Coupons & Promo Types
All the ways to save at REI. Each promo type can often be combined — see the Stacking Tips section.
REI Member Dividend
REI Co-op Members (one-time $30 fee) earn 10% back on most eligible REI purchases as an annual dividend, paid out each February. The dividend check can be spent on any REI purchase — gear, apparel, camping equipment, services. For a member spending $500/year at REI, the $50 dividend more than offsets the lifetime membership fee within a few years.
Annual (paid out February)REI Anniversary Sale
REI's largest annual sale event, held each May. Co-op members receive 20-30% off a huge selection of full-priced gear, apparel, and footwear — including premium brands like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and The North Face. Non-members get 20% off. Camping equipment, hiking gear, and outdoor apparel are the primary categories. This is the best annual window to buy REI's premium inventory.
Annual (May)REI Outlet
REI's permanent clearance destination at rei.com/outlet features past-season and overstock inventory from REI's own brands (REI Co-op label) and name brands at 30-50% off. Outlet inventory refreshes continuously and includes apparel, footwear, camping gear, and accessories. Member dividends apply to Outlet purchases.
Always AvailableREI Used Gear
REI's certified used gear program sells inspected, cleaned, and graded pre-owned outdoor equipment and apparel at 30-50% below the original retail price. Grades include Excellent, Good, and Fair. Purchases come with REI's standard return policy. Available online and at in-store Used Gear sections.
Always AvailableREI Mastercard Rewards
The REI Co-op World Mastercard earns 5% back on REI purchases, 2% at restaurants and on travel, and 1% everywhere else — all as REI rewards redeemable on any REI purchase. No annual fee. Rewards are separate from the member dividend and stack on top.
Always AvailableGear Up Get Out Sale (December)
REI's second-largest sale event, held in late November through December. Features holiday deals on gear, apparel, and gift items, with member pricing discounts of 20-25% across select categories. Combines well with any remaining member dividend balance to maximize holiday gear purchases.
Annual (November–December)Current Active Offers
3- Member Dividend REI Members: 10% dividend on eligible purchases paid each February — $30 lifetime membership Always Earning
- REI Outlet REI Outlet: 30-50% off past-season gear and apparel — continuously updated Always Available
- REI Card REI Co-op Mastercard: 5% back on REI purchases, stackable with member dividend Always Available
Return Policy
REI has one of the more generous return policies among major retailers. Most items qualify for the standard return window, with extended benefits available depending on your membership or payment method.
| Return Window | Return Shipping | Restocking Fee | Receipt Required | Final Sale / Non-Returnable | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Members | 1 year from purchase date on most items. Must be in new or like-new condition and show no excessive wear. | Free in-store returns at any REI location. Online returns via mail use a prepaid label — $5.99 return shipping fee for non-members. | No restocking fee on eligible returns. | Receipt or order confirmation required for non-member returns. Bring proof of purchase. | Used gear and outlet items may have modified return windows — check item listing. Items with excessive wear, damage, or missing components may be refused. REI-branded products with defects are covered under REI's satisfaction guarantee. |
| REI Co-op Members | 1 year from purchase date — same window. Members benefit from simplified lookup via account history and dividend tracking on returned items. | Free return shipping on online orders for Co-op Members — no fee for mail returns. | No restocking fee. | No receipt needed — all Co-op Member purchases are stored in account history. Card number or membership number is sufficient. | Same restrictions apply. Used Gear purchases are final sale — inspect condition grades carefully before purchase. |
Shipping & Delivery
REI offers multiple fulfillment options. Here's a breakdown of the shipping methods, costs, and delivery timeframes available.
Free Standard Shipping
Free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more. Delivered via UPS or USPS in 3-7 business days. Does not apply to oversized items (large camping furniture, kayaks) which have freight fees.
Free Shipping (REI Members)
REI Co-op Members get free standard shipping on all orders with no minimum. A meaningful benefit for smaller gear and apparel orders under $50.
Expedited Shipping
2-3 day expedited shipping available for a flat fee. Occasionally included free with promotional events — check current offers.
Free Store Pickup
Order online and pick up in-store at any REI location, typically within 2 hours for in-stock items. No shipping cost, no minimum order. Ideal for last-minute gear needs before a trip.
Loyalty Program
REI's loyalty program is free to join and provides personalized deals, exclusive perks, and additional savings opportunities. Combining the loyalty program with other discount types is one of the most effective ways to save.
REI Co-op Membership
$30 (one-time lifetime fee)
- 10% annual dividend on most eligible REI purchases, paid each February
- Dividend applies to full-price and sale purchases (excludes some categories)
- Free return shipping on online orders
- Free standard shipping on all orders (no minimum)
- Access to REI Experiences and outdoor programs at member rates
- Member-only pricing at REI Anniversary Sale (20-30% off)
- Access to REI Used Gear section and garage sales
- Lifetime membership — one $30 fee, never expires
REI Co-op World Mastercard
Free (no annual fee)
- 5% back on all REI purchases (separate from and stacks with member dividend)
- 2% back at restaurants and on travel
- 1% back on all other purchases
- Rewards redeemable as REI gift card / store credit
- No annual fee, no foreign transaction fee
- Sign-up bonus: typically $100 REI gift card after first purchase
Stacking Tips
Combine multiple discount types in a single transaction. These are the most effective stacking combinations at REI.
The Anniversary Sale Stack
The REI Anniversary Sale in May is the flagship savings event. As a Co-op Member, you get 20-30% off select full-priced items. Pay with the REI Mastercard for 5% back in rewards on top. The purchase total also contributes to your annual dividend, which will return another ~10% in February. On a $400 tent purchase during the Anniversary Sale: 25% off brings it to $300, plus 5% Mastercard rewards ($15 back), plus 10% dividend credit ($30 in February) = effective cost of $255 — 36% below original retail.
The Outlet + Dividend Stack
REI Outlet inventory is eligible for the member dividend — a fact many shoppers miss. Buying a $150 jacket at $90 in the Outlet earns a $9 dividend contribution plus $4.50 in Mastercard rewards. Effective cost: $76.50 — nearly 50% off the original $150 retail price. Start Outlet shopping sessions through the rei.com/outlet page for the cleanest dividend tracking.
The Dividend + Sale Event Stack
Apply your February dividend check during the December Gear Up Get Out Sale or the following Anniversary Sale for maximum impact. The dividend functions as free money earned on prior purchases — using it during a sale event compounds the savings. A $50 dividend applied to a $200 jacket on sale at 25% off ($150) plus 5% card rewards ($7.50) = effective out-of-pocket of $92.50 — over 50% off retail.
The Used Gear + Member Discount Stack
REI's Used Gear program sells certified, inspected outdoor equipment at 30-50% off original retail. For items like hiking boots, trekking poles, and day packs — where fit matters more than newness — used gear represents exceptional value. Pay with the REI Mastercard for 5% back. The combination of used pricing and card rewards can put premium gear at 35-55% below new retail price with full buyer protection.
Price Match Policy
REI's price match guarantee lets you claim a lower price from qualifying competitors — both at the time of purchase and up to 14 days after. Knowing the rules can save you from overpaying on big-ticket items.
No Competitor Price Match
REI does not offer a price match guarantee against other retailers. REI's value proposition is built on the Co-op membership dividend and sale events rather than reactive price matching.
1-Year Satisfaction Return Policy
REI's industry-leading 1-year return window effectively functions as a post-purchase price protection: if you buy something and find a better price or better product, you can return within a year and repurchase at the lower price or better option.
Price Drop on REI.com
If an item you purchased at REI drops in price on REI.com within a reasonable period, contact REI customer service — they will often issue a price adjustment as a courtesy, though this is not a formal policy guarantee.
Qualifying Competitors
Exclusions
- No formal competitor price match policy
- No published post-purchase price adjustment guarantee
- Used Gear and Outlet items are priced independently and not subject to adjustment
Clearance & Markdown Schedule
REI follows a predictable markdown cadence that savvy shoppers can use to time purchases. Understanding how clearance works lets you decide whether to buy now or wait for a deeper cut.
Markdown Progression
Sale Pricing
Items enter REI's sale category at 20-30% off retail. Best selection at this stage. Member dividend still accrues on sale purchases.
REI Outlet
Past-season and overstock inventory moves to REI Outlet at 30-50% off. Includes REI Co-op branded gear as well as major brands. Outlet inventory is eligible for the member dividend.
Outlet Final Sale
Deepest Outlet discounts on discontinued colorways, end-of-run sizes, and older-season gear. Member dividend still applies. Items at this stage sell through quickly — act when you find your size.
Used Gear Program
REI's certified used gear program sells pre-owned items at 30-50% below original retail. Grades: Excellent (minimal wear), Good (light wear, fully functional), Fair (visible wear, functions as intended). Not all items have dividend eligibility — check listing.
Department Schedule
Apparel & Footwear
Continuous (peak: post-Anniversary Sale, post-holiday)Apparel and footwear from past seasons move to Outlet continuously. January and June represent the highest-volume Outlet refreshes after the holiday and Anniversary Sale cycles.
Camping & Backpacking Gear
Post-Anniversary Sale (June) and JanuaryCamping gear Outlet inventory surges after the May Anniversary Sale as floor models and unsold stock clear out. January post-holiday is the second peak for tent and sleeping bag deals.
Cycling
Post-summer (September-October)Cycling apparel, components, and accessories enter Outlet in September as summer inventory winds down. Bike clearance peaks in October before winter inventory transitions.
Snow Sports
Post-winter (March-April)Ski and snowboard apparel, boots, and accessories enter Outlet in March-April at end of ski season. 50-70% off on previous-year ski gear is common in April.
Tag Color Guide
Items tagged as REI Outlet are past-season or overstock goods at 30-50% off. Member dividend applies. These are the best everyday value items on REI.com.
REI Used Gear items are graded and certified. Excellent = minimal signs of use. Good = light use, no significant defects. Fair = visible wear but fully functional. Read grade descriptions carefully for high-value items like tents and sleeping bags.
Promo Calendar
Monthly breakdown of REI's biggest promotions and sales events. Highlighted months are the best times to shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
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