so check how your first order posts.
Does Instacart count as online grocery for Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Generally yes. Chase's online grocery category includes delivery services that classify as grocery, but excludes membership fees.
Does Instacart Costco count as groceries?
It isn't confirmed. Instacart sets its own merchant code, but we couldn't verify how orders from warehouse clubs post. Check your statement.