What You Need to Start Shopping for Instacart

Instacart hires independent contractors to shop for groceries and deliver them to customers. To start, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and pass a background check. You'll also need a smartphone with the Instacart Shopper app, reliable transportation (a car, bike, or scooter depending on your area), and a bank account for direct deposit of your earnings.

The background check includes a review of your criminal history and driving record if you're using a vehicle. Instacart uses a third-party screening company to run this check, which typically takes three to five business days. If you have a recent felony or serious traffic violation, you may be denied. Once approved, you can start accepting orders in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older, pass a background check, and have a smartphone and valid transportation to work as an Instacart Shopper.
  • The sign-up process happens entirely online through the Instacart website, and approval usually takes one to two weeks from start to finish.
  • You choose when and how often you work by selecting available shifts or accepting orders as they appear, with no minimum hours required.
  • Instacart pays you through direct deposit based on batch earnings, tips, and occasional promotions, with payment issued weekly.
  • You are responsible for your own vehicle maintenance, gas, phone plan, and any taxes owed as a self-employed contractor.

The Online Sign-Up Process

Go to the Instacart Shoppers website and click the sign-up button. You'll enter your email, create a password, and provide your full name, date of birth, phone number, and address. Instacart will ask for your Social Security number at this stage to verify your identity and run the background check.

Next, you'll upload a photo of your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a recent photo of yourself. Make sure both images are clear and well-lit. You'll also confirm your bank account details for direct deposit—Instacart needs your routing number and account number.

After you submit this information, Instacart sends it to a background screening company. You'll receive an email within a few days telling you whether you've been approved, denied, or need to provide additional information. If approved, you can read the Instacart Shopper app and log in to see available work in your area.

How Shifts and Orders Work

Instacart offers two ways to find work: scheduled shifts and on-demand orders. In some areas, you can reserve shifts in advance through the app—these are time blocks (usually two to four hours) when you commit to being available. In other areas, you accept individual orders as they appear in real time. You can switch between both methods depending on what's available in your region.

When you accept a shift or order, the app shows you the customer's shopping list, the store location, and the delivery address. You go to the store, shop for the items, and then deliver them to the customer. Most orders take 45 minutes to two hours from start to finish, though this varies based on list size and distance.

You have no minimum number of hours or orders you must complete. You can work one shift a week or ten—the choice is yours. However, if you reserve a shift and don't show up, Instacart may lower your priority for future shifts.

Understanding Your Pay and Earnings

Instacart pays you per batch, not per hour. A batch is one or more orders you complete in a single trip. Your earnings come from three sources: base pay (set by Instacart based on order complexity and distance), customer tips, and occasional promotions or bonuses.

Base pay typically ranges from $7 to $25 per batch depending on the number of items, distance to the store, and distance to the delivery address. Tips are added by customers after delivery and can range from nothing to $20 or more. Instacart also runs periodic promotions—for example, "complete five batches this week and earn an extra $25"—which vary by location and season.

You receive payment every week via direct deposit, usually on Wednesday or Thursday. Instacart sends you a weekly earnings statement showing each batch, the base pay, tips, and any bonuses. You can view this in the app under your account.

What Costs Come Out of Your Pocket

As an independent contractor, you cover all your own expenses. This includes gas or transportation costs, vehicle maintenance and insurance, your phone plan and data, and any parking fees. These costs reduce your actual take-home earnings and are tax-deductible if you file taxes as self-employed.

You are also responsible for paying self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare), which are not withheld from your Instacart pay. At the end of the year, you'll owe taxes on your net earnings. Many shoppers set aside 25 to 30 percent of their weekly earnings to cover taxes and expenses. Instacart will send you a 1099-NEC form in January if you earned $600 or more in the previous year.

Requirements for Your Vehicle and Smartphone

Your vehicle must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance. Instacart does not require a specific make or model, but your car must pass a basic safety inspection during onboarding. If you use a bike or scooter, you'll be limited to orders in a smaller delivery radius, typically within two to three miles of the store.

Your smartphone must run either iOS (iPhone) or Android and have enough storage to read the Instacart Shopper app. The app uses GPS, so you'll need reliable data service throughout your shift. A phone with a cracked screen or poor battery life can make the job difficult, since you're using it to navigate, scan items, and communicate with customers.

What Happens After You're Approved

Once your background check clears, you can log into the Instacart Shopper app and see available work. In your first week, you may see fewer orders than experienced shoppers—Instacart prioritizes shifts and orders based on your rating and reliability. As you complete orders and build positive customer ratings, you'll see more opportunities.

You'll also receive a welcome email with links to training materials, including videos on how to shop efficiently, how to handle customer issues, and how to stay safe. Reading these materials before your first shift helps you avoid common mistakes and understand Instacart's policies on refunds, replacements, and customer communication.

If a customer reports a problem—missing items, damaged groceries, or late delivery—Instacart may investigate and adjust your rating. Maintaining a rating of 4.6 stars or higher keeps you in good standing and ensures you continue seeing orders regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the background check take?

The background check usually takes three to five business days. Once approved, you can start working within one to two weeks. If Instacart needs more information, they'll email you and the timeline may extend.

Can I work in multiple cities or states?

You can work in any city where Instacart operates, but you must be physically present to accept orders there. You cannot work remotely or accept orders from a distance. If you move, you can update your address in the app and start working in your new location.

What if I have a low rating or get deactivated?

If your rating drops below 4.6 stars, Instacart may reduce the number of orders sent to you. If you're deactivated (usually for policy violations, safety concerns, or fraud), you lose access to the app and cannot work. Instacart's deactivation policy is final and rarely reversed.

Do I need a commercial driver's license or special insurance?

No, a standard driver's license is sufficient. However, your personal auto insurance may not cover you while working for Instacart. Check with your insurance company—some policies exclude gig work, and you may need to add a commercial rider or switch to a gig-friendly policy.

Can I refuse orders or take breaks?

Yes. You can decline any order or shift without penalty. If you're not feeling well or need time off, straightforward don't accept work. However, if you reserve a shift and don't show up, Instacart may lower your priority for future shifts.