Instacart amping up rewards programs for gig workers
Instacart announced Thursday new and updated rewards for its workers set to roll out during the summer.
Starting in July, Instacart will roll out an updated system for determining reward tiers as part of its Cart Star shopper rewards program.
Workers' shopping quality scores will play a key role in determining tiers alongside existing criteria that incorporate workers' completed orders and customer ratings. Instacart gig workers will advance through the tiers by completing orders rather than earning points, according to the announcement.
Instacart is also adding perks to Cart Star, including priority batch access by tier and a free Instacart+ membership for Diamond Cart shoppers, the highest tier. Platinum and Gold Cart shoppers follow Diamond in the succession to receive priority access to batches.
"Reliable access to batches is one of shoppers' top requests on our platform," Instacart said in the announcement, noting that Diamond Cart shoppers will continue to have early access to batches before stores open.
Instacart noted that more rewards will begin rolling out for Cart Star shoppers on October 1.
Instacart continues to add benefits for its workers as it looks to attract and incentivize the people who fulfill its online orders. The shopper quality score tool that will soon be determining Cart Star tier levels launched in April as a way to provide feedback to workers on the number and condition of items they selected and incorporate factors workers can control.
The grocery delivery company is also introducing an Instacart Shopper Rewards Card powered by Branch that will include a Mastercard debit card and a business bank account.
The card will enable Instacart's workers to more easily access and manage their earnings. They will have the option of automatically depositing their pay into their Shopper Rewards Account after every order "fee-free, meaning no more waiting for weekly direct deposits or paying Instant Cashout fees," according to the announcement.
Cashback benefits for both gas and EV charging are also part of this initiative, with higher-tiered Cart Star workers gaining access to additional rewards.
Similar to the incoming Cart Star rewards, Instacart's Shopper Rewards Card will begin rolling out in October.
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