How Long Does It Take To Get an Instacart Card?

Instacart has emerged as one of the most popular platforms, connecting shoppers with customers who need groceries delivered to their doorsteps.

If you’re considering becoming an Instacart shopper, one of the essential steps in the process is obtaining an Instacart card.

But how long does it take to get an Instacart card? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of this question, exploring the application process, approval timeline, and tips to expedite the card delivery.

The Instacart Card: A Vital Tool for Shoppers

The Instacart card, often referred to as the Instacart Shopper Payment Card, is a physical debit card issued to shoppers who work with the platform.

This card serves as a crucial tool for shoppers, enabling them to pay for the groceries they collect on behalf of customers during their shopping trips.

Without this card, shoppers would need to pay for the groceries out of their pocket and then request reimbursement from Instacart, which is not the most efficient or convenient process.

Step 1: Application Process

The journey to obtaining an Instacart card begins with the application process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Sign Up: If you’re not already an Instacart shopper, the first step is to sign up on the Instacart platform. You can do this by visiting the Instacart website or downloading the Instacart Shopper app from your smartphone’s app store.
Complete the Application: During the application process, you’ll need to provide your personal information, including your name, contact details, and a few other details. You’ll also need to consent to a background check.
Background Check: Instacart conducts a background check to ensure shoppers meet their safety and reliability standards. The duration of the background check can vary depending on your location and the volume of applications being processed.
Choose Your Payment Method: As part of your shopper profile setup, you’ll be asked to choose your payment method. This is where you’ll indicate your preference for receiving an Instacart card.

Step 2: Approval Timeline

Once you’ve completed the application process and your background check clears, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an Instacart shopper. At this point, you may wonder how long it takes to receive your Instacart card.

Background Check Timeframe: The duration of the background check can vary from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the volume of applications being processed and the thoroughness of the check. In some cases, it might even take longer if there are issues that need further investigation.
Card Issuance: After your background check is approved, you can expect Instacart to issue your Instacart card. This can take an additional few days to a week, depending on your location and the delivery timeframes set by Instacart.
Delivery Time: The delivery time for the Instacart card can vary. Some shoppers report receiving it within a week, while others may wait a bit longer. Instacart typically ships the card to your address using standard mail services.
Activation: Once you receive your Instacart card, you’ll need to activate it. This can usually be done through the Instacart Shopper app or by following the instructions provided with the card.

Overall, the time it takes to get an Instacart card can range from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on various factors such as location, application volume, and background check processing times.

So, How Long Does It Take To Get an Instacart Card?

It typically takes a week or two for an Instacart card to arrive after you’ve been cleared on the platform.

However, it’s mentioned that if you visit a store with a shift lead and have already been cleared on the platform, they can often provide you with a card to use immediately.

So, while the standard delivery time for the card is one to two weeks, there is an option to expedite the process by obtaining a card from a store if you meet the specified criteria.

Tips to Expedite the Card Delivery

If you’re eager to start shopping for Instacart and want to expedite the card delivery process, here are some tips:

Complete Your Application Thoroughly: Ensure that you provide all the necessary information accurately during the application process. Any missing or incorrect information can lead to delays.
Clear Background Check: While you can’t directly control the speed of your background check, having a clean record and ensuring that there are no discrepancies in your application can help expedite the process.
Stay in Contact: If you haven’t received your card within a reasonable timeframe, don’t hesitate to reach out to Instacart support. They can provide updates and assist with any issues that may be causing delays.
Check Your Email: Instacart often communicates important updates and instructions through email. Make sure to check your email regularly for any messages regarding your application or card delivery.