REI Co-op Mastercard® full review

If you frequently make purchases at REI, it is worthwhile to spend a few minutes reading our review on the REI Co-op Mastercard®.

Discover the REI Co-op Mastercard®: Everything You Need to Know

Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for a credit card that not only rewards your purchases but also supports outdoor nonprofits? Look no further than the REI Co-op Mastercard. This retail card is perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors and want to support a well-known brand in the outdoor clothing and lifestyle industries.

When you apply and make your first purchase with the REI Co-op Mastercard, you’ll receive a complimentary REI gift card. This exclusive offer is a great incentive for new cardholders.

The REI Co-op Mastercard offers attractive rewards for regular customers of REI. You’ll earn 5% REI rewards on purchases at REI retail locations, on REI.com, and in the REI mobile app. For all other eligible purchases, you’ll earn 1.5% rewards. The rewards can be redeemed in-store, online, or for REI adventure travel, making it a compelling card for outdoor enthusiasts.

While the REI Co-op Mastercard has no annual fee, a one-time $30 REI Co-op membership fee is required. This fee is justified by the benefits and rewards you’ll receive as an REI member.

If you’re an avid hiker, camper, or outdoor adventurer, you’ll find that REI is your go-to destination. The REI Co-op Mastercard is exclusively available to REI Co-op members and offers an additional avenue to earn rewards that can be used for your outdoor gear needs.

How Does the REI Co-op Mastercard Work?

To apply for the REI Co-op Mastercard, you must become a member of REI. The one-time membership fee is $30. Even without the credit card, REI members receive a 10% dividend on full-price purchases, making the membership cost worth it for frequent shoppers.

Unlike the REI membership dividends, which are received annually, the rewards earned with the REI Co-op Mastercard can be cashed in right away. These rewards are perpetual and can be redeemed online or in-store, but they must be used directly with REI.

The REI Co-op Mastercard offers a higher earning rate compared to the regular REI membership benefits. You’ll earn 5% back on REI purchases and 1.5% back on all other eligible purchases. Even purchases that are typically not eligible for rewards, such as sale items or gift cards, are included in the higher earning rate.

Customers who currently have the U.S. Bank-issued version of the card will transition to the new Capital One card in the future. However, they can continue using their current card and enjoy the existing benefits.

The new REI Co-op Mastercard no longer offers 2% cash back on mobile wallet purchases. However, the rewards you earn with the card are available and visible in your REI account, providing immediate access to your accumulated rewards.

Aside from its rewarding features, the REI Co-op Mastercard also boasts its sustainable nature. The card is made from 85% recycled materials, aligning with REI’s commitment to sustainability.

How Much Can You Earn with the REI Co-op Mastercard?

Considering the average household income and costs, let’s see how much you can potentially earn with the REI Co-op Mastercard. A typical household in the 70th percentile has an annual income of $107,908 and annual expenses of $64,144. If half of these expenses are charged to the REI Co-op Mastercard, the total annual expenditure would be $32,702.

Based on our projections, the annual entertainment budget for our typical household is $1,774. If you make all these purchases at REI, you would earn $88.70 in REI rewards. If the remaining $30,298 in credit card expenses is also charged to the REI Co-op Mastercard, you would earn an additional $454.47, resulting in a total annual income of approximately $543.

REI Co-op Mastercard Benefits

  • No annual fee
  • Receive a $100 REI gift card for new cardholder accounts after the initial out-of-store transaction within 60 days of account opening
  • Earn 5% back on REI purchases and 1.5% back on all other eligible purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $50 off per year on REI Co-op Experiences

How to Apply for an REI Co-op Mastercard?

If you’re interested in owning an REI Co-op Mastercard, check out our article on how to apply. Take advantage of this rewarding credit card and enhance your outdoor adventures!

Claire Harrison
Written by

Claire Harrison