Instacart Payment Methods (2025): A Complete Guide
If you plan to order groceries through Instacart in 2025, it’s essential to know exactly how to pay and avoid payment errors at checkout. Instacart now supports a wide range of payment methods, including debit and credit cards, EBT (SNAP), Apple Pay, Google Pay, Instacart gift cards, and its own Fresh Funds system for credits and refunds.
This comprehensive 2025 guide covers accepted payment methods, adding and removing cards (app/web), EBT setup, avoiding failures, redeeming gift cards and Fresh Funds, and understanding split payment limits. For more advanced ways to save, see our Instacart Savings Hacks guide.
Complete List of Accepted Payment Methods on Instacart
Here is an up-to-date table of what Instacart supports in the U.S. in 2025:
| Payment Method | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover) | Yes | All major U.S.-issued cards are supported |
| Debit Cards | Yes | Must be U.S.-based with the billing address |
| EBT (SNAP) | Yes | Only at eligible stores, SNAP-eligible items only |
| Apple Pay | Yes | iOS app only |
| Google Pay | Yes | Android app only |
| PayPal | No | Not supported |
| Instacart Gift Cards | Yes | Can be used for partial or complete orders |
| Fresh Funds (Credits) | Yes | Auto-applied before other payment methods |
| Cash on Delivery | No | Not available |
| Venmo | No | Not supported |
Note: EBT eligibility varies by store and location. Always check the app before shopping. For more details, see our complete EBT/SNAP guide.
How to Add or Remove a Payment Method
Whether you are using a mobile device or a desktop, Instacart makes it easy to manage your billing settings.
For the Mobile App (iOS or Android)
- Open the Instacart app.
- Tap Account (bottom right).
- Go to Your Account Settings.
- Select Payment Methods.
- Tap Add Payment Method to enter card details or use Apple Pay.
- To remove a saved card, tap on the card and select Delete.
You must always have at least one active payment method on file.
For Desktop or Web
- Go to instacart.com and log in.
- Click Account (top right).
- Select Payment.
- Click Add Payment Method to add a new card.
- To delete a payment method, click on the saved card and choose Delete.
Tip: Always verify that your billing address exactly matches the one on file with your bank to avoid errors.
How to Use EBT on Instacart in 2025
Instacart continues to expand EBT (SNAP) support in 2025, but there are key limitations:
- Participating Stores: Walmart, ALDI, Safeway, Publix, FoodsCo, and others (eligibility varies by region).
How to Add Your EBT Card:
- Go to Account > Payment Methods.
- Tap or click Add EBT Card.
- Enter your EBT card number.
How to Use EBT at Checkout:
- Shop only SNAP-eligible items (use the SNAP filter in the store).
- Fees, taxes, tips, and non-eligible items must be paid with another method (credit/debit).
Example Split Payment: Total: $50 → $35 SNAP-eligible (Paid with EBT) + $15 fees/ineligible items (Paid with credit/debit).
Note: EBT can’t cover delivery fees or service fees.
Can You Use Two Payment Methods at the Same Time?
Instacart doesn’t support splitting payments between two credit or debit cards. These combinations do work:
- EBT + credit/debit: For SNAP-eligible and non-eligible portions.
- Fresh Funds + Credit/Debit: Fresh Funds are applied first, with the remaining balance being charged accordingly.
You can’t combine two regular credit or debit cards, or Apple Pay plus another method, in the same checkout.
What Happens If Your Payment Fails?
If your payment is declined, your order won’t be processed. You’ll see errors like “Payment declined” or “Verify payment.” Common reasons for failure include:
- Billing address mismatch
- Expired card
- Insufficient funds
- Bank declines
- Prepaid cards missing a billing ZIP code
How to Fix It: Delete and re-add the card with the correct billing info, try a different card, or contact your bank if you suspect a hold has been placed on your account. If you need help with your account, see our login help guide.
2025 Tip: Prepaid cards often fail if they don’t support address verification (AVS).
How to Redeem and Use Instacart Gift Cards
Instacart gift cards are a convenient way to pay or to share credit with someone else. You can buy them on Instacart.com, Amazon, and at retailers like CVS and Kroger.
How to Redeem:
- Go to Account > Gift Card.
- Enter your gift card code.
- The balance will automatically apply to your next eligible order.
Important Limitations: Gift card balances never expire, but you can’t combine a gift card with EBT in the same transaction.
FAQs: Payment Methods
Can I use PayPal or Venmo on Instacart?
No. Instacart does not support PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App cards in 2025.
Does Instacart accept Discover or American Express?
Yes. All major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, are accepted.
Can I use Apple Pay and EBT together?
No. You can split the payment between EBT and a regular credit or debit card, but Apple Pay itself cannot be used in combination with EBT for the same order.
Why was my debit card declined on Instacart?
Common reasons include Incorrect billing addresses, expired cards, insufficient funds, and prepaid cards without a billing ZIP code.
Can I change my payment method after placing the order?
No. Once the order is placed, you can’t edit its payment method. You can only change methods for future orders.
Conclusion!
Instacart’s wide range of payment options in 2025 makes it easy to pay the way you prefer, as long as you set it up correctly. Credit/debit cards are accepted. EBT is available for SNAP-eligible items at participating stores. Activate Apple Pay or Google Pay for mobile wallets. Keep your billing information current.
However, there are significant limitations: EBT is only accepted at eligible stores, PayPal isn’t supported at all, and prepaid cards may fail if they lack a proper billing address. By managing your payment settings carefully, you’ll ensure that checkout is smooth, your orders are processed instantly, and your groceries arrive without hassle.