Why most people overpay, and how to stop today
Prices you see in the cart rarely match the final charge. There are platform fees, delivery fees, markups chosen by retailers, and the tip. Once you see the full bill clearly, you can control it. The goal is predictable spending, not random discounts.
Think of savings as a system. Link the correct loyalty cards, clip digital coupons at the store level, apply a live platform offer, and finish with a card based promotion. This is a stack. It works across most U.S. cities in 2025.
How grocery delivery costs really work in 2025
Four parts of the final bill
- Item subtotal, sometimes higher than shelf because many retailers add a platform markup.
- Platform fees, a delivery fee plus a service fee that changes by store and order size.
- Tip for the shopper, plan 15 to 20 percent as a base. This protects quality.
- Taxes and deposits, set by state or city.
Membership or pay per order
Memberships reduce delivery and service fees once you pass a minimum basket, usually 35 dollars. If you shop two or more times per month, the annual plan often pays for itself. If you order once in a while, pay per order and build a larger basket each time.
The five layer savings stack
- Store sales like BOGO and weekly promos.
- Digital store coupons clipped in the retailer app and activated through your loyalty card.
- Platform deals on specific brands or baskets.
- General code when available, for example a live Instacart Promo Code during a holiday push.
- Card based offer on Amex, Chase, or Bank of America.
Top providers and who they suit best
Instacart
Largest selection of retailers and strong shopper chat. Fees can rise fast on non member orders and some stores use markups. Instacart+ reduces service fees and removes delivery fees above the minimum.
Shipt
High touch communication with a Target focus and many regional partners. Membership is the main path. Single delivery passes are available in some markets.
Walmart+
Same price as in store, no service fee for members, and strong fuel and shipping perks. Substitutions are algorithmic so control is lower, but the total basket is often cheapest.
DoorDash
Great for fast top ups and convenience items. DashPass covers many grocery partners. Not ideal for large stock up trips.
Amazon Fresh
Good for large Prime orders where the delivery tier is free. Small baskets can trigger new fees. Whole Foods has a separate service fee.
Quick comparisons that matter
Membership, delivery, and fees
| Provider | Membership | Non-member delivery | Service fee | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instacart | ~$99 per year | $3.99 to $9.99 | Yes, reduced for members | Store variety and specialty |
| Shipt | ~$109 per year | Single pass available | Yes | Target and high touch help |
| Walmart+ | ~$98 per year | N/A, membership focus | No, for members | Lowest total basket |
| DoorDash | $9.99 per month | $1.99 to $7.99 | Yes | Fast top ups |
| Amazon Fresh | Prime plus delivery tiers | $3.95 to $9.95 | Yes for Whole Foods | Large Prime orders |
Coupon and loyalty rules
| Provider | Loyalty cards | Store digital coupons | Platform promo codes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instacart | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shipt | Yes, many partners | Yes | Yes |
| Walmart+ | Uses Walmart account | Yes in app | Rare |
| DoorDash | No | No | Yes |
| Amazon Fresh | Prime account | Amazon coupons | Yes |
Stacking method you can reuse every week
Five step checklist
- Activate a bank offer first. Open Amex, Chase, or BofA and add any grocery platform offer.
- Link the store loyalty card in the delivery app settings.
- Clip digital coupons in the store app before you add items.
- Add a platform deal that matches your basket.
- Apply a live general code if one exists. A trusted source for an Instacart coupon is ideal during holidays.
Worked example
Basket 150 dollars at Safeway on Instacart. Store BOGO saves 5, clipped coupons save 8.50, a platform brand promo saves 3, membership removes a 5.99 delivery fee and lowers the service fee by about 2. Net instant savings about 24.50 and bank cashback adds more later. Simple system, repeat weekly.
Stay safe while you hunt for deals
- Never share a 2FA code with anyone who calls or texts you.
- Avoid generator sites and unrealistic codes. Use official app promos only.
- Enable two factor login. Use a credit card for stronger dispute rights.
For government advice on fraud prevention, read the FTC guidance at consumer.ftc.gov.
Frequently asked questions
About this guide and editorial standards
GrocerySaveGuide is independent. We test flows, check receipts, and record fee changes. If you see outdated info, send a quick note and we will update the page.