For those of you who are already REI Co-op Members, this may not be news to you, but REI updated their membership benefits as of March 2, 2022. While the benefits of being an REI Co-op Member have increased, so has the cost… but it is still only $30 for a lifetime membership. Not too shabby, if you ask me! Anyone who is already a member is grandfathered in, however, I would 100% pay the extra $10 to support the Co-op. Additionally, $5 from each $30 membership is donated to the REI Cooperative Action Fund.
So, what does $30 get you at REI Co-op Member? Highlights include: free shipping, shop discounts, member rewards, and more!
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Ready for the FIVE updates to the REI Co-op Memberships as of March 2022?! I’m pretty stoked about these!
Free Shipping
While there are understandably a few exclusions to the *NEW* free shipping for REI Co-op Members, this is hugely awesome! Previously, there was a minimum of $50 to be eligible for free shipping — even for Members. Something to keep in mind when ordering from REI is the option of having the item you’re purchasing for in store pickup. This could be a more economical option, especially for large bulky items that may not be eligible for free shipping. Nonetheless, having this option is wicked awesome! Read the full shipping terms and conditions here!
Member Collection
Being an REI Co-op Member just got a little more boujee/exclusive. There will be member collections available only to Members, such as special collaborations, early access to gear, and more. I noticed, for example, that snowshoes were only available to Members around the holidays due to high demand. New products are added on a monthly basis to this collection and I’m excited to see what they come up with!
To access the Member Collection, you can check out the link below. Additionally, as you’re scrolling through gear, there’s a little icon below gear noting if it’s “JUST FOR MEMBERS.” On certain pages at REI.com, you can also filter your search for “Just for Members” or “Co-op Exclusive” on the left sidebar. These options may appear under the ‘Member Offers’ or ‘Features’ section of filters (respectively) and are not in every searchable topic, but keep your eyes out!
Check out the member collection here and keep your eyes out for the below when shopping at REI.com:
An example of an REI Co-op item for Members only is this sweet, colorful, UPF 50+ Buff! It comes in two colors and I may just have to snag one to sport my fav club on the trails:
20% Off Shop Services
Based on the REI closest to you, there may be options to have your bike, skis, and/or snowboard serviced for a discount! Some services that could be available if you’re an REI Co-op Member include:
- FREE bicycle flat tire replacement (*note: does not include purchasing of parts)
- 20% off all bike shop services
- FREE machine wax for your skis/snowboard at ANY time, as many times as you want per year (*note: equipment must be clean and free of rust to qualify)
- 20% off all ski/snowboard shop services
While I usually enjoy a hot wax for my skis as this lasts longer, there have definitely been times a quick machine wax will do the trick and I’m grateful for the freedom to get this done at REI! Please note, service completion is based on the amount of gear the services shops are currently working on, so I’d suggest contacting the shop for turnaround time and checking to be sure your local REI has a bike or ski/snowboard shop.
Buy and Trade Used Gear
I think I might be the most excited for this portion of the new and improved Members perks! While REI stores have always offered used gear to its Members during Annual Garage Sales, this was a little bit of a “hit or miss” scenario… and could get a little messy! I remember friends of mine camping outside of Olympia’s REI in Washington in order to enter the store early enough upon opening to snag the best deals!
With the Re/Supply program, instead of only having one day to rush to REI for used gear and deals, used gear is available year-round! You can narrow your search to: Women’s, Men’s, Kid’s, Gear, Under $50, Under $100, Under $200, and Under $300. There are also searches for top brands including REI Co-op, Marmot, Arc’teryx, Merrell, and The North Face. In addition to purchasing used gear, you can also trade in used gear. Per REI, “Buying used instead of new typically avoids carbon emissions of 50% or more. This is based on REI’s estimate of preparing used gear for sale versus making new gear.”
Co-op Member Rewards!
Saving the BEST for last! While this isn’t new with the March 2022 updates, it certainly requires mentioning. At the end of each calendar year (1/1 to 12/31, Members are eligible for 10% back for all the purchases made within the eligible criteria! Typically, dividends are released in March, which is essentially Christmas 2.0 for outdoor enthusiasts and a great time to celebrate all the wonderful purchases you’ve made to spend time with Mother Nature.
Some examples of things EXCLUDED from the 10% off return on purchases include:
- Sale, discount, and clearance items
- REI Outlet purchases
- REI adventure travel, classes, or day trips
- Sales tax and postage
- REI membership fee
- Service fees for labor, mounting, and rentals
- Purchasing of a gift card, but Reward can be earned by the recipient when redeeming the gift card
Other important notes:
- To be considered an Active Member, you must make net merchandise or shipping purchases of at least $10 per year, unless you joined during the calendar year.
- Items returned for refund or credit will be deducted from your Member Reward.
- For gear that does not earn 10% back due to exclusion criteria, you can earn 5% back if you make purchases using an REI Credit Card! Visit reimastercard.com for more details.
- You will no longer be able to receive cash or check for 2022 Co-op Member Rewards and beyond. Co-op Member Rewards earned in 2022 and beyond will be able to be redeemed at an REI store, REI.com, REI Outlet, for an REI adventure trip, or via the REI app.
BONUS: Support the REI Cooperative Action Fund!
In order to increase accessibility in the outdoors, $5 of each membership fee is being donated to the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit organization that declares “Time outside is a human right.” and partners with organizations across the United States via grantmaking initiatives to (1) Connect People Outside, (2) Create Space Outside, and/or (3) Center Health Outside. When purchasing your REI Co-op Membership, you can choose which of the three grandmaking initiatives you prefer and the Fund staff will consider member feedback in nonprofit investments.
Their Mission: “The REI Cooperative Action Fund directly supports organizations promoting justice, equity and belonging in the outdoors to strengthen the health and well-being of people and communities.”
Learn more about the fund here!
Are you an REI Co-op Member?
What is your favorite perk?
Post Updated: March 2022
