I still remember that rainy Tuesday afternoon when my fridge was practically empty, and the thought of dragging myself to the grocery store felt like climbing Mount Everest. That\’s when I stumbled onto Instacart – you know, that lifesaver app that delivers groceries right to your door. But here\’s the twist: I\’d been using my Chase Ink Business Preferred card for years, mostly for office supplies, and it hit me. Could I combine this card with Instacart to rack up serious rewards? Turns out, I could, and it\’s transformed how I shop. Let me walk you through the nitty-gritty of making this work, because honestly, it\’s not just about saving a few bucks; it\’s about turning everyday errands into a rewards goldmine without breaking a sweat.

First off, for those new to this, Chase Ink cards are a godsend for small business owners or side hustlers. I\’ve got the Business Preferred one, which offers 3x points on shipping, advertising, and internet services – categories that Instacart cleverly falls under if you play your cards right. But don\’t just take my word for it. Last month, I ordered $150 worth of groceries through Instacart, and because I used my Chase Ink card, I earned a whopping 450 points. That might not sound like much, but when you redeem them for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, it\’s like getting a free flight upgrade after a few shops. The key? Instacart codes as \”internet services\” in most cases, so you\’re not stuck with the measly 1x points for general purchases. I learned this the hard way after a couple of botched orders where I used my personal card and missed out big time.

Now, boosting rewards isn\’t just about swiping the right card; it\’s about smart shopping habits. I always start by timing my orders for off-peak hours, like Tuesday mornings, when Instacart offers lower service fees or even free delivery with their Express membership. Yeah, I shell out $99 a year for that, but it pays for itself fast when I avoid those $3.99 fees on every order. Plus, I pair it with Chase\’s rotating 5% cash-back categories – last quarter, it included grocery delivery services, so I stacked that with my Ink card points for an insane double dip. One week, I saved $20 on fees and earned enough points for a $50 hotel stay. But here\’s where it gets real: I create detailed shopping lists in the app, sticking to essentials and avoiding impulse buys. That way, I\’m not just earning rewards; I\’m cutting my grocery bill by 15-20% monthly. It feels like a game, and I\’m winning.

Of course, there are pitfalls to watch out for. I\’ve had moments where Instacart misclassified my purchase, so I didn\’t get the bonus points. To avoid that, I always double-check the transaction details in my Chase account afterward and dispute it if needed – it\’s rare, but it happens. Also, not all Chase Ink cards are created equal; the Cash Back version might be better if you prefer straightforward money off your bill, while the Preferred is ideal for travel junkies like me. And let\’s talk about inflation: grocery prices are soaring, so I use Instacart\’s price comparison tool to ensure I\’m not overpaying. By combining this with my card rewards, I\’ve turned a chore into a strategy session. It\’s empowering, really – I\’m feeding my family while funding my next vacation.

In the end, this isn\’t just a hack; it\’s a lifestyle shift. Since adopting these tips, I\’ve earned over 10,000 points in six months, which I redeemed for a weekend getaway. It\’s all about consistency and tweaking your approach. Give it a shot – start small with one order, track your points, and see how it adds up. You might just find yourself looking forward to grocery runs.