Grubhub vs Instacart Referral Bonus (2026)
A detailed comparison of Grubhub (Around $10 credit per referral) and Instacart ($10 credit per referral) in the Food Delivery category.
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Verdict: Instacart Edges Ahead
Both Grubhub and Instacart offer competitive referral programs. Instacart edges ahead with a 4-star rating.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Grubhub | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
| Referrer Bonus | Around $10 credit | $10 credit |
| Referee Bonus | $7–$12 off first order | Up to $30 credit |
| Payout Type | Credit | Credit |
| Commission Type | One-Time | One-Time |
| Max Referrals | unlimited | unlimited |
| Max Earnings | unlimited | unlimited |
| Conversion Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Rating | 3.9 | 4.0 |
| How to Refer | Open the Grubhub app, go to your profile, select 'Refer a friend,' and share your referral link. | Open the Instacart app, go to your account settings, find 'Refer friends,' and share your referral link. |
| Referee Requirements | Must be a new Grubhub customer (including affiliated brands) and place a first-time order using your link, which may require a minimum subtotal. | Must be a new Instacart customer, use your promo code, and place a first order of $35 or more. Residents of Washington state are not eligible. |
| Last Verified |
Pros & Cons
Grubhub
Pros
- +Strong presence in major US cities
- +Unlimited referrals
- +Grubhub+ subscription adds extra value for referrals
- +Well-established platform with wide restaurant selection
Cons
- −Around $7–$12 per referral is on the lower end for food delivery
- −Referral perks expire just two weeks after delivery
- −Credit only — not cashable
Instacart
Pros
- +Grocery delivery has universal appeal
- +Unlimited referrals
- +Credit can be used at any Instacart partner store
- +Shopper referrals offer much higher payouts
Cons
- −Referrer earns $10 credit (not cash); friend gets the bigger perk
- −Friend must spend $35+ to trigger your reward
- −Not available to residents of Washington state
- −Credit may expire if not used within a set timeframe
Detailed Program Breakdowns
Grubhub Referral Program
Earn a Grubhub delivery perk (typically around $7–$12) when a friend signs up with your link and places their first qualifying order. Exact amounts may vary by promotion.
Max earnings: unlimited
Max referrals: unlimited
Instacart Referral Program
Earn a $10 Instacart credit when a friend signs up with your code and completes their first qualifying grocery delivery order.
Max earnings: unlimited
Max referrals: unlimited
Our Recommendation
Instacart edges ahead with a 4/5 rating, making it our top pick in this comparison. It offers $10 credit per referral with credit payouts.
That said, Grubhub is still a solid program worth considering. The best choice ultimately depends on your audience — promote the platform your referrals are most likely to sign up for, as conversions matter more than raw bonus amounts.
For best results, consider promoting both programs and recommending whichever fits each individual referral's situation. Many successful referrers maintain active links for multiple programs in the same category.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which referral program pays more, Grubhub or Instacart?
- Grubhub offers Around $10 credit per referral while Instacart offers $10 credit per referral. Based on the maximum bonus value, Grubhub has the higher earning potential per referral.
- Is Grubhub or Instacart easier to refer friends to?
- Grubhub has a easy difficulty level while Instacart has a easy difficulty level. Both programs have similar conversion difficulty.
- How do Grubhub and Instacart pay referral bonuses?
- Grubhub pays referral bonuses as credit with a one-time commission structure. Instacart pays as credit with a one-time commission structure.
- Can I promote both Grubhub and Instacart referral programs?
- Yes, you can promote both Grubhub and Instacart referral programs simultaneously. Many successful referrers promote multiple programs in the same category and recommend different options to different audiences based on their needs and preferences.
- Which has a higher rating, Grubhub or Instacart?
- Grubhub has a 3.9/5 rating while Instacart has a 4/5 rating on RefPerks. Instacart is rated higher overall. Ratings reflect the quality of the referral program from a referrer's perspective, including payout reliability, bonus amounts, and ease of conversion.
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Explore Each Program
Get the complete breakdown of each referral program, including detailed tips, step-by-step referral instructions, and earning strategies.
Referral program terms may change. Verify current offers on the official website.