What you need to do to start shopping for Instacart

Instacart hires shoppers through an online process that takes about 10 minutes to complete. You'll need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a smartphone with the Instacart Shopper app installed. The company runs a background check, which typically takes three to five business days. Once approved, you can start accepting batches — the individual shopping trips customers request — within 24 hours.

Unlike some delivery platforms, Instacart doesn't require you to own a car. You shop in grocery stores on foot, pick items from shelves, and deliver them to customers. This means you can work in cities where you rely on public transit, though having a car makes larger orders easier to deliver.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older with a valid ID, Social Security number, and smartphone to explore through the Instacart website or app.
  • Background checks take three to five business days, and you can start accepting batches when ready after approval.
  • You choose when to work by opening the app and accepting available batches in your area — there are no shifts or minimum hours.
  • Instacart pays per batch (typically $7 to $25 depending on order size and complexity), plus you keep 100% of customer tips.
  • You'll need reliable transportation to stores and customers' homes, though a car is not strictly required in dense urban areas.

The process and background check process

Start by going to instacart.com/shopper or downloading the Instacart Shopper app and selecting "Sign Up." You'll enter your name, email, phone number, and address. The app will ask for your Social Security number and driver's license or state ID number — Instacart uses this information to run a background check through a third-party screening company.

The background check looks at criminal history, driving records (if you'll be delivering), and identity verification. Most people hear back within three to five business days. If you have a criminal record, Instacart's policy varies by state and offense type — the company reviews cases individually, so rejection isn't automatic. If you're denied, you can contact Instacart support to ask about the specific reason.

Once approved, you'll receive an email confirmation. You can then log into the Shopper app, complete your profile (adding a profile photo and confirming your address), and start browsing available batches in your area.

Understanding how batches work and payment

A batch is a single shopping trip. It includes one or more customer orders, the store location, and the delivery address. When you open the Shopper app, you see available batches nearby with the estimated pay, number of items, and number of deliveries. You choose which batches to accept — there's no requirement to take any particular batch or to work a set number of hours.

Instacart pays you per batch, not per hour. The base pay typically ranges from $7 to $25 depending on the batch size, complexity, and distance to the delivery address. A small order from one store to one nearby address might pay $7 to $10. A large order with multiple deliveries or a long distance might pay $20 to $25 or more. You also keep 100% of customer tips, which are added to your batch pay. Many customers tip in the app after delivery, though some tip in cash.

You're paid weekly via direct deposit to the bank account you provide during signup. Instacart deducts taxes as an independent contractor — you'll receive a 1099 form at the end of the year, and you're responsible for setting aside money for self-employment tax.

What to bring and how to prepare for your first batch

For your first batch, bring your smartphone (fully charged), a form of government ID, and a way to carry groceries. Many shoppers use a backpack or reusable bags, especially for smaller orders. If you'll be taking larger batches, a car or access to one makes the work faster and easier — you can fit more items and deliver to multiple addresses without struggling with weight.

Before you accept your first batch, familiarize yourself with the Shopper app. It shows you the customer's list, the store location, and step-by-step navigation to find items. The app has a barcode scanner to confirm you've picked the right product. During checkout, you'll use your Instacart payment card (which the company mails to you before your first batch) to pay for the groceries. After delivery, you'll take a photo of the items at the customer's door and mark the batch complete in the app.

Instacart also provides a shopper support line if you get stuck — you can call or chat through the app if a customer has a special request, an item is out of stock, or you have a question about the batch.

Choosing your work schedule and managing availability

You control when you work entirely. Open the app whenever you want, and you'll see batches available in your area. Accept one, complete it, and then decide whether to take another or stop for the day. There are no shifts to sign up for, no minimum hours, and no penalty for taking time off. This flexibility is one of Instacart's main draws for shoppers who have other jobs or unpredictable schedules.

Batch availability varies by location and time of day. Urban areas typically have more batches available throughout the day. Suburban and rural areas may have fewer batches, especially during off-peak hours. Peak times — early morning, lunch hours, and early evening — usually have more batches to choose from. If you're in a slower area, you might see only a few batches per day, so plan accordingly.

You can also set your availability in the app to let Instacart know when you're generally willing to work. This helps the algorithm show you batches during those windows, though you can still accept batches outside those hours if you want.

What happens if you get deactivated or have problems

Instacart can deactivate your account if you consistently receive poor customer ratings, miss deliveries, or violate the shopper agreement. Common reasons include delivering to the wrong address, not communicating with customers about substitutions, or being unavailable for a batch you accepted. If you're deactivated, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can appeal the decision through the app, and Instacart will review your case.

If you have a problem with a batch — a customer disputes a delivery, you're injured, or something goes wrong — contact Instacart support through the app when ready. Document what happened with photos or notes. Instacart has a process for resolving disputes, and support can help clarify what went wrong and whether it affects your standing.

To avoid problems, communicate clearly with customers about item substitutions (if something is out of stock), deliver to the exact address they provided, and take photos of deliveries as instructed. Most shoppers who follow these basics don't face issues.

Comparing Instacart to other delivery platforms

Instacart differs from DoorDash and similar services in a few key ways. You're shopping inside stores rather than picking up pre-made orders from restaurants. This means batches take longer — a typical batch might take 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish, depending on order size. The pay per batch is often lower than a restaurant delivery, but you're not waiting for food to be prepared, and you have more control over which items you select.

Instacart also doesn't require a car in the same way DoorDash does. Many Instacart shoppers in cities use public transit or walk to nearby stores. However, having a car makes the work more efficient and opens up batches in areas farther from your home.

If you're comparing platforms, consider what's available in your area. Some cities have strong Instacart demand, while others have more DoorDash or Uber Eats work. Many shoppers use multiple platforms to maximize earnings and have backup options when one platform is slow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car to work for Instacart?

No, but it helps. You can shop on foot and use public transit in dense urban areas with nearby grocery stores. A car makes larger batches easier and lets you take batches farther from home, so you'll earn more per hour if you have one.

How much can I earn per week?

This varies widely by location, time of day, and how many batches you accept. In busy urban areas, shoppers report earning $15 to $25 per hour including tips. In slower areas, it may be $10 to $15 per hour. Your actual earnings depend on batch availability and how efficiently you shop.

What if a customer isn't home when I deliver?

Follow the instructions in the app. Usually you'll leave the groceries in a safe place (porch, lobby, etc.), take a photo, and mark the batch complete. The app will guide you through the specific steps for that delivery address.

Can I return items if I buy the wrong thing?

Instacart covers the cost of items you purchase for batches, so you don't pay out of pocket. If you accidentally pick the wrong item, let support know and they'll handle it. Don't try to return items to the store yourself — Instacart manages all returns.

How long does it take to get approved after I explore?

The background check typically takes three to five business days. Once approved, you can start accepting batches within 24 hours. In some cases, approval is faster — you may hear back within one or two days.