REI Return Policy, Explained
REI Co-op Members can return most items within one year of purchase and non-members within 90 days; outdoor electronics get 90 days for everyone.
By Olivia HarperContributing writer. Policy checked .
On this page
Store policies change. This is a summary in our own words of REI's Return Policy and Instructions page, read on October 26, 2026. The official page is the one that applies; check it before you return anything.
How long you have
REI counts every window from the date of purchase. The length depends on whether you are an REI Co-op Member.
| Product | REI Co-op Members | Non-members |
|---|---|---|
| Most eligible items, e-bikes included | 365 days | 90 days |
| Outdoor electronics | 90 days | 90 days |
| In-store Re/Supply used gear, memberships, lift tickets, passes, gift cards | Final sale | Final sale |
REI lists activity monitors, GPS-enabled devices, bike trainers, emergency-communication devices and cameras as outdoor electronics.
The one-year window for members
The member window is what most people mean by the REI one-year return policy. REI says it covers worn or gently used gear too, not only unopened items. A few limits apply:
- Gear that has been used must be cleaned first. REI may decline dirty items and send them back.
- The guarantee does not cover ordinary wear and tear, or damage from improper use or accidents.
- If REI decides the policy has been abused, it may refuse a return even inside one year.
- A manufacturing defect in materials or workmanship can be returned at any time, whatever the purchase date.
Used gear (Re/Supply)
Re/Supply is REI's used gear program for members. The rules differ by where you bought:
- In an REI store: sold as is, and all sales are final. Used gear from a store that is mailed to REI comes back to you.
- On the Re/Supply website: you can return a used item within 30 days of purchase.
Re/Supply stores do not accept returns of any kind.
How to return an item
- At a store. Bring the item, its original packaging and tags if you have them, and proof of purchase to the customer service desk of any REI store. In-store returns are free, whether you bought online, in a store or by phone.
- By mail. Start the return online to get a shipping label, then drop the package at a UPS location or mail it from home. A QR code is available if you have no printer. REI deducts $7.99 from your refund for standard size and weight packages sent with its prepaid label.
Hazardous materials, some oversize items and some Corporate & Group Sales items cannot go back by mail; REI says stores take them for free. Bikes must be returned to an REI store. REI does not do direct exchanges by mail.
When the refund arrives
| How you bought and returned | Refund |
|---|---|
| Online or phone order | Original payment type |
| Store purchase returned to a store | Original payment type |
| Store purchase returned by mail | Check, which can take up to 3 weeks from arrival |
REI adds that your bank may need up to 10 more days to post a card refund. Cash purchases of $500 or more are refunded by check. Total REI Rewards used on a purchase go back to your rewards balance, except on mailed returns of store purchases, which are refunded by check.
Source
Return Policy and Instructions, REI Co-op. Policy checked October 26, 2026.