10 to 20% of the order. 15% is a fair default for a normal shop; $5 minimum on a small one.
20% or more for a big shop, heavy items, lots of produce to pick well, or stairs and a long drive.
$0 extra only if you already tipped in the app, or the order was wrong and unfixable and support handled it.
The 5% default is low
Instacart pre-fills a 5% tip. For a real shop that is thin. Bump it to 10 to 20% so the shopper picking and driving your groceries is paid fairly.
The service fee is not the tip
Instacart's service fee goes to the company, not the shopper. Only the tip line reaches the person who did your shopping.
Heavy or careful orders
Cases of water, litter, a big produce list picked by hand, or a walk-up building all deserve more. Add to the percent for the real effort.
Tip before, adjust after
Set the tip before checkout so shoppers can see it and accept your batch. You can raise it after delivery, and you have a window to lower it if something went wrong.
United States (default)
Tipping an Instacart shopper is customary in the US. These ranges are compiled custom, not Instacart's own policy.
High-cost cities
15 to 20% is normal. Parking, walk-ups, and a heavy load are what really make a batch hard.
Outside the US
Grocery delivery norms vary by country. Follow local practice; this page is the American custom.
How much do you tip an Instacart shopper?
Tip 10 to 20% of the order in the US, more than the 5% default, with a $5 minimum. 15% is a fair middle for a normal shop.
Does the Instacart service fee go to the shopper?
No. The service fee is Instacart's. Only the tip reaches the shopper, and they get all of it.
Is the 5% default tip enough?
For a full shop, no. Raise it to 10 to 20% so the shopper is paid fairly for picking and driving your order.
Should you tip before or after delivery?
Set it before checkout so shoppers can see it and accept the batch. You can increase it after, and lower it within a window if something went wrong.
How much do you tip on a $100 Instacart order?
About $10 to $20. Go higher for heavy items, a big produce list, or stairs.