Instacart updating shopper rewards with perks including banking
Instacart will roll out new benefits for its shoppers including a debit card, business bank account and free membership in its paid subscription program.
During the next few months, the grocery technology company will be launching a number of updates to the resources and rewards it provides shoppers. The first two are an introduction of a shopper rewards card and business bank account and a refresh of its Cart Star shopper rewards program.
An overview of each new upcoming program follows:
Shopper rewards card and account
Beginning in October 2025, Instacart is introducing a new rewards card in partnership with workforce payments platform Branch which will include a Mastercard debit card and business bank account1 created specifically to support shoppers on the platform.
As part of these new perks, shoppers can choose to have their earnings automatically deposited to their Shopper Rewards Account after every batch fee-free, meaning they won’t have to wait for weekly direct deposits or pay any cashout fees.
They will also have access to more than 55,000 ATMs nationwide with no withdrawal fees for up to eight transactions per month.
Updating Cart Star
Starting July 1, 2025, Instacart is updating how shoppers earn and gain access to Cart Star tiers. Every qualifying shopper in the Cart Star program receives tailored rewards and offerings through third-party partners, as well as directly within the Instacart platform. To qualify for Cart Star, shoppers accumulate points based on the number of orders they fulfill.
[READ MORE: Instacart, Upside launch limited-time Cart Star benefit]
Now, shopping quality scores will play a key role in qualifying for tiers, alongside existing criteria of completed orders and customer rating. Instacart has also simplified advancement so shoppers will progress through tiers based on completed orders rather than earning points.
Higher tiers of Cart Star will also create access to greater rewards. All shoppers in Cart Star will receive priority access to batches, based on their tier — starting with Diamond Cart, then Platinum Cart, then Gold Cart. Diamond Cart shoppers will continue to have early access to batches before stores open.
As a new benefit, Diamond Cart shoppers will receive a complimentary membership in the Instacart+ paid subscription program, which offers $0 delivery fees on groceries and eligible restaurant orders that shoppers can share with their families. New rewards will begin rolling out on Oct. 1, 2025.
"We’re doubling down on our dedication to shopping excellence by empowering and rewarding shoppers who consistently deliver exceptional service to customers," said Daniel Danker, chief product officer at Instacart. "Instacart shoppers are shopping experts, and they balance efficiency, empathy, and skill to serve their communities every day. Through the Cart Star refresh and the new shopper rewards card, we’re recognizing and supporting their incredible work, while providing valuable resources to help shoppers thrive both on and off the platform."
Based in San Francisco, Instacart partners with more than 1,800 national, regional, and local retail banners to facilitate online shopping, delivery and pickup services from nearly 100,000 stores across North America on the Instacart Marketplace.
