12 Reasons to Become an REI Member
Being an REI Member comes with a ton of perks like member-only coupons, a 1-year return policy, and annual Member rewards. Learn why I became an REI Member and about all the benefits you get when you join!
This post is sponsored by REI. I became an REI member 20 years ago, right after I finished college and decided to dive deeper into camping. I’ll never forget being in the Seattle store, buying my first Gregory pack. The guy in the green vest helped me stuff it full of sandbags so I could try it on, giving me the full gear experience.
Two weeks later, I returned home from my very first backpacking trip and realized the pack wasn’t quite the right fit for me. Thankfully, I’d bought it at REI, where the no-questions-asked return policy came through. I was able to exchange it for something that felt much more comfortable, and that moment solidified my trust in the brand.
Since becoming an REI Member, I’ve saved thousands of dollars on gear and outdoor essentials. The Member Rewards program gives me 10% back on my purchases every year, and their 100% satisfaction guarantee ensures I never waste money on gear that doesn’t work for me.
On top of that, I get access to exclusive member-only sales, discounts, free shipping, and the used gear trade-in program. What really stands out to me, though, is how much REI gives back to local communities and environmental causes. These are just a few of the reasons I continue to shop at REI and proudly support the brand as a member.
In this post, I share all of the perks you get as a lifetime REI Member and the benefits that keep me coming back after all of these years.
March Deals for REI Members
REI is running some special deals for its REI Members from March 14-23, 2025. Here’s how you can take advantage:
Not an REI Member yet? You can sign up here!
This post may contain affiliate links.
How much is an REI Membership?
A Lifetime REI Membership costs just $30—a one-time fee that grants you access to all the benefits forever. There are no annual dues, fees, or hidden charges. You can sign up online or at any REI store, and once you do, you’ll immediately start enjoying all the exclusive Member perks I’ve outlined below.
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How does the REI Membership work?
When you shop in-store, there’s no need to carry a Member card. When you are checking out, simply provide your phone number to ensure you get credit for your purchases which all count towards your annual Member rewards. Having your purchases connected with your phone number also means you also don’t need to worry about saving receipts for returns.
If you prefer shopping online (which includes free shipping for Members), your online account is linked to your Membership number. This makes it simple to view your entire purchase history and apply your annual Member Rewards directly to your future purchases.
Is an REI Membership Worth it?
The lifetime REI membership fee quickly pays for itself, making it a smart choice even for occasional shoppers. The benefits far outweigh the one-time $30 fee.
For instance, if you purchase a Big Agnes Copper Spur Ultralight Tent for $549, you’d earn $54.90 in Member Rewards, which more than covers the cost of your membership.
And if you decide the tent isn’t the right fit after using it, REI’s generous return policy lets you return it within one year—even without a receipt. You’d be hard pressed to find another outdoor retailer that offers such a hassle-free return experience, making REI’s membership even more valuable.
12 Great REI Member Benefits
Here is a roundup all of all of the great benefits you get as an REI Member:
1) Get 10% Back on Your Purchases With Your Member Rewards
Every year in March, REI Members get 10% back on everything they’ve purchased over the past year, excluding sale items and REI classes.
Formally referred to as your annual dividend, Member Rewards can be redeemed for any REI purchase.
Last year I spent $1,370 at REI, so my REI Member Total Rewards that I just received amounted to $137. Every year I look forward to this, especially as we head into summer because there is usually some new piece of gear I’ve been eyeing.
This year, I’m in the market for some new Patagonia Capilene Hoodies for my toddler. I’m excited to be able to use my rewards to save a bit when making these purchases.
2) REI Member-Only Coupons
Throughout the year, REI has a number of sales, and during those sales, they offer additional discounts to Members.
Typically during these sales, Members get 20% off one full-priced item and an extra 20% off an already discounted item, although this can change based on the sale.
The best part? These special coupons are given to Members all throughout the year, not just once.
If you’ve been saving for a big ticket item, like the REI Magma 15 Degree Sleeping Bag, 20% off saves you $86. That’s gas money for your next weekend road trip!
3) REI’s Return Policy
I already mentioned REI’s awesome return policy. As a Member, you have 1 year from the date of purchase to return something if it’s not working out.*
This doesn’t mean you can use and abuse your gear and return it 364 days later, but it does mean that if you take those new hiking boots on the trail and if they are killing your feet, then you can return them for a full refund.
Unlike the 365-day return policy for Members, non-members only get a 90-day return period. The other benefit of being a Member is you don’t have to have a receipt. You can show up with the item and they can look up your purchase history with your phone number – easy peasy! As a non-Member, if you lose your receipt, you’re out of luck if you need to return something.
*There are a few exclusions to the 1-year return policy. For electronics like activity monitors, GPS devices, and cameras, Members have 90-days to make a return – which is still really generous compared to other retailers.
4) REI Members Get Free Standard Shipping
REI Members get free standard shipping on all REI.com purchases with no minimum purchase required!
This is a huge perk and makes shopping online quick and easy. If you don’t live near an REI, just think about how much money you’ll save on shipping costs – this alone makes the $30 lifetime membership worth it.
5) Member-Only Re/Supply
So what does REI do with all that gently used stuff that gets returned? REI sells it on their used gear site. You can score some great deals on gently used essentials, and buying secondhand is a win for the planet too! I love supporting brands that are advocates for secondhand gear!
6) Save on REI Classes & Trips
Did you know REI offers a ton of different classes? From backcountry navigation to bike maintenance, camp cooking, and full-blown Wilderness First Aid courses, REI classes are a great way to improve your outdoor skill set.
Some classes are even free, like the John Muir Trail course I taught a couple of years back at the Henderson store. For the fee-based classes, REI Members can save up to $30 off the list price, which covers the price of the Membership.
7) In-Store Service Discounts
Beyond helping you purchase the right gear, REI also helps you maintain and tune up your gear in-store.
Did you know most REI stores have full bike and ski shops in-house? Even better: Members get 20% off these services, plus free flat tire repair and machine wax on skis and snowboards.
8) Discounts on Gear Rental
Want to try a new outdoor activity but don’t want to commit to buying all the right gear? Or are you traveling out of state for an adventure and don’t want to fly with all your gear? You can rent gear from REI for all sorts of activities like backpacking, canoeing, climbing, cycling, and snowshoeing.
Don’t have a bike rack or a roof rack? REI rents those too. Although anyone can rent gear from REI, REI Members save up to 33% off all gear rentals.
9) Your Membership Gives Back to the Outdoors
In total, since 1976 REI has donated nearly 70% of its profits to its non-profit partners for outdoor stewardship projects going right back into the outdoor community. And as REI grows, their contributions do too.
When you join the REI Coop, REI also donates $5 to the REI Cooperative Action Fund for every new Member. Since 2021, REI has given away $24 million to hundreds of small, local nonprofits dedicated to preserving public lands and getting people outside. That means your membership and purchases are worth more than just the gear you buy.
By being an REI Member, you are giving back and having a direct positive impact on the trails and parks in your community. As a Member, you also get to vote in their annual Board elections, having a direct impact on the decisions made by the coop.
You can see a full list of non-profit partners here.
10) You Can Trade-In Your Used Gear
REI Co-op Members can trade in gently used outdoor gear in exchange for REI gift cards through their Re/Supply program – what an amazing perk! They accept most brands and items that REI carries, including most men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing and shoes, as well as gear like sleeping bags, backpacks, and tents – you could receive up to 50% of the retail value.
The best part? You can trade in gear that you didn’t even buy from REI (as long as REI also carries that product, of course).
This is not only a great way to offload your used gear, but also reduce the amount of used clothing that prematurely ends up in landfills – a win for our planet!
11) You Get Early Access to New + Exclusive Gear
Co-op members receive early access, limited editions, special offers, one-of-a-kind collaborations, and more awesome deals on gear. You can find the current Member exclusives on their Members Collection page.
12) You Will Be Part of an Inclusive Outdoor Community
As an REI member, I get to be part of a community that shares a deep love and respect for the outdoors. REI’s mission to get people outside and preserve natural spaces resonates with many of its members, creating a strong bond around shared values of sustainability, inclusivity, and adventure.
Why Shop at REI?
REI is an industry leader when it comes to top-quality, name-brand, and eco-friendly outdoor gear. They also have a huge and ever-growing product selection, so you don’t have to limit your choices.
Their customer service is unparalleled, their return policy is amazing, and they they offer employees a range of benefits, from medical coverage to “paid days off to spend time outside to rest and recharge.”
For these reasons and more, REI is exactly the kind of company I love to support – one that supports getting all people outside and teaching them how to do it responsibly.
REI is built on membership, and back in 2022 they did the biggest revamp of their Membership program yet adding 5 new perks for Members (on top of the existing perks). I can’t stress enough how much it’s worth it to become an REI Member.
REI Membership FAQ
You do not need to be a Member to shop at REI. Anyone can buy things at REI in-store and online without a membership. You just miss out on all the benefits like 10% back on your purchases and returns without a receipt.
REI Memberships are non-transferrable to family and friends. Meaning, it’s yours and yours only. However, in my experience, I haven’t had an issue with my partner Ryan using my membership when making a purchase — but only the Member can redeem REI Rewards (not a spouse, family member, or friend) and utilize the other benefits.
No. Unlike many memberships that you need to renew year after year, REI Memberships are for life. So, it’s a one-time fee for a lifetime membership.
Yes, REI Rewards do expire, and the date will be listed on your Rewards notification. Generally, they expire in early January, a little less than two years after you earned them.
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Are you an REI member? If so, let me know in the comments what your favorite member benefit is! If you have any questions about REI’s membership program let me know below!
