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Instacart Gift Cards: Where to Buy and How to Use Them

Instacart is the delivery service that, while it existed before the COVID-19 pandemic, became even more useful as many people opted for delivery over going to the store. While it is mostly a grocery delivery service, Instacart also has other store options depending on where you live.

You can get deliveries from places such as CVS, PetSmart, and Bevmo. These places all have gift card options, so you may be wondering if Instacart has a gift card option as well. 

You can purchase Instacart gift cards through the Instacart website or other major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop. Instacart gift cards can be used throughout the entire Instacart website, meaning you can apply them to any store purchase as long as they deliver to your area. 

Whether the person you are buying the gift card lives close or far away, Instacart makes it easier to gift someone a card that can be applied to their needs across a variety of stores.

This article will walk you through details about Instacart gift cards, such as where you can buy and how to use them.

Where Can You Buy Instacart Gift Cards?

There are a few outlets where you can purchase Instacart gift cards, including major retailers. 

If your first thought is the Instacart website, you would be correct. The Instacart website allows you to purchase gift cards straight from the site.

They are currently only available digitally, so if you were considering getting a physical card to mail someone, it is unfortunately not possible just yet. 

To get an Instacart gift card through their page, you can visit the Instacart gift card page to purchase. Once you purchase the gift card, a confirmation will be sent to the email address you gave during checkout.

The person you bought the gift card for will also get notified about the gift card and receive instructions on how to redeem the card. 

There are also other retailers and shopping sites that have the option to purchase Instacart gift cards. Sites such as Amazon, Best Buy, and even GameStop give you the option to buy Instacart gift cards.

You can add it to your cart and purchase it at these retailers. The gift card will be delivered digitally. Similar to buying the card through the Instacart website, instructions will be sent to the recipient’s email once the gift card is purchased.

How to Use Instacart Gift Cards

There are two ways to use Instacart gift cards – on the website and the mobile app. 

In order to redeem the gift card on the website, you can follow these steps:

  1. If you have an Instacart account, sign in. If you don’t, you’ll need to create an Instacart account.
  2. Once you are logged in, you’ll see three horizontal in the top left-hand corner. Move your mouse to click there.
  3. Once there, you will see “Credits, promos, and gift cards.” Click.
  4. Click on the “Add promo or gift card” option.
  5. The gift card in your email will have a code attached. When you are in your account, enter that code. Afterward, click “Add to account.”

If you want to redeem your gift card on the Instacart website, the process is similar – with just fewer steps.

  1. If you have an Instacart account, sign in. If you don’t, then you’ll need to create one.
  2. Once you are logged in, click on “Account” in the top right-hand corner.
  3. Click on the “Add promo or gift card” option.
  4. The gift card in your email will have a code attached. When you are in your account, enter that code. Afterward, click “Continue.”

Do You Need to Have a Secondary Payment Method?

Yes, you usually do need to have a secondary payment method when you use an Instacart gift card – depending on how large your order is.

When you make an Instacart order, whether with a gift card or without, Instacart will put a temporary authorization hold on the payment method for a slightly higher amount than your order.

This is just in case there is an adjustment while shopping that results in a higher price.

Adjustments can occur for various reasons: special requests, added items, or the weights of items resulting in a higher price than predicted. 

When you place your order, you will need a secondary payment method if the authorization amount is higher than the gift card amount.

The difference will get charged to a credit or debit card on file. You will only get charged if the order amount exceeds the amount on your gift card. 

Can You Send Instacart Memberships Through Gift Cards?

Yes, you can send Instacart membership through gift cards. The gift card amount does not have to go solely to a grocery or story delivery. You can also use it for membership purposes. 

Standard Instacart membership is free. You can also get a free 14-day trial on Instacart Express membership. Express membership gives you free delivery on orders over $35 and other perks. 

When it comes to gift cards, you can gift express membership. The amount is as follows:

  • 3 months – $29
  • 6 months – $59
  • 1 year – $99

Instacart Express Membership gift cards are specific. You can’t send a set amount of money and have it applied anywhere; if you want it to go towards membership, it is specified. It can’t be used to cover tips, taxes, or any other items.

Can You Use Store Gift Cards on Instacart?

Unfortunately, you cannot use store gift cards on Instacart. Instacart is a third party and, therefore, cannot accept funds on behalf of the store. To use a store gift card, you will have to order through their own website or go into the store in person.

In addition to this, Instacart doesn’t accept prepaid cards, such as Visa gift cards. Also, you cannot place an order with a gift card to multiple retailers at one time. If you want to use your gift card, you need to place a new order through your account.

Do Instacart Gift Cards Expire?

No, Instacart gift cards do not expire. Once you receive a gift card, it will automatically get applied to the next order on your Instacart. This pattern will continue until the amount is used up.

Luckily, if it happens to be a while in between Instacart purchases, the gift card amount won’t go anywhere!

Even though Instacart gift cards never expire, we recommend redeeming your gift right away when you receive it. This way, you don’t take the risk of forgetting or losing the code you received to redeem it.

How to Check Your Instacart Gift Card Balance

Viewing your Instacart gift card balance is user-friendly. There are different steps for the mobile app and through the website.

For the mobile app:

  1. In the app, there are three horizontal lines in the top left-hand corner. Click on it.
  2. Click on the “Credits, promos, and gift cards” section.
  3. Check the “Gift card credit” section to see what your remaining balance is.

If you are checking your balance under the website:

  1. Go to the top right-hand corner after logging in where your name is, and click on it.
  2. Go to “Your Account.”
  3. Click on the “Credits, promos, and gift cards” section.
  4. Check the “Gift card credit” section to see what your remaining balance is.

Remember that gift card balances will automatically get applied to your next order until it has been used. 

Conclusion

Instacart gift cards are a great way to give someone a multi-use gift card. It can apply to many stores nearby and doesn’t limit them to one place. Purchasing, sending, and accessing Instacart gift cards is user-friendly. Whether you are gifting the card because you have not seen a loved one or for another reason, it is a great option to consider. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about shopping on Instacart, check out the related articles below

Related Articles:

Can You Choose Your Instacart Shopper?

Can You Use Instacart to Deliver to Someone Else? (Yes, Here’s How)

Instacart Refund: How Does It Work?

Walmart vs. Instacart: Which Is Better for Grocery Delivery?

Does Instacart Accept EBT? (Yes, Here’s Where)

About the Author

Joanna Smykowski is an attorney and marketing professional with over five years of experience writing for various industries, including food and drink. When she’s not working, you can find her traveling, reading, or dancing.

By Joanna Smykowski

November 10, 2022