As grocery delivery services continue to evolve, choosing between Instacart and Shipt can significantly impact your shopping experience and budget.
Instacart vs Shipt: Complete Comparison Guide (2025)
This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which service better suits your needs while saving money on groceries.
Delivery Fees & Membership Costs
Instacart Costs:
- Instacart+ membership: $99/year or $9.99/month
- Delivery fees (non-members): $3.99-$7.99 per order
- Service fee: 5% of order total
- Heavy fee: Additional $2-$10 for heavy items
Shipt Costs:
- Membership: $99/year or $10.99/month
- Per-order delivery (non-members): $10
- Service fee: $7 per order
- No separate heavy item fees
Store Availability
Instacart partners with over 750 retailers including:
- Costco (no membership required)
- Kroger
- Aldi
- CVS
- Walmart (select locations)
Shipt's partnerships include:
- Target (owned by Target)
- Meijer
- H-E-B
- Harris Teeter
- Petco
User Experience Comparison
Instacart Advantages:
- More intuitive app interface
- Real-time tracking
- Better item replacement options
- Group cart feature for families
Shipt Advantages:
- More personalized shopper relationships
- Better communication system
- Ability to schedule recurring orders
- Target same-day delivery integration
Pricing and Money-Saving Features
Both services offer various ways to save money. For the best deals, check out our guide on finding the cheapest food delivery apps. You can also explore grocery price tracking apps to maximize your savings.
Instacart Savings:
- Digital coupons
- Store loyalty program integration
- Weekly deals section
- Chase credit card benefits (extra cashback)
Shipt Savings:
- Target RedCard 5% discount
- Special member promotions
- Bundle ordering discounts
- Target Circle integration
Service Coverage
Instacart serves 5,500+ cities across the US and Canada, while Shipt operates in 5,000+ cities primarily in the United States. Check their websites for specific location availability.
Final Words
Choose Instacart if you want more store options, flexible delivery timing, and don't mind paying slightly higher fees for convenience. Opt for Shipt if you frequently shop at Target, prefer building relationships with shoppers, and want a more personalized experience. Both services offer excellent grocery delivery solutions, but your choice might depend on store availability in your area and specific shopping needs.
For additional ways to reduce your grocery expenses, consider combining these services with other RetailMeNot deals, exploring Rakuten cashback offers, or checking Ibotta for additional savings.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Instacart vs Shipt
Which is cheaper: Instacart or Shipt?
Generally, Shipt tends to have lower overall fees, with a flat $7 service fee compared to Instacart's percentage-based fee (5% of order total). However, Instacart often has more promotional offers and store-specific deals. Both services cost $99/year for membership, but pricing can vary based on your location and shopping habits.
Can I use both Instacart and Shipt without a membership?
Yes, both services allow non-member orders. Instacart charges $3.99-$7.99 per delivery for non-members, while Shipt charges $10 per delivery. However, if you order frequently (more than twice a month), a membership usually pays for itself through saved delivery fees.
Which service has better customer service?
Shipt is often praised for better customer service due to its more personalized shopping experience and the ability to build relationships with preferred shoppers. However, Instacart has improved significantly in recent years and offers more immediate customer support options through their app.
Do I need a store membership to use Instacart or Shipt?
No, you don't need store memberships to use either service. However, some stores like Costco on Instacart may have slightly higher prices for non-members. Both services allow you to shop at membership-only stores without having a store membership.
