Instacart+, formerly known as Instacart Express, is a subscription service that offers users perks such as free delivery on orders over $35, reduced service fees, and exclusive promotions. But just like any membership, there may come a time when you decide it’s no longer the right fit for your shopping habits or budget. Whether you’re trying to cut back on expenses, no longer shop often enough through Instacart, or simply prefer another grocery delivery service, canceling Instacart+ is a fairly simple process—if you know where to look.
TL;DR
To cancel your Instacart+ (Express) subscription, head to your account settings, navigate to the Instacart+ section, and select the option to cancel your membership. Cancellation is effective at the end of your billing cycle, so you’ll retain your benefits until then. You can also cancel from the mobile app. Be sure to cancel before your renewal date to avoid being charged again. Customer support can assist if you face issues during cancellation.
What is Instacart+ and Why Would You Cancel It?
Instacart+ offers several benefits to frequent grocery delivery users. Paying either a monthly or annual fee gives users access to:
- Free deliveries on orders over $35
- Reduced service fees
- Exclusive promotions and offers
- Ability to share benefits with family members
Despite these perks, not everyone finds consistent value in the subscription. Common reasons for wanting to cancel include:
- Not ordering groceries often enough to justify the cost
- Switching to an alternative delivery service
- Unhappy with delivery quality or app functionality
- Reducing monthly expenses
Step-by-Step: Cancelling Instacart+ on Desktop
If you’ve decided to say goodbye to the subscription, here’s how to cancel Instacart+ using a web browser on your computer:
- Go to www.instacart.com and log into your account.
- Click on your name or profile picture in the top-right corner of the page.
- Select Account Settings from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to the Instacart+ tab on the left menu.
- Click on Manage Membership.
- Scroll down and choose Cancel Membership.
- Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation process.
You may be asked to provide feedback on why you’re leaving or be tempted with a discount to stay—feel free to skip or continue as you see fit.
Cancelling Through the Instacart App
Prefer to cancel on the go? Here’s how you can do it from your phone:
- Open the Instacart app on your iPhone or Android device.
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner to open the menu.
- Select Your Account Settings.
- Tap on Instacart+ to enter the membership settings.
- Choose Manage Membership and scroll down to find the Cancel option.
- Follow the cancellation steps as guided by the app.
In some cases, your app might need to be updated to access the latest settings. Make sure you’re using the most current version for smooth navigation.
Will You Be Charged After Cancelling?
Good news! If you cancel your Instacart+ subscription before your next billing cycle, you won’t be charged again. However, your benefits will continue until the end of the current billing period. So if you’ve paid for the month or year, you can still enjoy the perks until that time is up. Instacart does not generally offer refunds for any unused portion of your membership, unless there’s a billing error or extenuating circumstances.
How to Cancel a Free Trial
If you’re currently on a free trial of Instacart+, it’s even more important to be proactive. Trials typically last 14 days, and once expired, you’ll be automatically charged on the payment method linked to your account.
To cancel a trial:
- Follow the same desktop or app steps as above.
- Ensure you cancel before the trial ends to avoid being automatically rolled into a paid subscription.
- You’ll still retain benefits until the trial period concludes.
Instacart sends reminder emails before billing for the full membership, but it’s wise to set a calendar reminder or alert anyway.
Need Extra Help? Contact Customer Support
If you’re running into issues, such as not finding the cancel option or being charged after cancellation, it’s time to reach out to Instacart’s customer support. Here’s how:
- Visit the Instacart Help Center
- Use the live chat option, or
- Email support through the contact form for billing and subscription inquiries.
Be sure to have your account information handy and provide specific details if you’re disputing a charge. Often, customer service can offer refunds or accommodate special requests on a case-by-case basis.
What Happens to Shared Family Accounts?
If you’re sharing your Instacart+ membership with a family member through the Family Account feature, know that once you cancel, their benefits will end, too. As soon as the current billing cycle closes, both the primary and any shared accounts will lose access to waived delivery fees and other Instacart+ perks.
If someone else in your household still wants Instacart+, they’ll need to subscribe individually or take over the membership from their own account.
Considering Alternatives?
Thinking about jumping ship? You’ve got options. These are some alternatives to Instacart for grocery and home goods delivery:
- Amazon Fresh – Integrated with Prime, offers grocery delivery in select areas
- Shipt – Owned by Target and offers annual membership benefits similar to Instacart+
- Walmart+ – Includes groceries and general merchandise with free same-day delivery
- Local supermarket delivery services – Many chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods offer their own in-house delivery
Make sure to assess your shopping habits and compare fees, delivery zones, and product availability before committing to another subscription.
Can You Pause Instead of Cancel?
At this time, Instacart+ does not offer a pause option. It’s either all in or all out. If you want to stop for now but think you might come back, just cancel and resubscribe later—it’s a flexible setup.
Ready to Say Goodbye?
Cancelling a subscription like Instacart+ doesn’t have to be stressful. As long as you follow the right steps—either on desktop or mobile—you can easily discontinue the service. Make a note of your renewal date, ensure your account is in good standing, and don’t forget to explore alternatives that better suit your lifestyle and needs.
Whether you’re switching apps or simply changing your shopping habits, you’re in control of your delivery destiny. And remember, you can always resubscribe later if you change your mind. Happy shopping—and cancelling!