Guides · Updated October 27, 2026 · 7 min read

How do you become an Instacart shopper in 2026?

To become an Instacart shopper in 2026, you must be at least 18, be legally eligible to work in the US, be able to lift 40 lb, and have a smartphone that runs the Instacart Shopper app; full-service shoppers also need regular access to a reliable car. You create an account at shoppers.instacart.com, finish sign-up in the Shopper app with your driver's license details, Social Security number and bank account for direct deposit, and pass a criminal and motor vehicle record background check run by a third party such as Checkr. Instacart says new shoppers usually get their payment card in the mail 5 to 7 business days after signing up.

The official requirements

Instacart's shopper site lists these requirements for the US:

Be at least 18 years old.
Be eligible to work in the US.
Have a bank account (for direct deposit).
Have consistent access to a vehicle and a recent smartphone (the vehicle applies to full-service shoppers).
Be able to lift 40 lb, with or without accommodation.

You do not need prior work or grocery experience; Instacart's FAQ says so directly.

Full-service shopper or in-store shopper?

Instacart offers two roles. They have different pay, schedules and requirements.

Role	Full-service shopper	In-store shopper
Status	Independent contractor	Instacart employee
What you do	Shop the order and deliver it to the customer's door	Pick orders inside one partner store and stage them for pickup or delivery
Car needed	Yes	No
Schedule	You choose when, where and how much you work	Scheduled shifts, up to 29 hours per week
Pay	Per batch, plus 100% of customer tips and promotions	Hourly wage set in the offer letter
Taxes	No withholding; you pay self-employment tax	Taxes withheld from your paycheck as an employee

In-store roles are only open where Instacart has partner stores hiring, so you may not see that option in your area. Most of this site is about full-service shopping.

Sign-up steps

Create an account at shoppers.instacart.com and choose your role.
Download the Instacart Shopper app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and finish sign-up there.
Enter your documents: driver's license details (for contact and identity), Social Security number, and bank account information for direct deposit.
Consent to the background check. Instacart says prospective shoppers must complete and pass criminal and motor vehicle record checks from third-party partners, including Checkr. Instacart also verifies age, license and Social Security number, and uses a selfie and photo check against your license.
Wait for approval and your payment card. Instacart says the card usually arrives by mail 5 to 7 business days after sign-up.
Activate the card in the Shopper app and pick up your first batch.

How long does the background check take?

Instacart does not publish a fixed time. Shoppers commonly report that checks clear within a few days to about a week, and some take longer when a county court record has to be pulled by hand or a name or address does not match. You can follow the status in the Checkr candidate portal. Instacart also says it refreshes background checks over time to confirm shoppers are still eligible.

The payment card: how you pay for groceries

You do not pay for customer orders with your own money. Instacart sends you a payment card that you use at the register for every order. Activate it in the Shopper app when it arrives (the app walks you through it; menu names change over time). This card is separate from the optional Shopper Rewards Card, a Mastercard debit card issued by Lead Bank that can receive your earnings after each batch.

If the card is declined at checkout, do not pay with your own card first; see what to do when the Instacart card is declined.

Your first week: what to do

Start small. Take single orders with few items near home while you learn the app and the stores. The first batch walkthrough covers each screen.
Judge every offer by miles and time, not just the dollar amount. Declining does not hurt your rating (how to pick good batches).
Get insulated bags for cold and frozen items; many shoppers carry a few reusable bags and a cooler bag.
Message customers about replacements early, which protects tips and ratings.
Track your miles from day one. In 2026 each work mile is deductible at 72.5¢ (January–June) or 76¢ (July–December).
Set aside money for taxes. Full-service shoppers get a Form 1099-NEC if they are paid $2,000 or more in 2026, and owe self-employment tax of 15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings. See Instacart quarterly taxes.

Is it worth signing up?

Signing up is free and you choose your own hours as a full-service shopper, but pay after car costs varies a lot by area. Before you commit, read is Instacart worth it in 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements to be an Instacart shopper?

Instacart says you must be at least 18, be eligible to work in the US, have a bank account, be able to lift 40 lb, and have a smartphone that runs the Shopper app. Full-service shoppers also need regular access to a reliable car.

How do I sign up to be an Instacart shopper?

Create an account at shoppers.instacart.com, then download the Instacart Shopper app to finish sign-up. You will enter your driver's license details, Social Security number and bank account, and consent to a background check.

How long does the Instacart background check take?

Instacart does not publish a set time. Shoppers commonly report a few days to about a week, and it can take longer if a court record needs manual review; you can track it in the Checkr candidate portal.

Do you need a car to work for Instacart?

Full-service shoppers need a car to deliver orders. In-store shoppers work inside one partner store as Instacart employees and do not need a car.

What is the difference between a full-service and an in-store Instacart shopper?

Full-service shoppers are independent contractors who shop and deliver orders, are paid per batch plus tips, and set their own hours. In-store shoppers are Instacart employees paid an hourly wage for scheduled shifts of up to 29 hours a week.

When do you get the Instacart payment card?

Instacart says new shoppers usually receive their payment card in the mail 5 to 7 business days after completing sign-up. You activate it in the Shopper app before your first batch.

Do you need experience to become an Instacart shopper?

No. Instacart says no prior work experience or personal shopping experience is required.

Go deeper. Chapter 1 of the guide (free to read in the web reader) covers sign-up and onboarding step by step, and Chapter 2 (also free) covers the gear you need and how a batch is built. Get the full guide or read chapters 1–2 free.

Related guides

Sources

By the Gig Earnings Guide Editorial Team. Independent publication; not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Maplebear Inc. (Instacart). Rates and rules change; check the official sources above.