Do you have a Kroger gift card and want to use it for your Instacart grocery delivery? That's a great idea for convenience! However, there's a crucial detail you need to understand right from the start to avoid any disappointment.
Step 1: Unraveling the Kroger Gift Card & Instacart Mystery - Can You Actually Do It?
Hold on a minute! Before we dive into a step-by-step guide, let's address the elephant in the room. Many users assume that because Instacart delivers from Kroger, a Kroger gift card can be directly applied. Unfortunately, this is generally NOT the case.
Why the disconnect?
Kroger operates its own delivery services, and they also partner with third-party platforms like Instacart. While you can use your Kroger gift card for Kroger's direct delivery or pickup services, Instacart has its own separate payment system.
As of July 2025, Instacart's official policy states that Kroger gift cards (and most other store-specific gift cards) cannot be directly redeemed as a payment method within the Instacart app or website. Instacart primarily accepts:
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
Debit cards
Prepaid cards (if they are branded as Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
PayPal
Venmo
Apple Pay
Klarna
Instacart's own gift cards
SNAP EBT (for eligible items)
Therefore, if you have a Kroger gift card, you cannot simply enter its code into the Instacart payment section.
So, what can you do with your Kroger gift card if you want to use Instacart? This is where we get creative and explore indirect methods!
Step 2: The Workaround - Converting Your Kroger Gift Card Value (Indirectly)
Since direct use isn't possible, the goal is to convert your Kroger gift card's value into a form that Instacart accepts. This typically means purchasing an Instacart gift card or using a payment method that Instacart accepts, then reloading funds if needed.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Best Option - Buying an Instacart Gift Card (If Possible Locally)
The most straightforward workaround is to use your Kroger gift card to purchase an Instacart gift card. This might sound a bit like gift card inception, but it's often the cleanest way to transfer value.
Check Local Stores: Visit a Kroger store or another major retailer that sells gift cards. Look for Instacart gift cards on their gift card racks.
Purchase with Your Kroger Gift Card: When you're at the checkout, attempt to pay for the Instacart gift card using your Kroger gift card. Important: Not all stores or systems will allow this. Some point-of-sale systems might restrict the purchase of a third-party gift card with another store's gift card. It's worth trying, but be prepared for it not to work everywhere.
If it works: Great! You now have an Instacart gift card. Proceed to Step 3.
If it doesn't work: Don't despair. Move on to Sub-heading 2.2.
Sub-heading 2.2: The Alternative - Using Your Kroger Gift Card for Kroger Purchases & Freeing Up Cash for Instacart
If you can't directly buy an Instacart gift card with your Kroger gift card, the next best approach is to use your Kroger gift card for your regular Kroger shopping (either in-store or via Kroger's own pickup/delivery). This effectively frees up the cash you would have spent at Kroger, which you can then use to pay for your Instacart order.
Plan Your Kroger Shopping: Identify groceries or household items you regularly buy at Kroger.
Shop Directly at Kroger: Use your Kroger gift card for these purchases, either:
In-store: Simply swipe or scan your gift card at checkout.
Kroger's Own Pickup/Delivery: If Kroger offers its own online ordering and delivery/pickup in your area, you can often use Kroger gift cards for those services. Check the Kroger website or app for their specific payment options for their direct services.
Reallocate Your Budget: The money you saved by using your Kroger gift card at Kroger can now be used for your Instacart order. This is an indirect way of using the value, but it achieves the same end goal of saving you money on groceries.
Step 3: Adding an Instacart Gift Card to Your Instacart Account (If You Acquired One)
If you successfully purchased an Instacart gift card (as in Sub-heading 2.1), here's how to add it to your Instacart account:
Sub-heading 3.1: Via the Instacart App
Open the Instacart App: Launch the Instacart app on your smartphone.
Access Your Account: Tap the Account icon (usually a person icon or "Account" text) at the bottom right or top left of the screen, depending on your app version.
Navigate to Payment Methods: Look for an option like "Credits, promos & gift cards", "Promos & credits", or "Payment methods."
Add Gift Card: Select the option to "Add gift card" or "Redeem a gift card."
Enter Code: Carefully enter the 16-digit gift card code (and sometimes a PIN if provided) from your Instacart gift card. Double-check for accuracy!
Redeem: Tap "Redeem" or "Apply." The gift card's value will now be added to your Instacart account as credit.
Sub-heading 3.2: Via the Instacart Website
Go to Instacart.com: Open your web browser and go to Instacart's official website.
Log In: Log in to your Instacart account.
Access Account Settings: Click on your profile icon or name in the top right corner.
Find Payment or Credit Section: From the dropdown menu, select "Your account", "Account settings", or "Payment methods."
Redeem Gift Card: Look for a section related to gift cards, credits, or promotions and click on "Add a gift card" or "Redeem a gift card."
Enter Code: Enter the 16-digit gift card code (and PIN if applicable) and click "Redeem" or "Apply."
Step 4: Placing Your Instacart Order and Using Your Credit
Now that you potentially have Instacart credit (from an Instacart gift card) or have freed up cash, you're ready to shop!
Select Kroger as Your Store: On the Instacart app or website, make sure you have selected Kroger as your preferred grocery store for your order.
Build Your Cart: Browse through Kroger's virtual aisles on Instacart and add all the items you need to your cart.
Proceed to Checkout: Once your cart is full, tap or click "Checkout."
Review Payment Options:
If you have Instacart credit: Your available Instacart credit will automatically be applied to your order total. You'll see this reflected in the breakdown of costs. If your order total exceeds your credit, you will be prompted to add a secondary payment method (credit card, debit card, PayPal, etc.) to cover the remaining balance.
If you freed up cash: Simply select your preferred accepted payment method (credit card, debit card, etc.) that you have readily available due to using your Kroger gift card for other purchases.
Confirm Order: Review your order, delivery details, and payment information one last time, then confirm your order!
Important Considerations and Tips:
Always check the fine print: Gift card terms and conditions can change. It's always a good idea to quickly check the latest terms on both Kroger's and Instacart's websites.
Keep your gift card safe: Treat any gift card like cash. If you have a physical Kroger gift card, don't lose it. If you purchase a digital Instacart gift card, keep the code secure.
Balance checks: You can usually check the balance of a Kroger gift card on the Kroger website or by calling the number on the back of the card. Instacart credit balance will be visible within your Instacart account.
Service fees and tips: Remember that Instacart orders often include service fees, delivery fees, and it's customary to tip your shopper. Instacart gift card credit typically covers these, but ensure you have enough balance or a secondary payment method for any remaining charges.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions starting with 'How to' with their quick answers:
How to check my Kroger gift card balance?
You can typically check your Kroger gift card balance online on the Kroger website's gift card section, by calling the customer service number on the back of the card, or sometimes at a Kroger store's customer service desk.
How to buy Instacart gift cards?
Instacart gift cards can be purchased directly from the Instacart website or app, and often from major retailers like Walmart, Target, and even some Kroger stores (though purchasing with a Kroger gift card specifically might not always be possible).
How to add a payment method to Instacart?
Open the Instacart app or website, go to your "Account" or "Profile," then select "Payment methods" to add a new credit card, debit card, PayPal, or other accepted payment option.
How to redeem an Instacart gift card?
In the Instacart app or on the website, navigate to your "Account" or "Profile," then find the "Credits, promos & gift cards" or "Payment methods" section and select the option to "Add gift card" or "Redeem a gift card."
How to get free delivery on Instacart?
You can get free delivery with an Instacart+ membership (which typically has an annual fee), or by finding specific promotional codes or offers that waive the delivery fee, often for a minimum order amount.
How to contact Instacart customer service for gift card issues?
You can contact Instacart customer service directly through their app (via the "Help" or "Support" section) or their website (via the "Help Center"). Look for options like "Chat with us" or "Contact Support."
How to cancel an Instacart order?
You can cancel an Instacart order through the app or website before your shopper begins picking your order. Go to "Orders," select the relevant order, and look for a "Cancel Order" option. Once shopping has started, you'll need to contact Instacart Support.
How to adjust tip for an Instacart shopper?
You can adjust the tip for your Instacart shopper for a limited time after delivery through the Instacart app or website, usually within 24 hours of the delivery being completed.
How to use SNAP EBT on Instacart?
If available in your area and for eligible items, you can add your SNAP EBT card as a payment method in your Instacart account. You'll typically need to add a separate credit/debit card for non-EBT eligible items, service fees, and tips.
How to view Instacart order history?
Access your Instacart app or website, navigate to your "Account" or "Profile," and then select "Your orders" or "Order history" to view details of your past purchases.
