Quick answer: REI Co-op members get 1 full year for replacements or refunds, with a few exceptions.
Free shipping: Free at $100 · Returns: 1 year for members
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We read REI's policy pages ourselves and last checked them on October 13, 2026. Every rule below links to its source.
REI return policy at a glance
| What you bought | Return rule |
|---|---|
| Most items | 1 year for members |
How returns work at REI
- REI Co-op members get 1 full year for replacements or refunds, with a few exceptions.
- REI’s membership pages do not state the return window for non-members; check REI’s return policy page before you buy.
- If you return full-price items bought in the prior year, REI may deduct the member reward you earned on them.
Can you return to REI without a receipt?
REI's return policy pages we checked do not spell out a no-receipt rule. Keep your receipt or order email, and ask at the store before you count on a refund. Compare other stores in our no-receipt returns guide.
Free shipping at REI
REI Co-op members get free U.S. standard shipping with no minimum. Everyone else gets free standard shipping on orders of $100 or more (pre-tax subtotal).
- Lifetime REI membership is a one-time $30.
- Heavy or large items carry oversize shipping charges, shown at checkout. Through March 1, 2027 the free shipping offer includes skis and snowboards.
- Not valid on return shipments, special orders, gift cards, memberships, shop services and rentals.
More detail, including how much you need to add to your cart: REI free shipping.
Member perks
REI Co-op membership ($30 one time): free shipping with no minimum and 1-year returns.
How REI compares
Other sports & outdoors stores:
- Academy Sports + Outdoors return policy: 60 days, shipping not listed
- SCHEELS return policy: 90 days, shipping not listed
- L.L.Bean return policy: 365 days, shipping not listed
- Backcountry return policy: 90 days, shipping not listed
Sources
We took every rule on this page from REI's own website and checked it on October 13, 2026. Policies change, sometimes without notice, so confirm on REI's site before you rely on a deadline.
- https://www.rei.com/terms/free-shipping
- https://www.rei.com/membership
- https://www.rei.com/terms/rei-membership-program
Spotted a change? Tell us and we will recheck it. Past changes are in our policy change log.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to return something to REI?
REI Co-op members get 1 full year for replacements or refunds, with a few exceptions.
Can you return to REI without a receipt?
REI's policy pages we checked do not spell out a no-receipt rule. Ask at the store first.
Does REI have free shipping?
REI Co-op members get free U.S. standard shipping with no minimum. Everyone else gets free standard shipping on orders of $100 or more (pre-tax subtotal).
Does REI extend returns for the holidays?
The REI policy pages we checked on October 13, 2026 do not mention an extended holiday return window.
