REI Co-op is a membership organization, not a store you can just walk into

REI Co-op is a consumer cooperative that sells outdoor gear, clothing, and camping equipment. Unlike a regular retailer, REI is owned by its members — people who pay an annual membership fee and receive a share of the company's profits as an annual dividend. You do not need to be a member to shop there, but membership changes what you pay and what you get back.

The basic membership costs $20 per year. In return, you receive a dividend check once a year based on how much you spent at REI during that membership period. The dividend is typically between 5% and 10% of your total purchases, though the exact percentage varies by year and membership tier. For someone who spends $400 or more annually at REI, the membership fee pays for itself in dividend alone.

REI operates physical stores in most U.S. states, an online store, and a rental program for camping and outdoor gear. Members also receive discounts on classes, workshops, and guided trips. Non-members can shop at REI but do not receive dividends or member-only discounts.

Key Takeaways

  • REI membership costs $20 per year and returns a dividend of roughly 5% to 10% of what you spent that year, making it worthwhile if you spend more than $400 annually.
  • You can shop at REI without membership, but you will not receive the annual dividend or member-only sale prices.
  • REI offers a rental program for tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and other gear, with discounts for members.
  • REI Co-op Visa cardholders earn an additional 1% back on all purchases and 3% back on REI purchases, separate from the annual dividend.
  • REI runs classes and trips for members, including backpacking, climbing, kayaking, and wilderness skills, with member discounts on fees.

How the annual dividend works

Every year, REI calculates how much money each member spent at the company during the previous membership year (which runs from April to March). The company then distributes a portion of its annual profit to members as a dividend, paid out as a check or account credit.

The dividend percentage is not fixed — it depends on REI's profitability that year. In recent years, the dividend has ranged from about 5% to 10% of member spending. A member who spent $500 at REI during the membership year might receive a $25 to $50 dividend check in April or May.

You do not have to do anything to receive your dividend. REI calculates and mails it automatically to the address on file. If you have not spent anything at REI during the membership year, you still receive the dividend (though it will be $0), and your membership remains active.

REI membership tiers and what each one includes

REI offers two membership levels: standard membership and the REI Co-op Visa card membership. Standard membership costs $20 per year and includes the annual dividend, member-only sales and discounts, and access to classes and trips.

The REI Co-op Visa card is a credit card issued by U.S. Bank that requires membership. Cardholders earn 1% cash back on all purchases anywhere and 3% cash back on REI purchases, in addition to the annual dividend. The card has no annual fee for members. This card is useful if you shop at REI regularly and want to earn rewards on other purchases as well.

Both membership types give you access to REI's rental program, which lets you rent tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, climbing gear, and other equipment by the day or week. Members receive a 20% discount on rental fees.

What you actually pay for gear at REI versus other retailers

REI's prices on brand-name outdoor gear are generally competitive with other major retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods, Backcountry, and brand websites. On some items, REI is cheaper; on others, competitors undercut them. The real savings for members comes from the dividend and member-only sales, not from everyday prices being lower.

REI runs member-only sales several times per year, typically in January, May, and September. These sales offer 20% to 40% off select items and are only available to members. Non-members can shop during these sales but do not receive the discount. If you plan to buy a tent or backpack, timing your purchase around a member sale can save you significantly.

REI also offers a price-match may provide: if you find the same item cheaper at another retailer, REI will match that price. This applies to both members and non-members. You need to show proof of the lower price (a website screenshot or store ad) at the time of purchase.

REI's rental program and how it works

REI rents camping and outdoor gear from its physical stores. You can rent tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, climbing gear, kayaks, snowshoes, and other equipment. Rental periods are typically by the day or week, and prices vary by item and location.

To rent gear, you visit an REI store in person, choose what you need, and pay the rental fee. You must provide a credit card and a photo ID. Rental periods usually run from the day you pick up the gear to the same time the next day (for daily rentals) or the same day the following week (for weekly rentals). Late fees explore if you return gear after the due time.

Members receive a 20% discount on rental fees. For someone renting a tent for a weekend trip, this discount can save $10 to $20. The rental program is useful if you want to try out gear before buying it or if you only camp occasionally and do not want to own expensive equipment.

REI classes, trips, and member events

REI offers classes and guided trips in climbing, backpacking, kayaking, wilderness first aid, map reading, and other outdoor skills. Classes are taught by REI staff or outside instructors and range from two-hour introductory sessions to multi-day wilderness trips.

Members receive a discount on class and trip fees — typically 10% to 20% off the listed price. A non-member might pay $80 for a rock climbing basics class, while a member pays $65 to $70 for the same class. Multi-day backpacking trips can cost $300 to $800 depending on location and length, with member discounts applied to the full fee.

REI also hosts member-only events, such as gear demonstrations, product launches, and community cleanups. These events are free to attend and are advertised in REI stores and on the company's website.

When REI membership does not make financial sense

If you shop at REI fewer than four or five times per year and spend less than $400 annually, the $20 membership fee may not pay for itself in dividend. In that case, you can shop as a non-member and avoid the annual fee.

However, if you plan to rent gear even once, or to take a class, the member discount on those services might cover the membership fee. A single week-long gear rental with the 20% member discount could save you $30 to $50, which more than covers the $20 annual fee.

REI also allows you to cancel your membership at any time and receive a refund of your membership fee if you have not used your dividend. This means you can join for a specific purchase or event, use the member discount, and cancel if you decide it is not worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member to shop at REI?

No. Non-members can shop at REI stores and online, but they do not receive the annual dividend or member-only discounts. If you shop at REI only occasionally, non-member status is fine. If you shop there regularly or plan to rent gear, membership usually pays for itself.

When do I receive my dividend check?

REI mails dividend checks in April or May each year, based on spending during the previous membership year (April to March). The check arrives by mail or can be applied as a credit to your REI account. You can also donate your dividend to one of REI's partner nonprofits instead of taking it as cash.

Can I return gear I rented if I do not like it?

REI's rental gear comes with a satisfaction may provide. If the gear does not work for you during your rental period, you can return it early and receive a refund of the unused portion of your rental fee. This is useful if you rent a tent to try it out before buying one.

What is the difference between REI membership and the REI Visa card?

Standard membership gives you the annual dividend and member discounts. The REI Visa card adds 1% cash back on all purchases and 3% on REI purchases, with no annual fee. The card is worth getting if you use it regularly, but standard membership alone is sufficient if you only shop at REI occasionally.

Can I use my REI membership at other outdoor retailers?

No. REI membership is specific to REI Co-op and does not provide discounts at other outdoor retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods, Backcountry, or local outdoor shops. Each retailer has its own loyalty program or membership structure.