Buying groceries for family members living abroad used to be difficult, especially when you wanted fresh food delivered quickly. Fortunately, I discovered Instacart back in July 2019, and it has become one of my favourite grocery delivery services in the United States.
If you’re searching for an Instacart referral code 2026, this article shares my real experience after using the service for several years, explains how Instacart works, discusses the benefits of Instacart+, and shows how eligible new users may receive a referral discount.
My First Instacart Order
My first Instacart order was placed on 13 July 2019.
At the time, I was living in the United Kingdom while my mother was staying in New York. I wanted an easy way to send groceries directly to her home without relying on local delivery services.
After searching on Google, I came across Instacart. The ordering process looked straightforward, so I decided to give it a try.
To my surprise, the order arrived much quicker than I expected. Everything was handled professionally, and the delivery experience impressed both me and my family.
That positive first impression encouraged me to continue using Instacart whenever I wanted to send groceries to family members in the United States.
How Instacart Became Even More Useful During the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, online grocery delivery became more important than ever.
Instead of asking relatives to visit crowded supermarkets, I could simply place an order online from the UK while my family received groceries safely at home in New York.
Having the ability to order from another country gave me peace of mind during a very uncertain time.
Since then, I have continued to use Instacart on many occasions and have generally had a positive experience.
Read more: How to Save $500 a Month on Groceries in the US
How Instacart Works
Instacart partners with many supermarkets and retailers across the United States.
After entering the delivery address, you can:
- Browse local stores
- Add groceries to your basket
- Choose a delivery time
- Pay online securely
- Track your delivery in real time
The process is simple, making it suitable even for first-time users.
My Experience with Out-of-Stock Items
Like every grocery delivery service, some products occasionally become unavailable.
One feature I particularly like is the replacement option.
If an item is out of stock, you can choose one of the following options before placing your order:
- Accept a suitable replacement
- Receive a refund
- Ask the shopper to contact you
In my own experience, there were occasions when the replacement item cost slightly more than the product I originally selected, and I was not charged the extra amount. However, this was my personal experience and may vary depending on the order and Instacart’s current policies.
If you don’t want an alternative product, you can simply request a refund instead.
This flexibility is one of the reasons I continue to use the service.
Delivery Charges
Instacart sometimes offers promotional free delivery for qualifying orders.
Otherwise, you normally have two options:
- Pay the delivery fee for each order
- Subscribe to Instacart+
If you only place one or two orders a year, paying per delivery may make more sense.
However, regular users could save money with the membership.
Read more: Frugal Living Mom: Amazing Ways To Save Money With These Proven Tips!
What Is Instacart+?
Instacart+ is the company’s premium membership programme.
Depending on the current promotion available to your account, new members may be offered a discounted first-year membership.
One promotion I have seen offered a first year for $15 instead of the regular annual price of $99.
Promotions can change over time, so always check the latest offer before subscribing.
Some membership benefits include:
- Lower delivery costs on eligible orders
- Reduced service fees on qualifying purchases
- Exclusive member offers
- Priority access to selected promotions
Occasionally, Instacart also runs promotions linked to Mastercard or other payment providers. These offers may change, so it’s worth checking the current terms before ordering.
Read more: Old Navy Rewards Program Explained (2026 Guide)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to order from anywhere in the world
- Convenient for sending groceries to family members
- Fast delivery in many locations
- Helpful replacement and refund options
- Large choice of supermarkets
- User-friendly website and mobile app
Cons
- Delivery fees for non-members
- Service fees may apply
- Some products sell out quickly
- Prices can occasionally be higher than shopping in store
- Availability depends on your location
Is Instacart Worth It?
Based on my experience since 2019, I believe Instacart is an excellent option if you:
- Live abroad and want to send groceries to relatives
- Have elderly parents who need help with shopping
- Have a busy work schedule
- Prefer home delivery
- Want to avoid carrying heavy groceries
Although no delivery service is perfect, Instacart has consistently provided a convenient and reliable experience for me over the years.
My Instacart Referral Code 2026
If you’re planning to place your first Instacart order, you may be able to receive a referral reward if you’re eligible.
Referral Code: MHUSSAIN11D25
At the time of writing, eligible new customers using my referral code may receive a $10 discount on their first order, and I may also receive a referral reward. Using the code does not increase the price you pay.
As referral offers can change, always check the latest terms during sign-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Instacart from another country?
Yes. I have successfully placed orders from the United Kingdom for delivery to family members in New York.
Does Instacart replace out-of-stock items?
Yes. You can choose to receive a replacement, request a refund, or ask the shopper to contact you.
Is Instacart+ worth it?
If you order groceries regularly, Instacart+ may save you money through lower delivery and service fees, depending on the current membership benefits.
How much does Instacart+ cost?
Pricing and promotions change over time. Always check the latest membership offer before subscribing.
Can I send groceries to my parents?
Yes. As long as Instacart operates in their area, you can order groceries for family members using their delivery address.
Final Thoughts
After using Instacart since July 2019, I can honestly say it has made supporting my family from abroad much easier.
Whether I needed to send groceries during everyday life or throughout the pandemic, the service proved reliable and convenient. While occasional stock shortages can happen, the replacement and refund options make the experience much smoother.
If you’re looking for a simple way to order groceries for yourself or loved ones in the United States, Instacart is certainly worth considering.
If you’re a new customer and an eligible referral offer is available, don’t forget to try my referral code:
MHUSSAIN11D25
I hope this review helps you decide whether Instacart is the right grocery delivery service for your needs.