Table of Contents

    How to Get an Instacart Refund

    The Ultimate Guide to Getting an Instacart Refund (instacart.com)
    By
    Angelique. P
    |
    Published
    June 20, 2025
    |
    Updated
    June 20, 2025

    Overview

    Instacart is an online service that helps you get groceries and other essentials delivered to your door or ready for pickup. You can shop from more than 300 local stores and retailers, including warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club, all from your phone or computer. Instacart connects you with a personal shopper nearby who picks out your order. You can choose same-day delivery in as fast as one hour or pick up your order curbside at select stores. The service also offers features like contactless delivery, order tracking, and options to communicate with your shopper if you want to add special instructions or select replacement items if something is out-of-stock. There’s no membership required to use Instacart, but you can join Instacart+ for free delivery on orders over $35.

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    The information was taken directly from the official Instacart website, which clearly explains their services in a straightforward and consumer-friendly way.

    How to Get an Instacart Refund: Step by Step

    If you purchased through Instacart.com website or app:

    1. Log in to your Instacart account on the app or website.
    2. On the app: Tap the three horizontal bars in the upper left corner.
    3. On the website: Click the three horizontal bars in the upper left corner.
    4. Select “Your Orders” and choose the order you want a refund for.
    5. Tap or click the order to view details, then select “Receipt” to see an itemized list.
    6. Scroll to the bottom and choose “Rate Order And Report An Issue.”
    7. Follow prompts to report the problem and request a refund.

    If you purchased through Instacart+ membership (annual) on Instacart.com:

    1. Cancel your Instacart+ membership within the first 5 calendar days of the paid membership if no orders have been placed.
    2. To cancel: On website, click the 3 horizontal lines (top left). On app, tap the Account icon (top right).
    3. Select “Your Instacart+ Membership” or “Settings > Your Instacart+ Membership.”
    4. Under “Manage your membership,” select “Cancel membership”.
    5. Choose a reason for cancellation, select End on the specified date, and confirm cancellation.
    6. After cancellation, you will receive an email confirmation and a refund of the membership fee.

    If you purchased through Apple (App Store or iTunes):

    1. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
    2. Click “I’d like to,” then select “Request a refund.”
    3. Choose the reason for your refund request and click Next.
    4. Select the Instacart subscription or purchase from the list, then click Submit.
    5. Wait 24 to 48 hours for Apple to review your request.
    6. If approved, the refund will be processed back to your Apple payment method.

    If you purchased through Google Play:

    1. Go to the Google Play refund request page at support.google.com/googleplay/workflow/9813244.
    2. Sign in with your Google account that made the purchase.
    3. Follow the prompts to select the Instacart subscription and request a refund.
    4. Provide details such as why you want the refund (e.g., subscription renewed without notice or unused subscription).
    5. Submit the request and wait for Google Play to process your refund.

    How to Contact Instacart

    If you need assistance, here’s how you can get in touch with Instacart support team:

    Get help with your refund

    Thank you! Your submission has been received!
    Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

    “This app saved me $127 in minutes”

    Tips and Tricks for Getting an Instacart Refund

    • Act quickly: Contact Instacart as soon as the issue occurs, ideally the same day or night of failed delivery or problem.
    • Be politely persistent: Call or chat daily if needed, calmly restating the issue and asking for escalation.
    • Use clear, firm language: Emphasize you expect a full refund or redelivery and the impact the issue has (e.g., health, disability, elderly recipient).
    • Escalate to social media: Publicly post issues on Twitter or Facebook tagging Instacart to get attention from U.S.-based reps who want to avoid bad press.
    • Request supervisor involvement: If frontline reps are unhelpful, ask to escalate to a manager or supervisor.
    • Document everything: Keep screenshots, order details, and any communication for proof.
    • Dispute charges with your bank: If all else fails, disputing charges through your bank may be necessary to get a refund.
    • Be aware of refund form limitations: Refunds sometimes only credit Instacart account, so specifically request cash or card refunds.
    • Timing matters for fees: Refund of service fees/delivery fees often harder; emphasize need for full refund of all fees, including markups.
    • Lower or adjust tip after resolution: Consider adjusting tips based on service received, but don’t rely on tips as leverage for refunds.

    Why Do People Request Refunds from Instacart

    • Missing items - customer charged but item not delivered
    • Damaged items - items arrived broken or unusable
    • Spoiled items - items arrived spoiled or perished
    • Poor quality replacements - shopper delivered inadequate replacements not approved by customer
    • Late delivery - order arrives after scheduled delivery or pickup window
    • Unprofessional service - inappropriate conduct by shopper or delivery personnel
    • Partial missing or damaged items - only part of item missing or damaged
    • Incorrect or cancelled orders

    Instacart Refund Script

    Script
    Copy
    Hello Instacart Team,

    I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out regarding a billing issue I encountered with my recent order. I noticed an unexpected charge on my account that I believe was made in error. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in reviewing this charge and processing a refund at your earliest convenience.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

    Best regards,

    Instacart Refund Policy

    Instacart's refund policy allows customers to request refunds for grocery or retailer orders within 4 days of their pickup or delivery, excluding restaurant orders. Refunds can be processed for missing items, damaged goods, or issues with the quality of the items received, and while refunds are processed immediately, they may take 5-10 business days to reflect in the customer’s account.

    The Easiest Way to Get an Instacart Refund

    If you’re frustrated trying to get a refund from Instacart—or if you didn’t even realize you were being charged—Chargeback can help. Chargeback is a personal subscription manager that automatically detects hidden, recurring charges like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of others. With one click, we can cancel unwanted subscriptions, flag suspicious billing, and even initiate refund requests on your behalf. No more waiting on hold or navigating confusing help pages. Just connect your bank or card account, and we’ll take care of the rest.

    Start reclaiming your money today with Chargeback

    Editorial Note: These articles reflect the opinions of Chargeback's writers. Everyone's situation is unique; therefore, it is important to conduct your own research and note that our self-help tools are not guaranteed to help with any specific problem.