Instacart Grocery Delivery Just Got Cheaper. Here’s Much You Can Save

Grocery delivery services are known for charging a premium for convenience. But convenience is getting cheaper for shoppers of one popular delivery option.

Instacart has reduced its prices for delivery and membership as of Nov. 14, a company spokesperson confirmed.

Delivery fees, which were previously $5.99 for next-day orders of $35 or more, now cost $3.99.

The Express membership, which delivers orders of $35 or more for free, now costs $99 per year instead of $149. The 5% service fee is a thing of the past for Express members, but “a la carte” customers will still pay it for each order.

The company tested several pricing models and made the adjustments based on customer feedback.

The change rolls out during a hectic time of year when many grocery shoppers are willing to pay more for a little convenience — say, when you’re expecting a houseful of hungry people and need to serve up more than just holiday cheer.

It’s also a hugely competitive time for grocery and other delivery services. Instacart works with a wide variety of grocers, from Amazon-owned Whole Foods to budget store Aldi. Meanwhile, Shipt has expanded to the contiguous U.S. from its initial focus on the Southeast. Shipt requires a membership fee of $99 annually for unlimited free delivery of orders $35 and up.

Walmart has been expanding its same-day grocery delivery service, which charges a $9.95 fee. Target now offers curbside pickup, with delivery of nonperishable goods available through its Restock program. For same-day deliveries, it works with Shipt.

Lisa Rowan is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder covering the retail and grocery industries.