What Kroger charges for delivery and who gets discounts

Kroger's delivery cost depends on which service you use and whether you have a membership. Kroger Delivery (their own service) typically costs $9.95 per order with no membership, or free delivery on orders over $35 if you pay for a Kroger+ membership. Instacart, which also delivers from Kroger stores, charges a delivery fee that varies by location and time of day — usually $3.99 to $9.99 — plus a service fee of around 5% to 20% of your order total.

Kroger does not offer a senior-specific discount on delivery fees at this time. However, some Kroger stores participate in senior discount days (usually Wednesdays) where you get 10% off groceries in-store. That discount does not extend to delivery orders. Your best option for lower delivery costs is the Kroger+ membership, which runs about $99 per year and includes free delivery on orders over $35, plus fuel discounts and other perks.

If you live in an area where Instacart is your only delivery option from Kroger, you may find lower costs by using Instacart+ (their paid membership at $9.99 per month or $99 per year), which waives delivery fees on orders over $35 and reduces service fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Kroger Delivery costs $9.95 per order without a membership, or is free on orders over $35 with a Kroger+ membership ($99 per year).
  • Instacart delivery from Kroger typically costs $3.99 to $9.99 plus a service fee, and can be free with an Instacart+ membership on orders over $35.
  • Kroger's in-store senior discounts (usually 10% on Wednesdays) do not explore to delivery orders.
  • Comparing the cost of a membership against how often you order will tell you whether paying upfront saves money in your situation.

How to compare Kroger Delivery and Instacart costs for your area

The price you actually pay depends on where you live. Instacart fees vary by location and time of day — delivery during peak hours (lunch and dinner) costs more than early morning or late night. Kroger Delivery fees are the same everywhere Kroger operates, but not all Kroger locations offer their own delivery service.

To find out what is available in your area, go to Kroger.com and enter your zip code. The site will show you whether Kroger Delivery is available and what the current fee is. Then check Instacart.com and search for Kroger stores near you to see their delivery fees for your location. Write down both numbers so you can compare them against how often you plan to order.

If you order groceries once a week or more, a membership usually pays for itself within a few months. If you order once or twice a month, paying per-order fees may be cheaper. Use a calculator or write out three months of orders to see which option costs less in your situation.

What the Kroger+ membership includes beyond delivery

The $99 annual Kroger+ membership gives you free delivery on orders over $35, but that is not the only benefit. You also get fuel discounts (typically 4 cents per gallon, sometimes more during promotions), pharmacy discounts, and early access to Kroger sales and digital coupons. Some Kroger locations add extra perks like discounts on flowers or pharmacy items.

The fuel discount alone can save a senior who drives regularly $50 to $100 per year, depending on how much you fill up. If you use Kroger's pharmacy or buy fuel at their stations, the membership may pay for itself even if you never use delivery.

How to set up delivery and place your first order

On Kroger.com or the Kroger mobile app, create an account or sign in. Enter your delivery address and select your preferred delivery window (usually same-day or next-day, depending on your location). Add items to your cart the same way you would in-store, then review your order and choose your delivery time.

Before you check out, the site will show you the delivery fee and any membership discounts. If you do not have a membership and the fee seems high, you can add items to reach the $35 threshold for free delivery (if available in your area) or sign up for Kroger+ right then. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or digital wallet.

Your groceries will arrive in an insulated bag. The driver will leave them at your door or, if you request it, inside your home. You can rate the delivery and report any issues through the app or website.

Instacart as an alternative if Kroger Delivery is not available

Instacart is a third-party service that picks and delivers groceries from many stores, including Kroger. If your local Kroger does not offer its own delivery, Instacart may be your only option for grocery delivery from that store. Instacart charges a delivery fee (usually $3.99 to $9.99) plus a service fee (5% to 20% of your order total), and sometimes a small bag fee.

You can reduce Instacart costs by ordering during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) and by ordering larger quantities at once, since the service fee is a percentage of your total. Instacart+ membership ($9.99 per month or $99 per year) waives delivery fees on orders over $35 and reduces the service fee to 0% on orders over $100.

To use Instacart, read the app or visit Instacart.com, search for Kroger in your area, and add items to your cart. You can choose a shopper (Instacart will assign one if you do not) and select your delivery window. Payment works the same way as Kroger Delivery.

Other ways to reduce grocery costs if delivery fees are a concern

If delivery fees feel expensive, you have other options. Many Kroger stores offer free in-store pickup for online orders — you order on the website or app, and a Kroger employee bags your groceries and brings them to your car. This takes longer than delivery (usually 24 to 48 hours) but costs nothing.

You can also ask a family member or friend to shop for you, or look into whether your area has a grocery delivery service run by a local senior center or meal program. Some areas offer subsidized or free grocery delivery for seniors through Meals on Wheels or similar organizations. Call your local Area Agency on Aging to ask what is available in your community.

Finally, if you shop in-store on senior discount days (usually Wednesdays), you will save 10% on most items, which may offset the cost of occasional delivery orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kroger offer free delivery for seniors?

Kroger does not have a senior-specific delivery discount. However, free delivery is available to anyone with a Kroger+ membership ($99 per year) on orders over $35. If you order regularly, the membership usually pays for itself within a few months.

Can I use my Kroger+ membership on Instacart?

No. Kroger+ and Instacart+ are separate memberships. If you use Instacart to shop at Kroger, you would need an Instacart+ membership to get free delivery. The two services do not share benefits.

What if I do not want to pay for a membership?

You can order from Kroger Delivery without a membership for $9.95 per order, or use Instacart and pay per-order fees. You can also use free in-store pickup, which takes longer but costs nothing. Some seniors also may have access to for subsidized delivery through local meal programs or senior centers.

How long does Kroger delivery usually take?

Kroger Delivery typically arrives within 24 to 48 hours of when you place your order, depending on your location and how busy the service is. Instacart is often faster — sometimes same-day — but charges higher fees for faster delivery windows.

What if items are out of stock when my order arrives?

Both Kroger Delivery and Instacart will contact you if an item is out of stock and ask whether you want a substitute or a refund. You can also request substitutes ahead of time in your order notes. If you do not respond, the service will refund you for that item.