What Instacart rating do shoppers need?
Shoppers commonly report that a customer rating of 4.7 or higher keeps full batch access and Cart Star eligibility, and that there is little practical difference between 4.75 and 4.98. Below 4.7, shoppers report fewer or later offers. Instacart also describes ratings protections that can keep certain low ratings out of your average, such as ratings caused by store-wide stock problems, severe weather or customer app issues. Check the exact criteria in your Shopper app.
Why 4.7 is the number that matters
Years ago shoppers believed anything below 4.98 cost them batches. Today the common understanding is a floor, not a ladder: stay at or above 4.7 and you are treated like other shoppers for batch access. Cart Star tiers, including Diamond Cart, also require at least 4.7 along with order count and a shopping quality assessment.
Ratings forgiveness: what can be removed
- Situations outside your control: broad out-of-stocks at the store, severe weather, or problems in the customer app.
- Serial low-raters: shoppers report that ratings from customers who rate everyone 1 or 2 stars can be excluded.
- A few of your lowest ratings: shoppers report the system may leave some of the lowest ratings in a set out of the average. Instacart has not published the exact ratio, so do not rely on it.
8 habits that protect your rating
- Send a first message when you start shopping: your name, a question about replacements or refunds, and an offer to add items. See copy-ready message templates.
- Ask before refunding anything except allergy, diet and baby items, which you never replace without approval.
- Double-check yellow-star "customer's choice" replacements that look unexpected; customers often do not remember setting them.
- Pick produce like it is yours: no bruised avocados, check egg cartons, check dates on dairy.
- Cold items last, into an insulated bag in the car.
- Bag carefully: bread and eggs on top, raw meat in a separate bag, chemicals never with food.
- Mind the screen door: leave bags on the hinge side, never where an outward-opening door will knock them over.
- Close with a clear photo showing the bags and the door or unit number, plus a short chat note.
What to do after a low rating
You usually cannot see which customer gave it. Look for a pattern (late deliveries, damaged items, replacements) and fix that habit. If a low rating clearly came from something outside your control, ask Support whether it qualifies for ratings protection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum rating for Instacart shoppers?
Shoppers commonly report 4.7 as the practical floor for full batch access and Cart Star eligibility. Instacart can change criteria, so check the current rules in the Shopper app.
Is a 4.8 rating bad on Instacart?
No. Shoppers report no practical difference in batch access between 4.75 and 4.98. The level to protect is 4.7.
Can Instacart remove a bad rating?
Instacart describes protections that can exclude some low ratings, for example those caused by store out-of-stocks, severe weather or customer app problems. Ask Support if a rating was outside your control.
How many ratings does the Instacart average use?
Instacart has not published the exact window. Shoppers describe it as a rolling average of recent rated orders, so new good ratings gradually dilute older low ones.
Go deeper. Chapter 7 of the guide covers the rating shield in full: ratings forgiveness, Cart Star shopping quality, missing-order complaints and the Meet the Customer wait timer. Get the full guide or read chapters 1–2 free.
Related guides
- How does Instacart Cart Star (Diamond Cart) work?
- What should Instacart shoppers message customers?
- How do you protect yourself from Instacart "not delivered" complaints?
Sources
- Instacart Shopper app: ratings and Cart Star criteria (in app)