Instacart
Grocery shop & deliver · Nationwide
Paid per batch plus tips. Heavy or large orders pay more.
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- Worker
- Contractor (1099)
- Vehicle
- Own car
- License
- Regular driver's license
- Min. age
- 18+
- Schedule
- Flexible / on-demand
- Home time
- Home every night
- Benefits
- None
- Paid
- Weekly; instant cash-out
- Tips
- Yes, 100% of tips
- You cover
- Gas, car costs, phone
- Upfront
- $0
Requirements to drive for Instacart
- Age 18+
- Car with insurance
- Able to lift 30–40 lbs
- Background check
Experience needed
None
Pros
- Tips on big orders can be generous
- Daytime work fits around school hours
Cons
- Shopping takes time you are not driving
- Heavy lifting, apartment stairs
Who it suits best
Organized shoppers who don't mind carrying groceries
Figures are typical reported ranges in U.S. dollars, reviewed September 2026. Pay and requirements change often and vary by location. Confirm with Instacart before applying. The Apply button may be an affiliate link.
Articles about Instacart
Rideshare & deliveryDoorDash Is Buying Instacart for $17 Billion: What It Means for Dashers and Shoppers
DoorDash agreed on October 29 to buy Instacart for about $17 billion. Nothing changes for drivers yet, and the deal may not close until 2028. Here's what's confirmed, what isn't, and what Dashers and Shoppers should do now.
Taxes & insuranceYear-End Tax Checklist for Gig Drivers: 1099-K vs 1099-NEC, the $20,000 Rule and What to Do Before December 31
Fewer drivers will get a 1099-K this year, but every dollar is still taxable. Here's which forms to expect in January, the deadlines that matter, and a checklist to finish 2026 without a tax-time surprise.
Rideshare & deliveryRecord Gas Prices and No More Relief Programs: How Gig Drivers Can Protect Their Pay This Fall
Gas set a September record of $4.33 a gallon, and the spring fuel relief from Uber, Lyft and DoorDash has ended. Here's what savings still exist and how to keep fuel from eating your profit.
Rideshare & deliveryDoorDash vs Uber Eats vs Instacart: The Best Delivery App for Beginners
Delivery apps are the easiest way to start driving for money. Here's how the big three compare, and which one to download first.
Taxes & insuranceThe 2026 IRS Mileage Rate Went Up Mid-Year: What Gig Drivers Need to Know
The business mileage rate is 72.5¢ for January–June and 76¢ for July–December 2026. Here's how to use both rates correctly.
Taxes & insurance“No Tax on Tips” Explained for Rideshare and Delivery Drivers
Drivers can deduct up to $25,000 of tips from federal income tax for 2025–2028. Who qualifies, what's excluded, and what you still owe.
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