Is REI’s membership program worth it? Yes, here’s why

REI is one of our go-to retailers for anything outdoor-related. The brand specializes in essentials for camping, hiking, running, climbing, cycling and many other fitness and nature-driven activities. In fact, some of REI’s most highly rated items include its half-dome tents, reusable water bottles and rain jackets from brands like Columbia, The North Face and Patagonia.

In addition to must-have outdoor gear, one of REI’s biggest perks is its Co-Op Membership. Membership gives you a bevy of benefits, some of which include exclusive discounts and a generous return policy. If you’ve ever wondered if an REI membership is worth it, read on to learn more about the details of the program.

SKIP AHEAD What is REI Co-Op? | What is REI’s Co-Op Membership? | What are the benefits of an REI Co-Op Membership? | Who is the REI Co-Op Membership best for? | Why trust NBC Select?

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REI Co-Op, more casually referred to as REI (an acronym for Recreational Equipment Inc.), is a retailer of outdoor and athletic equipment founded in 1938. The brand has more than 180 brick-and-mortar storefronts in 41 states within the United States, according to the brand and, of course, an online store you can shop from. In addition to being a popular outdoor gear retailer, REI is known for its member-owned cooperative business structure, meaning that it’s owned and operated by its members and employees instead of shareholders. The benefit of this type of business structure is that it allows the retailer to prioritize the values of the members and employees before its profits, according to REI. The company currently has 23 million members, according to the brand.

REI’s Co-Op Membership has a one-time $30 fee, though you’ll have access to the membership for life.

The REI Co-Op Membership lasts a lifetime and with it you get access to:

• Exclusive discounts: Members get exclusive, member-only deals and coupons at REI throughout the year. This includes a $30 Member Bonus Card, which you get after making a purchase of at least $50 at REI and purchasing a membership in the same transaction. You’ll then get a $30 bonus card via email, which you must use within 30 days. In addition to deals throughout the year, members also get discounts of up to 20% off on eligible cycling and winter shop services. This also includes access to exclusive deals from REI’s Member Month Sale, which runs from March 14-24 in 2025.

• Free shipping: You’ll get free U.S. Standard shipping on all orders, with no minimum purchase, while non-members only get free shipping on orders of at least $60 pre-tax. This benefit has some exclusions, including oversized packages and return shipments.

• Rewards program: Members get up to 10% back on eligible full-price purchases annually. You can see your earned rewards in your account in March the next year, and REI will also notify you via email or mail. You can redeem your rewards either in-store, online or via the REI Co-Op app.
• Year-long return window: REI members benefit from a 100% satisfaction guarantee policy regarding product return windows. You can try out eligible products for up to one year (from the purchase date) before deciding whether or not to return them and get a refund or replacement. While members get up to one year, non-members only get a 90-day window after the purchase date. REI has a few exceptions to this policy, such as purchases on cameras and GPS-enabled devices, which still have a 90 day-return window, regardless of membership status.
• Buy and trade-in: As an REI member, you can access Re/Supply, the brand’s buy and trade-in programs. With Re/Supply, members can shop or trade-in eligible used gear and receive an REI gift card in return. Members can trade in the items in-person at an REI store or ship it to one — the brand also provides the label to make the trade-in even more streamlined.
• Discounted rentals: Additionally, members get discounts of 33% on rental gear for camping, paddling, cycling and other outdoor activities. You can use the REI site to find a participating rental store close to you. Members also get a free tube after purchasing a flat tire repair service from the brand’s cycling shop.
• Access to member-only events: REI’s membership includes access to members-only local and virtual events, hosted by other REI members, including REI guides, who are professional outdoor experts that offer classes and day trips for people who are interested in being more active outdoors. Example classes include a “Running Basics: Trail and Road Presentation,” a “Flat Tire Repair Workshop,” and “Basics of Backpacking the Appalachian Trail.”
• Credit card program: REI also has an REI Co-Op Mastercard program, which allows members to apply for a REI credit card to get benefits such as 5% in rewards on eligible REI purchases, 1.5% in rewards on purchases outside of REI and the chance to redeem rewards while earning them. The credit card doesn’t have annual or foreign transaction fees, according to the brand. After being approved, you get a $100 REI gift card by purchasing outside of REI within 60 days of opening the account, according to the brand. 
• REI Co-Op board elections: As a member, you can vote for the company’s board elections.

Whether you’re serious about camping, trail running, paddling and backpacking, or you’re interested in becoming more active outdoors, you should consider the membership program. As someone who regularly covers sale events and deals at REI, I often feature the retailer’s most popular and highly rated products, which fall into categories we cover at NBC Select, such as running and wellness. If you purchase items such as outdoor apparel, running shoes, sleeping bags, reusable water bottles, and smartwatches frequently, then you’ll get plenty of use out of an REI membership. Additionally, if you’re passionate about supporting environmental preservation policies, an REI membership lets you contribute to that mission, too.

I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I regularly cover deals and sales events at retailers such as REI. I also review trending products and write about home appliances, bedding, cleaning gadgets and more.

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