9 Reasons why you should get an REI membership
Whether you’ve been outside all your life or new to adventuring, hobbies can be expensive.
REI has your back.
We’ve heard about the REI membership for years, and always brushed it off. On a whim, while making an online purchase at REI, we decided just to go for it. After all, it was only a one-time $30 fee for a lifetime of perks. And at that price, it would pay for itself in no time. Hopefully.
In the short amount of time that we’ve had an REI membership, we’ve gotten so much use out of it, and today — no strings attached, no sponsored reviews, no affiliate links — we’re breaking down exactly why getting an REI Membership is worth it!
REI Membership Benefits
10% Cash Back
Ever joke about your favorite store paying you because you spend so much time there? Enter: the Co-op Member Reward! You’ll receive an annual dividend back for eligible purchases of full-priced items. This is typically 10% of what you spent. Just in time to stock up on spring and summer gear, this award shows up in your REI member account every March, or you can request it as cash by walking into your local store.
Free Shipping
While online shoppers get free standard shipping over a certain threshold, members get it for every online order with no minimum required. This is especially helpful if you don’t have an REI store nearby.
Member Coupons
Members get 20% off the bike and snow shop, up to 33% off rentals, early access to products and limited-edition gear, and exclusive coupons by mail.
Buy or trade in used gear
If you’ve been here for any amount of time, you know how much we value sustainable living. One of the easiest ways to make a positive impact on our planet is to shop secondhand. From clothing, to hiking boots, to tents and camping gear, REI members can buy or sell used gear online through Re/Supply. Selling is easy, just drop off gently-used gear at a local store and you’ll immediately receive a gift card! If you don’t have a store nearby, you can have REI send you a mailing label for $6, and once the trade-in is complete, REI will email you a gift card. And before you ask, yes, you can trade in gear that was not bought at REI, as long as that product is in REI’s trade-in catalog.
Extended Returns
Whether your new hiking boots gave you blisters, or it turns out you’re not such a fan of kayaking as you’d hoped, members get one full year after a purchase to return items (with a few exceptions), allowing you to try out new hobbies and adventures.
Member Pricing on Experiences
REI plans and operates guided adventures and excursions throughout the US and across the globe — from the Galápagos Islands, to Mt. Everest, to National Parks. Designed for travelers of all skill levels, a membership helps make these trips more accessible by saving you hundreds. In most cases, REI provides everything you need, so all you have to do is show up!
Member Events
Interested in something a little closer to home? From camp cooking, to wilderness first aid, to kayak or SUP lessons, REI offers experiences and events throughout your local community, as well as virtually. Check out your local store for more information.
Cooperative Action Fund
For every new membership REI donates $5 to The REI Cooperative Action Fund. This fund accumulated $5.4 million in 2022 from new memberships. REI recognizes things like culture, race, ability, etc, effect access to the outdoors and the REI Cooperative Action Fund focuses on opening the outdoors to everyone. REI partners and funds various organizations that work to effect change in this area.
Free Flat Tire REpair
REI members get free flat tire repair (labor only) for mountain, road, hybrid or e-bikes, plus machine wax for skis and boards. Typically they can get your bike back to you on the spot for smaller repairs or in a few days for a detailed service.
