REI Return Policy: Everything You Need To Know
Written by
Sophia Acevedo
Edited by
Melanie Grafil, M.A., CHFC™
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
If you shop at REI, knowing the REI return policy before you buy can help you shop with confidence. The outdoor retailer no longer offers its famous lifetime guarantee, but still gives customers one of the most generous return windows in the industry, especially for Co-op members.
Return Timeframes
With over 25 million REI Co-op members nationwide, many shoppers get the benefit of a year-long return period on most new items. Co-op membership is a one-time $30 fee and comes with perks like dividends and exclusive gear sales, plus the extended return window.
Here’s an overview of how long you have to return items to REI stores:
| Item Type | REI Co-op Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| New items | 365 days | 90 days |
| Outdoor electronics | 90 days | 90 days |
| Used gear (Re/Supply purchases) | 30 days | N/A |
REI doesn’t offer a special holiday extension — the standard 365-day for members or 90-day for non-members policy applies. If you’re buying gifts as a member, the year-long return window gives you extra flexibility.
What Items Are Eligible for a Return?
Most new items — including e-bikes — can be returned at REI. Outdoor electronics — such as activity monitors, bike trainers, cameras, emergency-communication devices and GPS-enabled devices — are also accepted for return. When you return a new item, it must be cleaned and in good condition.
REI is one of the few retailers that will take back used gear, but only under certain conditions:
- Items must be clean and in good condition.
- Only members can return used items from the Re/Supply program.
- Must be returned within 30 days.
Not everything falls under the standard return window. You can’t return:
- Damaged or defective gear that isn’t covered by warranty
- Outdoor electronics after 90 days
- Final sale items
- Unwashed or unsanitary gear
- REI Co-op experiences and event registrations
Refund Options
The REI refund process ultimately depends on your payment method and where you made your purchase. Generally, in most situations, purchases can be refunded to the original method of payment.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, the return policy at REI says items purchased at the store and returned through mail are refunded by check.
It can take up to three weeks to get a refund by check. Meanwhile, card and account refunds may take up to 10 days to be processed. If you used Total REI Rewards, it can be credited back to your available member or card member rewards balances, or refunded by check if you return a store purchase through mail.
REI also offers in-store exchanges. You won’t be able to make a direct exchange by mail, though. The REI exchange process requires you to buy the item in a separate transaction and return the original item.
In-Store vs. Online Returns
| Feature | In-Store Return | Online Return |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | – Can take up to three weeks if refunded by check, starting on the day received – Otherwise, your original payment type is refunded |
Can take up to 10 days to be processed back to your card or account |
| Cost | Free | – $7.99 return shipping fee for regular-sized items – $21.95 return shipping fee for oversized items – Fees are waived for errors on orders, or items under $7.99 |
| Convenience | Accepts some items that aren’t accepted online | Can be done from home |
Common Return Issues and How To Solve Them
The REI return policy has some details you should know. Keep these in mind so you don’t end up having any return issues.
For one, some oversized items cannot be returned online, such as:
- Bikes
- Canoes
- Car-top boxes
- Double joggers/strollers
- Kayaks
Examples of oversized items that can be returned by mail:
- Bicycle trainers
- Single joggers/strollers
- Skis and snowboards
You also cannot return hazardous materials through REI’s online return process. Those items have been returned to an REI store, or you have to coordinate with a carrier and meet special labeling and handling conditions to get them shipped through the mail.
Customer Support
REI’s return policy specifies proof of purchase to return an item. But if you have questions, you can always contact REI’s customer support by:
- Online live chat
- Phone
Representatives are available by phone:
- Weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT
- Weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT
Remember
Keep your proof of purchase and know if there are any exceptions to the return policy. Also, factor in the $7.99 fee for mail-in returns
How To Start a Return
Whether you’re returning in-store or online, you have options. Here’s how.
In-Store Returns
Bring your item to any REI location with:
- Original packaging, if available
- Tags, if you still have them
- Proof of purchase, like a receipt, online order confirmation or the card used
No receipt? Staff may be able to look up your purchase, but keep in mind that it’s not guaranteed.
Online Returns
To make an in-mail return:
- Start your return online at REI.com and select Purchase History and then “Start a Return” for items you want to return.
- Print your shipping label or request a QR code for paperless drop-off.
- Use REI’s prepaid shipping label for $7.99, deducted from your refund.
The REI return policy is still one of the most generous in retail. If you shop at REI more than a few times a year, becoming a member can pay for itself in perks, dividends and the extended return period.
For more ways to make the most of your purchases, check out GOBankingRates’ guides to return policies at major retailers and how to shop outdoor gear sales like a pro.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
Information is accurate as of Dec. 2, 2025.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- REI.com "Returns & Exchanges"
- REI.com "Memberships"
- REI.com "REI Co-op Reports Strong Growth in 2021, Setting Co-op Record in Membership"
- National Retail Federation "2023 Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry"
