Instacart Holiday Season Gig Application — How to Apply Online
To sign up as an Instacart Shopper for the holiday season, visit shoppers.instacart.com and create an account. Instacart connects shoppers with customers who need groceries and household items delivered. Holiday season demand surges around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, boosting batch pay and tip potential. Shoppers can earn $15–$28+/hr during peak holiday periods. Minimum age is 18.
How to Apply at Instacart Holiday Season Gig
Instacart is the leading grocery delivery and pickup platform in North America, partnering with over 1,400 retail brands. During the holiday season, demand for grocery delivery surges. Instacart actively recruits new Full-Service and In-Store Shoppers during these peak periods. Follow these steps to sign up.
Step 1: Visit shoppers.instacart.com
Go to the Instacart Shopper sign-up page and enter your email, phone number, and ZIP code. Choose whether you want to be a Full-Service Shopper (shop and deliver) or an In-Store Shopper (shop only at a specific store location).
Step 2: Complete the Application
Provide your personal information, driver’s license details (for Full-Service Shoppers), and vehicle information. Consent to a background check. In-Store Shoppers do not need a vehicle but must be available for scheduled shifts at a partner store.
Step 3: Pass the Background Check
Instacart runs a background check through Checkr. Processing typically takes 3–10 business days depending on your location.
Step 4: Download the Shopper App
Install the Instacart Shopper app on your smartphone and complete the in-app training covering how to accept batches, navigate stores, select produce, communicate with customers, and complete deliveries.
Step 5: Start Shopping During Holiday Demand
Begin accepting batches through the app. Holiday weeks around Thanksgiving and Christmas generate the highest demand and best earning potential. Instacart may offer promotional bonuses for completing a set number of batches during peak periods.
Instacart Holiday Season Gig Positions & Pay Rates
| Position | Hourly Rate | Key Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Shopper | $15–$28+/hr | 18+, valid license, vehicle, smartphone, ability to lift 40+ lbs |
| Full-Service Shopper (Holiday Peak) | $20–$28+/hr | Same requirements, available during high-demand holiday windows |
| In-Store Shopper | $13–$17/hr | 18+, no vehicle needed, scheduled shifts at partner stores |
| In-Store Shopper (Holiday Season) | $13–$17/hr | Same requirements, extended hours during holiday peaks |
Instacart Full-Service Shopper earnings include batch pay, customer tips, and promotional bonuses. Holiday weeks generate larger orders and higher tips. In-Store Shoppers are Instacart part-time employees with set hourly wages.
Instacart Holiday Season Gig Requirements
Instacart requires all Shoppers to be at least 18 years old with a valid form of identification. Full-Service Shoppers need a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and personal auto insurance. A smartphone with the Instacart Shopper app is required. The ability to lift and carry grocery bags weighing up to 40 pounds is necessary for all Shopper types.
Instacart Holiday Season Gig Interview Process
Instacart Full-Service Shoppers do not go through a traditional interview. The onboarding process is entirely app-based. Once approved, shoppers can begin accepting batches immediately. In-Store Shoppers may have a brief interview with the store’s Instacart team lead or partner store manager.
Instacart Holiday Season Gig Employee Benefits
Instacart Full-Service Shoppers enjoy complete schedule flexibility. During the holiday season, higher demand translates to more available batches and larger tips. Instacart offers instant cashout of earnings. The company partners with Stride Health to connect Full-Service Shoppers with health insurance marketplace options and provides occupational accident insurance during active batches.
Instacart Holiday Season Gig Career Development
Instacart offers growth within the platform for Shoppers who maintain high ratings and completion rates. Top-rated Shoppers gain priority access to the highest-paying batches and may be invited to participate in special programs. The skills developed as an Instacart Shopper translate well to careers in retail management, supply chain operations, and e-commerce fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn on Instacart during the holidays?
Many Instacart Full-Service Shoppers report earning $20–$28+ per hour during peak holiday periods, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Earnings include batch pay, customer tips, and any promotional bonuses.
What is the difference between Full-Service and In-Store Shoppers?
Full-Service Shoppers are independent contractors who shop and deliver to the customer’s door. In-Store Shoppers are part-time Instacart employees who work scheduled shifts at a specific partner store.
How old do you have to be to work for Instacart?
You must be at least 18 years old to become an Instacart Shopper, whether Full-Service or In-Store.
When is the busiest time on Instacart?
The busiest periods on Instacart include the days before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. These windows offer the highest batch volume, biggest orders, and best tipping.