Why Did Instacart Charge Me $99? Unraveling the Mystery

That unexpected $99 charge from Instacart can be a real head-scratcher, leaving you wondering where your hard-earned money disappeared. The most likely reason for this charge is an annual Instacart+ membership. Instacart+ provides numerous benefits, including free delivery on orders over $35, reduced service fees, and credit back on eligible orders. However, if you don’t remember signing up, it’s understandable why you’d be surprised.

Decoding the $99 Instacart Charge: Instacart+ Explained

Instacart operates on a tiered system. You can use the service and pay individual delivery and service fees per order, or you can opt for the convenience and cost savings of Instacart+. Understanding how Instacart+ works is crucial to comprehending that $99 debit.

What is Instacart+?

Think of Instacart+ as Instacart’s premium subscription service. For a yearly fee of $99 (or a monthly fee, which could also be the root of a recurring charge), you unlock a range of benefits designed to enhance your Instacart experience and, more importantly, save you money if you’re a frequent user. These benefits typically include:

• Free Delivery: This is the big one! Instacart+ members enjoy free delivery on orders over $35. This can quickly add up if you’re ordering groceries multiple times a month.
• Reduced Service Fees: Instacart charges service fees on top of delivery fees. Instacart+ members often see significantly lower service fees, further reducing the overall cost of each order.
• Credit Back on Eligible Orders: Occasionally, Instacart offers special promotions for Instacart+ members, such as earning a percentage back on specific purchases.
• Priority Access: In some areas, Instacart+ members may receive priority access to shoppers, meaning your order might get fulfilled faster.

How Did I Get Charged If I Don’t Remember Signing Up?

This is the million-dollar question. Here are several possibilities:

1. Free Trial Auto-Renewal: Instacart frequently offers free trials of Instacart+. Many users sign up for the trial to test the waters but forget to cancel before the trial period ends. Once the trial expires, you’re automatically billed for the annual or monthly membership. Always mark your calendar when you sign up for a free trial!
2. Accidental Sign-Up: During the checkout process, Instacart often presents Instacart+ as an appealing option. It’s possible you accidentally clicked on the sign-up button without realizing it, especially on a mobile device where buttons are close together.
3. Shared Account: Do you share an Instacart account with a family member or roommate? It’s possible someone else on the account subscribed to Instacart+ without informing you.
4. Hidden in a Promotion: Sometimes, Instacart includes an Instacart+ trial as part of a larger promotion. You might have signed up for the promotion without fully understanding the terms and conditions, which included an Instacart+ trial. Read the fine print!
5. Previously Canceled Membership Reactivation: If you previously had an Instacart+ membership and canceled it, it’s possible a glitch reactivated your account, or you inadvertently reactivated it yourself while browsing the app.

How to Verify If You Have Instacart+ and Cancel

1. Open the Instacart app or website.
2. Go to your Account settings. Look for a profile icon or a menu option labeled “Account.”
3. Find the “Instacart+” section. This might be labeled “Instacart Express” or “Membership.”
4. Check your membership status. This section will clearly indicate whether you have an active Instacart+ membership and the renewal date.
5. To cancel: If you want to cancel, there should be a clear cancellation option within the Instacart+ section. Follow the instructions to cancel your membership. Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Instacart Charges

Here are some of the most common questions users have about Instacart charges, beyond just the $99 Instacart+ fee:

1. Why is my Instacart order more expensive than in the store?

Instacart prices are often higher than in-store prices. This is because Instacart is a separate service that charges a markup on products to cover its operational costs and pay its shoppers. Prices can also fluctuate based on demand and availability.

2. What are Instacart’s delivery fees?

Delivery fees vary depending on several factors, including the store, your location, the time of day, and the size of your order. Instacart+ members generally receive free delivery on orders over $35. Non-members pay a delivery fee that can range from $3.99 to $7.99 or more.

3. What are Instacart’s service fees?

Service fees are additional charges that Instacart adds to each order. These fees help cover the costs of running the platform and providing customer support. Service fees can vary, but Instacart+ members usually pay significantly less.

4. What is a “Heavy Fee” on Instacart?

If your order contains heavy items, such as cases of water, large bags of pet food, or bulk items, Instacart may charge a “Heavy Fee.” This fee compensates shoppers for the extra effort required to lift and transport these items.

5. Can I tip my Instacart shopper? How much should I tip?

Yes, tipping your Instacart shopper is highly encouraged! Shoppers rely on tips to supplement their income. A standard tip is 15-20% of the order total, but you can adjust the tip based on the quality of service you receive. You can also tip after delivery.

6. How does Instacart handle item replacements and refunds?

If an item is out of stock, your shopper will usually contact you to suggest a replacement. You can approve the replacement, request a different item, or ask for a refund. If you’re not satisfied with a replacement, you can request a refund through the Instacart app or website.

7. What if I’m missing items from my Instacart order?

If you’re missing items, report it to Instacart customer support immediately through the app or website. They will investigate the issue and issue a refund for the missing items. Take a photo of your delivered groceries before unpacking them as proof.

8. How do I contact Instacart customer support?

You can contact Instacart customer support through the Instacart app or website. Look for a “Help” or “Support” section. You can typically reach them via chat, email, or phone.

9. Can I use coupons on Instacart?

Yes, Instacart often offers digital coupons that you can clip and apply to your orders. These coupons can save you money on specific products.

10. What payment methods does Instacart accept?

Instacart accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay.

11. Can I cancel my Instacart order?

You can usually cancel your Instacart order, but the cancellation policy depends on how far along the shopper is in the process. If the shopper hasn’t started shopping yet, you can typically cancel without penalty. If the shopper has already started shopping, you may be charged a cancellation fee.

12. What happens if my Instacart order is damaged?

If your order arrives damaged, contact Instacart customer support immediately. Provide photos of the damaged items and packaging. They will typically issue a refund or offer a replacement.

By understanding Instacart’s pricing structure, membership options, and policies, you can avoid surprises and ensure a smooth and enjoyable grocery shopping experience. And remember, always double-check those free trial terms and conditions!