How Much to Tip An Instacart shopper?
Updated 2026-05-23 · 2026 U.S. tipping standard
Tip your Instacart shopper 15–20% of the order subtotal, with a $5 minimum for any order. Increase the tip for heavy orders, long-distance deliveries, stairs, or substitutions that required extra effort. Shoppers see 100% of the tip — Instacart does not take a cut.
Tip calculator
U.S. norm is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal.
Advanced — tip on pre-tax amount
- Tip
- $0.00
- Bill (tipped on)
- $0.00
- Each person
- $0.00
- Each tip share
- $0.00
Enter a bill amount above to calculate.
What's normal for Instacart shopper?
- Standard order: 15–20% of subtotal, $5 minimum.
- Large grocery haul (>$150 or many heavy items): 20%.
- Bottled water cases, kitty litter, or other heavy items: add $2–$5.
- Order delivered to a 3rd-floor apartment or with no elevator: add $3–$5.
When to tip more
- Shopper communicated well about out-of-stock substitutions.
- Bad weather or a long drive to your location.
- Order was delivered ahead of the window.
When a smaller tip is reasonable
- Missing items with no message or attempt at substitution.
- Items left in the rain or not at the requested spot.
Worked example
On a $80 Instacart shopper bill at the standard 18%, the calculator above shows the exact tip and total — adjust the bill or percent to match your own situation, and split it among multiple people using the stepper.
Instacart shopper tipping FAQ
Does Instacart take part of the tip?
No. Shoppers receive 100% of the tip you set.
Should I tip before or after delivery?
Set a fair initial tip when ordering — shoppers see it before accepting and it affects who picks up your order. You can increase it after delivery in the app if service was excellent.
Is the Instacart "service fee" a tip?
No. The service fee goes to Instacart, not the shopper. The tip is separate.
What's a fair tip on a $50 order?
$8–$10 at 15–20%, with $5 being the minimum.