Learn how to apply for the REI Co-op Mastercard®
If you enjoy outdoor activities and frequently shop at REI, it is highly recommended to apply for the REI Co-op Mastercard® as it offers 5% cashback!
Understanding the REI Co-op Mastercard®
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, REI is like a Mecca for you. It offers a wide range of hiking, camping, and canoeing products. To enhance their shopping experience, REI Co-op members can apply for the REI Co-op Mastercard®, which allows them to accumulate REI perks that can be used in-store, online, or for REI adventure travel.
Key Information about the REI Co-op Mastercard®
To apply for the REI Co-op Mastercard®, you need to pay a one-time membership fee of $30 to join REI. The membership itself offers a 10% dividend on full-price purchases, even without a credit card. However, if you frequently shop at REI, the membership fee is easy to justify.
Within 60 days of opening the account, when you make your first non-REI transaction, you won’t be charged an annual fee and will instead receive a $100 gift card. Additionally, when you use the card to pay for an REI Co-op Experience, you can receive a $50 annual statement credit. There is no ongoing fee for the card, but the one-time $30 REI Co-op membership fee applies. Keep in mind that rewards earned with this card can only be redeemed at REI, whether online or in person.
One advantage of the REI Co-op Mastercard® is that rewards can be redeemed immediately and do not require an annual payout. This is unlike the dividends received from your co-op membership, which are paid out once a year. Furthermore, the rewards you earn with this card never expire, allowing you to accumulate them over time.
With the REI Co-op Mastercard®, you can earn 5% back on REI purchases and 1.5% back on all other qualified purchases. This higher earning rate even includes REI purchases that are typically not eligible for rewards, such as sale items or gift cards. However, the new version of the card no longer provides 2% cash back on purchases made with a mobile wallet.
Eligibility for the REI Co-op Mastercard®
The REI Co-op Mastercard® is exclusively available to REI Co-op members. To apply for the card, you must become a member of REI by paying a one-time fee of $30. Keep in mind that this card requires a minimum credit score of 700, so if you have bad credit, it may not be suitable for you.
How to Apply for the REI Co-op Mastercard®
If you already have an REI membership, you can apply for the REI Co-op Mastercard® through REI’s website. The application process involves providing the necessary information, and you may need to wait for a decision, as this card is designed for good credit.
Is the REI Co-op Mastercard® Worth It?
If you’re a loyal REI customer, the REI Co-op Mastercard® can be a valuable addition to your wallet. The welcome bonus alone is a tempting offer. However, it’s important to note that the benefits mainly come in the form of REI dividends, which can only be redeemed in person or online at REI. If you’re looking for more flexible rewards or a card with a wider range of perks, there may be better options to consider.
REI Co-op Mastercard® vs. Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card
The REI Co-op Mastercard® and the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card both offer excellent cashback benefits for their respective stores (REI, Amazon, and Whole Foods). When deciding between the two, your choice will largely depend on your loyalty to either REI or Amazon. If you’re a devoted REI customer, the REI Co-op Mastercard® is the better option. On the other hand, if Amazon is your go-to store, the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card is the more suitable choice.
REI Co-op Mastercard® Benefits
- Get a $100 REI gift card for new cardholder accounts after the first non-REI purchase within 60 days of opening the account.
- Earn 5% back on REI purchases and 1.5% back on all other eligible purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card Benefits
- Receive an Amazon gift card upon approval.
- Earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and pharmacies, and 1% back on all other purchases with a qualifying Prime membership.
- No minimum reward balance required to redeem rewards.
How to Apply for an Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
If you’re interested in the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, you can find more information on how to apply in our article dedicated to this card.
