Can I Do Self Checkout With Instacart? Read Best Answer
Can I Do Self Checkout With Instacart? – The idea of using self checkout is quite fascinating to majority of Instacart shoppers. As a matter of fact, many Instacart shoppers believe that self checkout will help them fulfil orders quicker.
Quite frankly, self checkout saves a whole lot of time and allows you to scan and pay for items without waiting in the long line for the store cashier to scan the barcodes.
A lot of shoppers have been asking the question “can I do self checkout with Instacart?” Generally, Instacart has no problem with shoppers doing self checkout on orders.
If that is the case, why then do shoppers have issues when trying to use self checkout? Well, we’ve made a lot of research on this topic. This article will provide you with full details regarding being able to do self checkout on Instacart.
So, can I do self checkout with Instacart? Yes, you can actually do self checkout on Instacart. You generally don’t necessarily have to wait for the cashier to do the work, you don’t need to wait in the long line.
However, there are several factors that can hinder you from doing self checkout with Instacart, continue read this article to learn more about this. We have also written lots of informative articles for both Instacart customers and workers, see them here.
- Can I Do Self Checkout With Instacart?
- Does Instacart Allow Self Checkout?
- Why Do Stores Reject Self Checkout With Instacart?
- Why Can’t I Do Self Checkout With Instacart?
- Why You Should Do Self Checkout With Instacart
- Can Instacart Shoppers Use Self Checkout At Costco?
- Can You Go Through Self Checkout With Alcohol?
- Can I Shop For Myself While Doing Instacart?
- Can Instacart Shoppers Do Self Checkout?
- Instacart Self Checkout Target
- Summary
Can I Do Self Checkout With Instacart?
Yes, Instacart shoppers are allowed to do self checkout while shopping for customers’ orders at participating stores. Since self checkout makes quickens the shopping time, several Instacart shoppers like doing self checkout.
Although, it requires you to be extra careful to avoid mistakes, doing self checkout will help you to complete order within a shorter time than having to wait in the line for the items to be scanned by the cashier.
However, the usage of self checkout is limited as many shops do not allow this for obvious reasons. We are going to provide reasons why several shops don’t allow self checkout with Instacart.
Just before then, let’s get to find out what Instacart recommends with regards to shoppers doing self checkout, does Instacart recommends this? Continue reading this article to find out more on this.
Does Instacart Allow Self Checkout?
Instacart encourages shoppers to ensure that orders are completed as fast as possible, this means that self checkout is a better option.
Shoppers are encouraged to make use of the self checkout machine so long as they are following the policy of the store.
Except the shopping app specifically prohibits shoppers from using self checkout, it is always a good idea to use it.
That being said, you should find out if the store allows self checkout or if the app explicitly says you can’t. Find out the store’s policy regarding self checkout before making the move.
However, Instacart highly recommends that shoppers make use of manned checkout lines, this is just on paper because no shopper will get punished for using self checkout.
Why Do Stores Reject Self Checkout With Instacart?
Even though Instacart generally allows shoppers to make use of the self checkout, you can’t just use it at any stores. Several stores don’t allow self checkout with Instacart for some reasons, check out these reasons below.
1. Use Of Personal Rewards Cards
One of the main reasons some stores don’t allow self checkout with Instacart is that some shoppers make use of their personal rewards cards to pay for orders. Several shops don’t want shoppers to pay for orders using their points and cash backs on reward cards. Essentially, they don’t want you to use your membership card to make payment to avoid getting cash back and points.
2. Online Payments Need Verification
Stores that accept online payments don’t allow self checkout, this is because online payments require proper verification to avoid reversals. Some online apps are not automatic, this is why these stores want online payments to be done at the counter.

Why Can’t I Do Self Checkout With Instacart?
While shoppers are allowed to do self checkout with Instacart, there are a few factors that may hinder you from doing self checkout for your orders, below are a few of these factors.
- You Are Making Online Payment: Self checkout only works for credit or debit card payments. If you are making an online payment on the app, you won’t be able to do self checkout.
- You Have Up To 30 Or More Items: Some stores allow self checkout for customers with few items to scan. Some stores limit self checkout to not more than 18 items, anything more than 18 items will need to be scanned by a cashier.
- You Are Paying Cash: Self checkout is mainly for credit or debit card payments, cash payments are not allowed on self checkout. If you are paying cash, you need to use in-person.
- There Is Alcohol In Your Order: Stores don’t allow shoppers to use self checkout with Instacart to pay for alcohol. Shoppers are only allowed to pay for alcohol at the counter and not using self checkout.
Why You Should Do Self Checkout With Instacart
There is a good reason why you should make use of self checkout with Instacart. If you are shopping in stores that allow self checkout, there are quite a few benefits you’ll enjoy.
- Complete Orders Faster
With the self checkout, you’ll be able to complete orders quicker, you won’t have to wait in the long line for your orders to be scanned by a cashier. Once you are done shopping, you can just scan the barcodes yourself at the self checkout machine, this helps you complete orders faster.
- Possibly Get Points And Cash Backs
Although, stores don’t allow shoppers to use their membership cards for payments, you can possibly get points and cash backs if you are allowed to use your personal membership card for payment of orders. Please note that majority of the stores don’t allow self checkout with Instacart for this reason.
Can Instacart Shoppers Use Self Checkout At Costco?
No, Instacart shoppers are not allowed to use self checkout at Costco, only credit cards are allowed for payments.
Costco is in partnership with Instacart, they issue special credit cards for Instacart shoppers, this means they don’t have to use their personal credit cards for payments.
That being said, self checkout isn’t available for Instacart shoppers at Costco, they are given dedicated cashiers in several Costco locations.
Can You Go Through Self Checkout With Alcohol?
Yes, you can go through self checkout with alcohol only if an employee comes over to check your ID. You essentially have to present your ID else the self checkout machine screen will lock up and nothing will be processed.
In summary, you’ll have to wait until your ID has been checked by an employee before you can go through self checkout with alcohol.
Checking your ID is important, this prevents the machine approving purchase of alcohol for people under 21.
Can I Shop For Myself While Doing Instacart?
No, Instacart policy is against shoppers shopping for themselves while completing a batch. Essentially, no personal shopping is allowed for an Instacart shopper who is completing an order.
In some stores like Costro, making personal shopping while completing a batch can get you removed from all orders or possibly getting deactivated.
Shoppers are strongly advised to complete a batch first before coming back to make their personal purchases, this is to avoid errors in completing batches.
Can Instacart Shoppers Do Self Checkout?
Yes, Instacart shoppers can do self checkout at different stores as long as the store accepts it and they are making credit card payment.
That being said, Instacart recommends shoppers to use manned checkout for efficiency and to avoid errors. However, you can always use the self checkout if you are quite conversant with the self checkout machine.
Instacart Self Checkout Target
Self checkout is available for Instacart shoppers at Target, this offers shoppers the opportunity to complete their batches quicker.
If you are an Instacart shopper and you are shopping at Target, you don’t have to join the long line to have your order scanned at the counter, you can simply make use of the self checkout machine.
There is no limit to how many times or how many items you can scan with the self checkout machine at Target.
Summary
Can I Do Self Checkout With Instacart? Yes, you can do self checkout with Instacart. However, you need to first find out if the store allows self checkout for Instacart orders or not.
You also have to ensure that you are making credit or debit card payments to be able to use self checkout.