Instacart Shopper Guide for 2025: How to Sign Up, Work, and Earn More

Introduction

If you're looking for flexible income in 2025, becoming an Instacart shopper is one of the most accessible gig economy opportunities available. Whether you’re aiming to make extra cash on weekends or replace a full-time job, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started, succeed, and maximize your earnings. From the sign-up process to batch strategy and tips, the guide is built to help new shoppers get ahead. For a deeper dive into how payments work, refer to the official Instacart Pay resource from Everlance.

With thousands of people across the U.S. using Instacart to earn income on their terms, it pays to understand how to do it right from the beginning.

What Is an Instacart Shopper?

Instacart shoppers fulfill grocery delivery orders placed by customers through the Instacart app. As a shopper, your job is to receive a batch notification, shop for the requested items at a local grocery store, and deliver them to the customer’s door.

There are two types of shoppers:

• Full-Service Shoppers: Independent contractors who shop and deliver orders using their own vehicle. Most shoppers fall into this category.
• In-Store Shoppers: Part-time employees who only shop orders within the store; they don’t make deliveries and are limited to certain locations.

In this guide, we’ll focus on full-service shoppers, as they represent the majority of earners on the platform.

How to Sign Up as an Instacart Shopper in 2025

Getting started with Instacart is simple, and the entire process can usually be completed in a few days. Here’s how:

Step 1: Meet the Requirements

To qualify as a full-service shopper, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have the legal right to work in the U.S.
• Own a smartphone (iPhone or Android)
• Have a reliable vehicle and a valid driver’s license
• Be able to lift 40+ pounds (many orders include heavy items like water or bulk groceries)

Step 2: Apply Online

Visit the Instacart website or download the shopper app to complete your application. You’ll need to provide basic information and consent to a background check.

Step 3: Wait for Background Check and Approval

Background checks typically take a few days. Once approved, you'll receive access to the shopper app and be able to start accepting batches.

Step 4: Set Up Direct Deposit

Instacart pays via direct deposit every week. Make sure to enter your bank information in the app so your earnings are routed correctly.

How Instacart Works for Shoppers

Once you're activated, using the app is straightforward:

• Open the app and go online to start receiving batch offers.
• Review each batch's details, including expected pay, delivery distance, and tip.
• Accept a batch and head to the designated store.
• Shop the order and use the app’s barcode scanner to ensure accuracy.
• Checkout using the Instacart-provided payment card.
• Deliver the order to the customer using the address and instructions in the app.

All communication, shopping lists, and navigation happen within the app, making the experience streamlined from start to finish.

When and Where to Work

One of the best parts of being an Instacart shopper is the ability to set your own schedule. You can work as little or as much as you want, but earnings tend to be higher when you shop during busy periods.

Best times to shop:

• Weekends (especially Sundays)
• Evenings after work hours
• Before holidays and major events
• During rainy or bad weather (when more customers avoid going out)

Best places to shop:

• Areas with dense populations
• Affluent neighborhoods (better tipping behavior)
• Near multiple large grocery chains

Experienced shoppers often “zone in” on the best stores and areas for maximizing their earnings.

How Much Do Instacart Shoppers Make in 2025?

Earnings vary based on location, experience, and efficiency. In 2025, most full-service shoppers earn between $15 and $25 per hour before expenses.

Top-performing shoppers in busy urban areas can earn up to $30/hour during peak times. Weekly earnings range from $200 for casual shoppers to $1,200+ for full-timers, depending on batch volume and customer tips.

Since you’re classified as an independent contractor, you don’t receive benefits—but you have complete control over how often you work and which orders you accept.

Tips to Earn More as a New Instacart Shopper

Starting out can feel overwhelming, but these strategies can help you earn more right away:

• Start during busy hours: You’ll learn faster and likely earn more.
• Focus on orders with good tips: Decline small, no-tip batches.
• Use a fuel-efficient vehicle: Gas expenses eat into profits quickly.
• Track your mileage: Use an app like Everlance to calculate tax deductions.
• Be customer-focused: Communicate clearly, deliver on time, and be polite. High ratings help you access better batches.

By optimizing your time and delivery habits, you can greatly improve your earning potential—even in your first month.

Understanding Shopper Ratings

Your customer rating is key to long-term success on Instacart. Ratings are based on a 5-star system, with a 4.7 or higher giving you access to the best batch options.

Ratings can be influenced by:

• Order accuracy
• Timeliness
• Communication and responsiveness
• Overall customer satisfaction

If your rating drops, you’ll still be able to work, but you may see fewer high-paying orders. Always aim to resolve issues quickly and maintain a high standard of service.

Managing Expenses and Taxes

Because you’re self-employed, you’re responsible for your own business expenses and taxes. That includes:

• Fuel
• Car maintenance
• Phone usage
• Parking or tolls

However, most of these expenses are tax-deductible. Tracking your business mileage is especially important—it’s often the largest deduction you can claim. Tools like Everlance can help automate this process and generate reports to use at tax time.

You’ll also need to consider setting aside money for self-employment tax, which includes Social Security and Medicare. Many shoppers choose to make quarterly estimated payments to avoid surprises at the end of the year.

Conclusion

In 2025, becoming an Instacart shopper remains a flexible and scalable income opportunity for people who want to work on their own terms. From quick sign-up to potential earnings of $20–$30/hour, Instacart gives you control over your schedule and income—with no cap on what you can earn.

But like any independent gig, your success depends on strategy, consistency, and how you manage your time and expenses. By following the steps in this Instacart shopper guide and taking advantage of tools like Everlance’s Instacart Pay guide, you’ll be better equipped to earn more, drive smarter, and make the most of every batch.