10 Best Credit Cards for Instacart of October 2026
Top picks for Instacart from our scoring engine.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts, co-brand fit for this brand. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Instacart, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Bilt Obsidian Card earns the top spot for Instacart purchases at 6.0¢ per dollar on grocery stores — a $95 annual fee. We ranked every card in our database against Instacart purchases using the same scoring engine that powers our search. See the note above the list for what drives order versus the ¢ per dollar column. Cards 4–10 are still solid picks; they just trade off some headline earn rate for fewer fees, broader networks, or simpler redemptions.
Bilt Obsidian Card
Cardless
- +3x on Supermarkets — points worth 2.0¢ each. 3X applies only if grocery replaces the default dining as the elected 3X category (switch within 30 days of opening or each January); grocery 3X is limited to $25,000 a year.
- +$200 in rewards bonus (~$200 value)
- +Est. $20/yr in usable credits offset part of the $95 fee — actual value depends on use and eligibility
American Express Gold Card
American Express
- +4x on Supermarkets — points worth 1.5¢ each
- +Est. $212/yr in usable credits offset part of the $325 fee — actual value depends on use and eligibility
Citi Strata Credit Card
Citi
- +3x on Supermarkets — points worth 1.6¢ each
- +20,000 points bonus (~$320 value)
- +No annual fee
Why Bilt Obsidian Card wins for Instacart
Bilt Obsidian Card earns 6.0¢ per dollar on grocery stores when you shop at Instacart, the highest marginal rate in our list for this brand. At 6.0¢ per dollar, rewards cover the $95 fee after about $1,580 a year in Instacart spending. To come out ahead of Citi Strata Credit Card (4.8¢), you'd need about $7,920 a year here. It's the right pick if you want maximum earn rate on this category and don't mind paying for a premium card.
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Grocery Stores Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Est. Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilt Obsidian CardCardless | 3x Bilt Rewards | 6.0¢/$ | $95 | $20 | mastercard |
| American Express Gold CardAmerican Express | 4x Membership Rewards | 6.0¢/$ | $325 | $212 | amex |
| Citi Strata Credit CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 4.8¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| The Key Rewards VisaCapital One | 4% in Williams Sonoma family of brands reward certificate value | 4.0¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 4.8¢/$ | $95 | $50 | mastercard |
| Verizon Visa CardSynchrony | 4% cash back | 4.0¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| Choice Privileges Select MastercardWells Fargo | 5x Choice Privileges | 4.0¢/$ | $95 | $15 | mastercard |
| Bilt Palladium CardCardless | 2x Bilt Rewards | 4.0¢/$ | $495 | $200 | mastercard |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit CardChase | 5x IHG One Rewards | 3.0¢/$ | $150 | $140 | mastercard |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 6% cash back | 6.0¢/$ | $95 | $24 | amex |
More Options
How to maximize value at Instacart
- Use Bilt Obsidian Card for Instacart purchases — it earns 6.0¢ per dollar on grocery stores at Instacart in our scoring.
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Instacart; check current portal rates before you buy.
- Pair Bilt Obsidian Card with American Express Gold Card to cover categories where it earns more — diversifying your spend can lift your blended return.
- Plan a major Instacart purchase around your card's welcome offer window — Bilt Obsidian Card's sign-up bonus is worth roughly $200 on top of base rewards.
- Pay your statement in full each month — interest charges almost always exceed the rewards you'd earn.
Cards with credits at Instacart
Statement credits or cash applied to your bill at Instacart, separate from earn rate.
- United Club℠ Business CardUp to $240 in Instacart Credits$240
- United Club CardUp to $240 in Instacart Credits$20
- United Quest CardUp to $180 in Instacart credits$15
- United Explorer CardUp to $120 in Instacart credits$10
- United Business CardUp to $120 in Instacart credits$10
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit CardInstacart+ Membership & Credit
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit CardInstacart+ Membership & Credit
- Ink Business Cash® Credit CardInstacart+ Membership & Credit
- IHG One Rewards Credit CardInstacart+ Membership & Credit
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit CardInstacart+ Membership & Credit
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit CardInstacart+ Membership & Credit
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit CardInstacart+ Membership & Credit
Similar Brands
Other brands in Food, Beverages & Tobacco where the top picks above also earn well.
Frequently asked
- What credit card earns the most at Instacart?
- Bilt Obsidian Card ranks #1 for Instacart in our list at 6.0¢ per dollar on grocery stores (including Instacart) — $95 annual fee. Order uses the full scoring key described above the list (earn rate, redemption value, fee/credit balance, portals, and co-brand fit); welcome offers are not part of that default brand ranking.
- Can I stack a shopping portal with my credit card at Instacart?
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Instacart; check current portal rates before you buy.
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