How to Cancel Instacart: A Shopper’s Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re thinking of parting ways with Instacart? Whether you’re moving on to other grocery delivery services, finding that you prefer the in-store experience, or simply cutting costs, understanding how to cancel your Instacart account is crucial. The good news is that the process is relatively straightforward. You can cancel your Instacart subscription by navigating to your Account Settings within the Instacart app or on the Instacart website. From there, look for the “Instacart+” membership” section and follow the prompts to cancel your membership. Remember to do this before your next billing cycle to avoid being charged. You can cancel at any time and still enjoy the benefits up to the end of your paid period. Now, let’s dive into the nuances and answer some common questions you might have.

Understanding Instacart Cancellation Options

Before we get into the nitty-gritty steps, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re cancelling and what impact it has. You might be using Instacart in one of two ways: either as a regular customer who pays per order, or as an Instacart+ member (formerly known as Instacart Express) who pays a subscription fee for benefits like free delivery on orders over a certain amount. Cancelling your Instacart account entirely is different from cancelling your Instacart+ membership.

Cancelling Your Instacart+ Membership

If you’re only interested in stopping the recurring subscription charges, you want to cancel your Instacart+ membership. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your account: Access your Instacart account either through the Instacart app on your mobile device or via the Instacart website on your computer.

2. Navigate to Account Settings: Look for the “Account” icon or link. This is usually found in the bottom right corner of the app or at the top right of the website.

3. Find the Instacart+ Membership section: Within your Account Settings, locate the section labeled “Instacart+ membership” (or similar wording).

4. Initiate Cancellation: You should see an option to “Cancel Membership” or “End Membership.” Click on this.

5. Follow the prompts: Instacart might try to retain you by offering incentives or asking for feedback. Simply continue through the cancellation process, confirming your decision.

6. Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation email or see a message on the screen confirming that your Instacart+ membership has been cancelled. Make sure to keep this for your records.

Deleting Your Instacart Account

Deleting your Instacart account entirely means removing all your personal information from their system. This is a more permanent action. Deleting your account requires contacting Instacart support directly, as there is no self-service option to fully delete your account.

1. Contact Instacart Support: The best way to initiate account deletion is to contact Instacart’s customer support through the app or website.

2. Explain your request: Clearly state that you want to delete your account and all associated data.

3. Verification: Instacart may ask you to verify your identity to ensure the request is legitimate.

4. Confirmation: Once the deletion is complete, you should receive a confirmation from Instacart. Be aware that it may take some time for all your data to be completely removed from their systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Instacart Cancellation

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the Instacart cancellation process and understand the implications:

1. Can I cancel Instacart+ at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your Instacart+ membership at any time. Your access to the benefits will continue until the end of your current billing cycle. You will not receive a prorated refund for the remaining time.

2. Will I get a refund if I cancel Instacart+?

Generally, no. Instacart does not offer prorated refunds for cancellations made mid-billing cycle. You’ll retain access to Instacart+ benefits until the end of the paid period.

3. What happens to my saved information when I cancel my Instacart account?

When you delete your Instacart account, all associated data, including your payment information, addresses, order history, and personal details, should be removed from Instacart’s systems.

4. How do I cancel an Instacart order that I’ve already placed?

The ability to cancel an order depends on its status. If the shopper hasn’t started shopping, you can usually cancel it through the app or website. Go to the “Your Orders” section and find the order you want to cancel. There will be a “Cancel Order” button if cancellation is possible. If the shopper has already started, you may need to contact Instacart support for assistance, and cancellation might not be guaranteed.

5. Is there a cancellation fee for cancelling an Instacart order?

It depends. If you cancel before the shopper begins shopping, there usually isn’t a fee. However, if the shopper has already started, you may be charged a cancellation fee to compensate them for their time and effort.

6. Can I reactivate my Instacart account if I cancel it?

Reactivating an Instacart+ membership is straightforward. You can simply re-subscribe through the app or website. However, if you have fully deleted your Instacart account, you will need to create a new account with a new email address and password.

7. How long does it take for my Instacart account to be fully deleted?

The time it takes for Instacart to fully delete your account can vary. It could take a few days or even weeks. You should receive a confirmation once the process is complete.

8. Will I lose my ratings and reviews if I cancel my Instacart account?

Yes, if you completely delete your Instacart account, you will lose your ratings, reviews, and order history. This information is tied to your account and cannot be transferred.

9. Can I pause my Instacart+ membership instead of cancelling?

Instacart does not offer a pause feature for Instacart+ memberships. If you don’t want to be charged, you need to cancel your membership.

10. What if I’m having trouble cancelling my Instacart+ membership online?

If you encounter issues cancelling online, contact Instacart Support directly. They can assist you with the cancellation process.

11. Can I use the Instacart app after cancelling my Instacart+ membership?

Yes, you can still use the Instacart app to place individual orders even after cancelling your Instacart+ membership. You will simply pay the standard fees for each order, including delivery fees and service fees.

12. Will cancelling Instacart affect my shopper account (if I’m also a shopper)?

No, cancelling your customer account or Instacart+ membership will not affect your shopper account. These are separate accounts within the Instacart system. Your ability to shop for Instacart will remain unaffected.

Final Thoughts

Cancelling your Instacart subscription or deleting your account is a relatively simple process, but understanding the nuances ensures a smooth experience. Remember to cancel before your next billing date to avoid unwanted charges, and contact Instacart support directly if you encounter any difficulties or wish to fully delete your account. By following the steps outlined above and understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions, you can confidently manage your Instacart account according to your needs.