Instacart vs. Shipt (2025 Comparison): Which Grocery App Saves You More?

 Grocery delivery is part of the weekly routine now, not a lockdown habit. In 2025, two names compete most often on U.S. phones: Instacart and Shipt. Both bring same-day delivery, real-time substitutions, and frequent promos. The question is simple: which one actually saves you more on a typical cart in your city, at your stores?

This guide gives you a clear, U.S.-focused comparison. We look at fees, memberships, app experience, and real ways to save. If you already hunt deals, you can start with an Instacart coupon code to test the waters. This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	Instacart	Shipt
Membership	Instacart+	Shipt Everyday
Free Delivery Min.	$0 delivery on $10+ for Instacart+ members, service fees apply	$0 delivery on $35+ for members
Monthly Plan	$9.99	$10.99
Annual Plan	$99	$99
Retailers	1,500+ retail banners, 85,000+ stores	100+ retailers
Cities	Nationwide coverage	5,000+ cities
App Rating	4.8/5, App Store	4.9/5, App Store

Notes: Instacart+ price and $0 delivery threshold are published by Instacart. Shipt membership pricing and thresholds are published by Shipt. Retailer counts and city coverage come from recent company materials. App ratings reflect Apple App Store snapshots in October 2025; ratings change over time. 

How Instacart Works in 2025

Instacart connects you to national chains and regional grocers in most ZIP codes. You shop in the app, a shopper texts you about replacements, and you track the delivery driver on a map. The app continues to receive minor usability updates that speed up checkout and improve order tracking. Refunds are straightforward. Instacart says refunds are processed immediately, then your bank’s timeline applies. Credits post faster and can auto-apply on the following order.

Instacart+ is the paid plan. Members get $0 delivery on grocery and retail orders of $10 or more, Costco still requires $35, and service fees apply. Members also see periodic partner perks. If you place a couple of deliveries monthly, the math often works.

Want a steady stream of practical deal ideas, stacking tactics, and fee-saving reminders? Bookmark this hub for weekly tips: https://instacartpromotips.blogspot.com/ .

How Shipt Works in 2025

Shipt’s edge is its tight integration with Target. You can order in the Shipt app or through Target’s Same-Day pages, then get delivery in as little as an hour in many areas. The membership is called Shipt Everyday, and it pairs well with Target Circle 360 if you are a heavy Target shopper. Coverage is broad; Shipt says it serves 5,000+ cities and partners with 100+ retailers across the country.

Shipt focuses on human touches, such as favouriting shoppers for repeat orders and easy chat. Members get $0 delivery fees on orders of $35 or more; orders under $35 add a $7 delivery fee. Without membership, a one-time delivery is typically $10, which can make small, occasional orders more expensive than Instacart. 

Pricing & Fees Breakdown

Fees shift based on your cart, store, and time of day. Here is how they compare in everyday scenarios.

Example 1, $60 cart, non-member

• Instacart's delivery fees start at $3.99 on orders over $35, then a variable service fee at checkout. Peak windows may add extra cost. The tip is optional but expected. Your total “platform fees” before tip might land in the mid-single to low-double digits, depending on store and timing.

• Shipt without membership, one-time delivery fee is around $10, plus any service fees shown at checkout. This makes one-off small orders comparatively pricier, especially if your store list is short.

Example 2, $100 cart, with membership

• Instacart+ drops the delivery fee on $10+ orders; service fees still apply. For larger carts, the percentage-based service fee matters more, but many shoppers accept it for the selection and speed.

• Shipt Everyday has $0 delivery on $35+, and members generally do not see a delivery fee at that threshold, though a service fee may appear for some orders. For orders under $35, the $7 delivery fee applies.

Bottom line, non-members making small, occasional orders often pay less on Instacart, members placing weekly Target or multi-store orders usually find Shipt’s fee structure simpler for $35 plus carts in their area.

Membership Plans Compared

Instacart+, $99 per year or $9.99 per month. You get $0 delivery on grocery and retail orders of $10 or more, $35 or more for Costco orders, and $25 or more for eligible restaurant orders. You still pay service fees, taxes, and tip. Members also see periodic partner benefits.

Shipt Everyday, $99 per year or $10.99 per month. Members get $0 delivery on orders of $35 or more, $7 delivery on member orders under $35, and occasionally a small service fee depending on order details. The plan pairs neatly with Target Circle 360 for Target loyalists.

Which saves more? If your local stores are stronger on one platform, that platform usually wins. If your household shops at Target weekly, Shipt’s structure and Target integrations are hard to beat. If you bounce across speciality grocers, club stores, and pharmacies, Instacart’s broader network usually returns more consistent availability. Instacart’s retailer footprint and store count lead here.

App Experience & Customer Support

Both apps are polished, with clean carts, live chat, and clear delivery windows. Instacart’s tracking and substitution flows are mature, and the refund path is fast on Instacart’s side, but is subject to bank timing. Shipt’s shopper favouriting and Target flows are excellent for repeat routines. On ratings, Instacart sits around 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, and Shipt around 4.9 out of 5, as of October 2025. Ratings move over time, but both are well-liked.

Real Savings Comparison

Here are savings paths that actually move the total.

• First-order promos. New customer codes can shave delivery or item costs, especially on Instacart.

• Membership trials. Try a free trial month, then cancel if you are not using it weekly.

• Credit card perks. Some cards give temporary Instacart+ trials or monthly credits; check card benefits first.

• Target synergies. Target Circle 360 now blends Target and Shipt Marketplace benefits for unlimited same-day delivery on eligible $35 plus orders, often with no markups from 100 partner retailers. Great for households that default to Target every week.

• Cashback apps. Rakuten and others run rotating cash back on grocery delivery. It is not constant, but when it is live, it stacks nicely with a promo or membership. 

• Local store sales. Compare the in-app sale price against the retailer’s circular.

• Smart timing. Off-peak windows can cut fees in busy zip codes.

• Coupons and codes that still work. For a running list of verified options and how to apply them, see this practical guide: https://instacartpromotips.blogspot.com/2025/10/blog-post.html .

Which App Wins for 2025? [Instacart vs Shipt]

• Best for frequent shoppers and variety, Instacart has the most expansive store network and strong national coverage. 

• Best for Target fans, Shipt, the Target integration and Target Circle 360 perks are built in for weekly routines. 

• Best for low-order fees; it depends on your location and whether you hold a membership. Instacart’s non-member fees start lower, Shipt’s member threshold is $35, plus Target runs. 

Pro Tips to Save on Grocery Delivery

• Always compare delivery and service fees before you press “Place order.”

• Avoid peak-hour slots when possible.

• Use a credit card, cash back, or rotating category bonuses.

• Switch apps based on which has your store that week.

• Keep carts above the membership threshold to trigger $0 delivery.

• Set precise replacements to reduce refund hassle later.

• Check weekly promo pages before checkout.

• Use free trials in months when you expect more orders.

• Tip fairly, then track if better service reduces future issues.

• Watch for one-time delivery fees on Shipt if you are not a member.

FAQs

Is Instacart cheaper than Shipt in 2025?
It depends on order size and membership. For small one-off orders, Instacart’s delivery fee can start lower, and for $35 weekly orders with a Shipt membership, Shipt can be simpler on fees.

Which app offers better delivery speed?
Both offer the same-day, often in under two hours. Your local store mix and shopper availability drive speed more than the app's logo.

Can I use both services?
Yes. Many households keep both accounts and switch based on weekly sales and store selection.

Do either accept EBT or SNAP?
Instacart supports SNAP EBT with many participating retailers in most states. Shipt supports EBT with select partners in specific markets, like Food Lion. Check each app’s EBT page for your zip code. 

Are promo codes stackable with memberships?
Often yes, but terms vary. Some codes apply to delivery fees, others to items. Memberships do not block codes; they change the delivery fee math.

What happens if an order is late or items are missing?
Report issues in the app. Instacart’s satisfaction guarantee can issue credits or refunds quickly, and then your bank's timing applies. Shipt’s support is responsive as well, but exact credits depend on retailer and issue type.

Final Verdict

Instacart wins for variety and national reach, while Shipt delivers more substantial Target benefits and localised service. If you mainly shop at Target and keep orders over $35, Shipt Everyday is hard to beat. If you want the most exhaustive store list and flexible one-offs, Instacart is the safer pick. Your best savings usually come from matching your routine to the right membership, then stacking the correct code at the right time.