Why Is Instacart Charging Me $99? Unraveling the Mystery

That surprise $99 charge from Instacart can be a real head-scratcher, leaving you wondering where it came from. More often than not, this charge indicates the renewal of your Instacart+ membership (formerly known as Instacart Express). Let’s dive deep into why you’re seeing that charge and how to manage your Instacart subscription like a pro.

Decoding the $99 Instacart Charge: It’s Likely Instacart+

The most common reason for the unexpected $99 charge is the annual renewal of your Instacart+ membership. This premium subscription service offers a variety of benefits designed to save you money and time on your grocery orders. However, the annual fee auto-renews unless you’ve specifically cancelled the subscription beforehand.

Understanding Instacart+ Benefits

Before you jump to cancel, consider what you get with Instacart+. The key benefits include:

• Free delivery on orders over $35 (service fees still apply).
• Reduced service fees.
• Credits back on eligible orders.
• Exclusive access to certain promotions and member-only perks.

Weigh these benefits against your typical Instacart usage. If you order frequently and spend a significant amount, the annual fee could easily pay for itself through saved delivery and service fees.

How to Confirm if It’s Instacart+ Renewal

1. Check Your Email: Instacart usually sends a renewal notification email a few days before charging your card. Search your inbox for emails from Instacart mentioning renewal or Instacart+.
2. Review Your Instacart Account: Log in to your Instacart account on the website or app. Navigate to your account settings and look for the “Instacart+” or “Membership” section. This will show you your membership status, renewal date, and payment method.
3. Contact Instacart Support: If you’re still unsure, reach out to Instacart’s customer support. They can quickly confirm whether the charge is for Instacart+ and provide details about your membership.

Beyond Instacart+: Other Possible Explanations

While Instacart+ renewal is the primary culprit, there are a few less common, but still possible, reasons for a $99 charge:

• Accidental Sign-Up: In rare cases, a user might accidentally sign up for Instacart+ during the checkout process without fully realizing it.
• Unrecognized Charge: Double-check the charge details on your credit card statement. Ensure it genuinely comes from Instacart and not a fraudulent source masquerading as them.
• Billing Errors: Although rare, billing errors can occur. Contacting Instacart support can help resolve such issues.

How to Prevent Future Surprises

The best way to avoid unexpected charges is to be proactive with your Instacart account:

• Set a Calendar Reminder: Mark your Instacart+ renewal date on your calendar to give yourself ample time to decide whether to renew.
• Regularly Review Your Account: Periodically check your Instacart account settings to verify your membership status, payment information, and any upcoming charges.
• Read the Fine Print: Always carefully review the terms and conditions before signing up for any subscription service.

Instacart+ and the Competitive Landscape

Instacart+ isn’t the only game in town when it comes to grocery delivery subscriptions. Services like Walmart+ and Amazon Prime (which includes grocery delivery options) offer similar benefits. Consider comparing these alternatives to see which best suits your needs and budget. Each service has its own pricing structure, delivery areas, and perks, so doing your homework can save you money in the long run.

Making the Right Decision

Ultimately, the value of Instacart+ depends on your individual shopping habits and needs. If you’re a frequent Instacart user who values convenience and savings, the membership can be a worthwhile investment. However, if you only use the service occasionally, you might be better off paying the standard delivery fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Instacart Charges

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Instacart charges and membership options:

1. How do I cancel my Instacart+ membership?

You can cancel your Instacart+ membership through your account settings on the Instacart website or app. Go to the “Instacart+” section and follow the cancellation instructions. Make sure to cancel before your renewal date to avoid being charged.

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

If you cancel your Instacart+ membership, you’ll continue to receive benefits until the end of your current billing cycle. You will not receive a pro-rated refund for the remaining time.

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

Unfortunately, Instacart does not currently offer the option to pause your Instacart+ membership. Your only options are to continue the membership or cancel it.

4. What are the standard Instacart fees if I don’t have Instacart+?

Without Instacart+, you’ll typically pay delivery fees (which vary based on order size, delivery time, and retailer), service fees (a percentage of your order subtotal), and potential peak hour surcharges.

5. How does Instacart’s service fee work?

The service fee helps cover Instacart’s operational costs and is a percentage of your order subtotal. This fee is separate from the delivery fee and is applied to all orders, regardless of whether you have Instacart+ or not, although Instacart+ members often receive a reduced service fee.

6. Why is my Instacart order total higher than expected?

Several factors can contribute to a higher-than-expected total:

• Weight Adjustments: Groceries sold by weight (like produce and meat) might have slight variations between the estimated weight and the actual weight.
• Out-of-Stock Items: If an item is out of stock, the shopper might substitute it with a more expensive alternative (with your approval).
• Delivery and Service Fees: Don’t forget to factor in these fees, which can significantly increase the total.
• Tipping: The tip you provide to your shopper also adds to the final cost.

7. Can I use coupons on Instacart?

Yes, Instacart accepts both digital and physical coupons. Digital coupons are automatically applied to eligible items, while you can provide physical coupons to your shopper at the time of delivery, and they will adjust the final bill accordingly.

8. What payment methods does Instacart accept?

Instacart generally accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and gift cards. You can add and manage your payment methods in your account settings.

9. How do I contact Instacart customer support?

You can contact Instacart customer support through the Instacart website or app. Look for the “Help” or “Support” section, where you can find FAQs, chat with a representative, or submit a support ticket.

10. Is Instacart+ worth it for occasional users?

For occasional users, the cost of Instacart+ might not justify the benefits. If you only order a few times a month, paying the standard delivery and service fees might be more cost-effective.

11. Can I share my Instacart+ membership with family members?

Currently, Instacart+ memberships are designed for individual use and cannot be directly shared with family members.

12. How can I track my Instacart order?

Once your order is placed, you can track its progress in real-time through the Instacart app. You’ll receive updates on when your shopper starts shopping, when they’re on their way, and when they arrive at your door.