You need groceries, but sometimes it’s not possible to get to the store. Curbside delivery is an option at many stores, but many stores go as far as delivering to your home the same day you order them.
Here’s a list of the top stores offering same-day delivery, how it works, and the cost.
What Grocery Stores Offer Same Day Delivery?
1. Walmart
If you love Walmart grocery prices but don’t love going to the store itself, consider Walmart’s same day grocery delivery. They offer the option to pay for it as you go or you can buy a Walmart+ Membership and not pay delivery fees for any grocery orders over $35.
The groceries are delivered by a third party but picked by Walmart. Slots fill up fast so if you want same-day delivery we suggest putting your order in early.
Here’s what it costs for Walmart same day grocery delivery.
- $7.95 – $9.95 per delivery
- $12.95 a month for Walmart+ with free deliveries over $35
- $5.99 delivery fee for Walmart+ members with an order less than $35
2. Amazon Fresh
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you have access to same day grocery delivery from Amazon Fresh. Many of the groceries come from Whole Foods, but not all. Same day delivery is available in some areas, but not all, so check availability in your area first.
You can clip coupons and shop sales too. If you choose your time slot early enough, you may get your groceries delivered the same day, but like Walmart, slots fill up fast.
Here’s what it costs for Amazon Fresh same day grocery delivery.
- $12.99 a month for Amazon Prime (required)
- Delivery is free for orders over $35
- Orders under $35 cost $9.99 for same day delivery
Even if you don’t need $35 worth of groceries, find something to stock up on so you can avoid the $9.99 fee. It makes more sense to get something for it rather than spending the money on delivery fees.
3. Target
Everyone knows and loves Target and now it’s possible to love them even more! They can deliver your groceries on the same day via Shipt. Like most same day grocery store delivery services, you can pay as you go or sign up for a membership.
If you choose the membership, you’ll buy a Shipt membership, not a Target membership, though, giving you access to same day delivery from other stores too.
Here’s what it costs for Target same day grocery delivery.
- A Shipt membership is $99 per year
- All deliveries with a Shipt membership over $35 are free
- Any orders less than $35 have a $7 delivery fee
- Get delivery without a Shipt membership for $9.99 per delivery
4. Meijer
Meijer offers two ways to get your groceries delivered the same day. You can order them directly from Meijer and pay per order or you can use your Shipt account to get your groceries delivered via Shipt.
Here’s what it costs to get your groceries delivered from Meijer:
- For a limited time Meijer grocery deliveries are $7.95 per delivery
- A Shipt membership costs $99 per year
- With a Shipt membership all orders over $35 deliver free and any orders less than $35 cost $9.99
5. Aldi
If you like saving money on groceries, consider Aldi. They sell the same products you see in other big-name grocery stores, but in different packaging which saves you a lot of money. It’s a no-frills grocery store but they offer some of the lowest prices and the products are often just as good as their name-brand counterparts.
Now you can get your groceries delivered from Aldi the same day via Instacart. Here’s what it costs:
- Pay as you go delivery costs $3.99+, the exact cost depends on the size of the order, but the average order costs $7
- If you become an Instacart Express member and pay the $9.99 a month or $99.99 per year fee all orders over $35 ship free
- Instacart Express members also pay lower service fees
6. FreshDirect
If you live on the East Coast, namely Washington D.C., Philadelphia, or New York City, FreshDirect will deliver groceries to you the same day. They mostly ship meat and fresh produce, but they have a large selection of groceries, dairy, and deli products too.
You must order at least $30 worth of groceries to use the service, and like most grocery delivery services, you can pay as you go or buy a membership.
Here’s what it costs to get groceries delivered from FreshDirect:
- $6+ for pay as you go deliveries, the exact cost depends on the size of the order
- Buy a membership for $79 for six months or $129 for the year and get unlimited free deliveries
7. Safeway
Safeway offers grocery delivery 7 days a week starting at 8 AM until 10 PM. Like most stores, same day slots fill up fast so book your spot early if you need one. The groceries are delivered by Instacart and can be paid for on a pay as you go basis or you can buy an Instacart Express membership for free deliveries.
Here’s what it costs to get Safeway groceries delivered on the same day:
- Pay as you go delivery starts at $3.99 and up, but most orders cost an average of $7
- Instacart Express members pay $9.99 a month or $99.99 per year (you can cancel the monthly any time) and get free delivery on orders over $35
8. Publix
Publix is another grocery store that uses Instacart to provide same day delivery. You can order your groceries for delivery via Instacart or for curbside pickup if you prefer. Publix also offers their buy one get one free deals with Instacart orders, which is a nice way to save on groceries and have them delivered to you.
Here’s what it costs to get Publix groceries delivered on the same day:
- Pay as you go with the average order costing $7 for delivery (large orders cost more)
- Buy an Instacart Express membership and pay either $9.99 a month or $99.99 per year to get free delivery on orders $35 and up
Tips to Make Same Day Grocery Delivery Work for You
Getting groceries delivered the same day has become quite popular, so here are some tips to make the most of it.
Order Early
There are a limited number of spots available. If you know you need groceries today, order them as early in the morning as possible to get your desired time slot. Some stores also have different delivery fees based on the time of the day. If you order early, you can choose the cheaper time slots.
Pay Attention to Order Minimums
Some stores waive the delivery fee or charge a lower fee if you order at least $35 (on average) in groceries. Every store is different so read the fine print before ordering so you can avoid the delivery charges.
Sign up for a Membership
If you frequently use grocery delivery, it pays to sign up for an Instacart or Shipt membership. Some stores have their own membership too. Do the math and make sure you’ll order enough times to make up for the fee. Any deliveries beyond that number will be free.
Keep a Recurring List
Many stores allow you to reorder your last order or keep a recurring list of items to make it easier to place your order. If you know your basics are already on the list, you only have to update with anything new you need and can check out fast, getting your grocery delivery spot on the same day.
FAQs – Same Day Grocery Delivery
How much should you tip a grocery delivery driver?
Like any service, 15 – 20% is a good tip. Think about the service the delivery driver provided and the convenience you just experienced. Tips are a big part of their income and since they helped you out, it’s nice to return the favor.
How much does grocery delivery cost?
Each store is different, but plan on an average of $7 per order for most services. If you buy an Instacart membership or any other service, you can save on the delivery charges on orders over $35 and pay an average of $7 – $10 a month for the service with unlimited deliveries.
Can you do curbside pickup for groceries?
Most stores that offer grocery delivery also offer curbside pickup. You may still pay for a ‘shop’ service to cover the cost of the shopping, but you’ll save on delivery. These slots fill up fast too, so place your order early.
Is it a good idea to do same day grocery delivery?
Same day grocery delivery can be a lifesaver, but try it out at your local stores to see which one offers the best service. Like any store, they aren’t one-size-fits-all and you may find you like the service at one store better than another.
Final Thoughts – Is Same Day Grocery Delivery Worth It?
The convenience alone can make same day grocery delivery worth it.
Personally, I think if you buy a membership you get your best bang for the buck if you’ll use it often.
If it’s a one-off thing where you can’t get to the store, find the least expensive delivery spots and place your order early to save money on the cost, while getting the service you need.
