Love camping, hiking, or stocking up on gear at REI? The REI Co-op Mastercard is built to reward exactly that kind of shopper. It hands back a generous chunk of your REI spending and even works as your everyday card outside the store.
But a rewards card is only worth it if it fits your spending and your credit. This review walks through how the REI credit card works in 2026, what it costs, and who it suits. We will also share a few cards that may be a better starting point if you are still building credit.
How the REI Co-op Mastercard works
The REI Co-op Mastercard is a co-branded rewards card issued by Capital One. Because it runs on the Mastercard network, you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, not just at REI.
What makes it stand out is how it rewards loyal REI members. You earn rewards as the REI Co-op points the brand is known for, and you can redeem them on gear, classes, and trips.
Rewards at a glance
As of June 2026, the card earns 5 percent back in REI Co-op Mastercard Rewards on purchases at REI stores and REI.com, plus 1.5 percent back on everything else. New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus in the form of an REI gift card after making a qualifying purchase outside of REI within the first 60 days.
That 5 percent rate is strong for people who buy a lot of outdoor gear. The 1.5 percent on other spending keeps the card useful between trips. Rewards rates can change, so check current terms before applying.
Fees and the fine print
A rewards card is only a deal if the costs do not eat the perks. The REI Co-op Mastercard keeps things fairly simple.
As of June 2026, the card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, which is helpful if you travel or shop abroad. To get the card, though, you need to be an REI Co-op member, which is a one-time membership fee rather than a yearly cost.
The purchase APR is variable and can be high, like many rewards cards. That means carrying a balance can quickly cancel out the rewards you earn. Knowing what APR means helps you see how fast interest adds up. APRs vary by creditworthiness, and terms and conditions apply. The smart move is to pay your full balance every month so the rewards stay rewards.
Who should get the REI credit card?
This card shines for a specific kind of shopper. It is a strong pick if you:
- Buy gear, apparel, or memberships at REI on a regular basis
- Already pay your credit card in full each month
- Have good to excellent credit and a steady payment history
It is a weaker fit if you rarely shop at REI or if you are still working to build your credit. Co-branded rewards cards usually expect a solid credit profile, so approval can be tough if your credit score is low or thin. Each application can also trigger a hard inquiry, so it pays to apply only when you are confident.
If your credit needs work first
If you cannot qualify yet, the answer is not to give up. It is to build a stronger credit foundation. An unsecured card with no deposit can help you do that while you shop normally.
The Aspire Mastercard is made for people with fair or growing credit and works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The Perpay Credit Card is another no-deposit option that lets you build history as you pay. The Self Visa® Credit Card pairs a savings-style credit builder with a card, which can help if you are just starting out. Tracking your score with free monitoring from Creditship.ai helps you know when you are ready to apply for a card like the REI Co-op Mastercard.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
Getting the most from a rewards card
Whether you choose the REI card or another option, a few habits help you win with rewards.
- Pay the full statement balance every month to dodge interest
- Keep your balance low compared to your limit so your credit utilization stays healthy
- Use the card for spending you already planned, not extra splurges
- Redeem rewards before they expire so you never lose value
Rewards are a bonus, not a reason to overspend. The cardholders who come out ahead are the ones who treat the card like a budgeting tool that happens to pay them back.
Perpay Credit Card
Perpay Credit Card
Meet the only card powered by your paycheck. With automatic transfers from your paycheck, you can manage payments stress-free and build credit with ease.
Fee
$9/month plus $9 account opening fee
APR
Marketplace: 0% / Credit Card: 27.74% to 29.99% depending on your creditworthiness.
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
2% reward on purchases made in Perpay Marketplace
Benefit
2% rewards, no security deposit
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an REI member to get the card?
Yes. The REI Co-op Mastercard requires an REI Co-op membership, which involves a one-time fee. Once you are a member, you are eligible to apply, and your membership also unlocks other co-op perks. Approval still depends on your overall credit profile.
Can I use the REI credit card anywhere?
Yes. Because it runs on the Mastercard network, you can use it almost anywhere Mastercard is accepted, not only at REI. You earn the top reward rate at REI and a lower flat rate everywhere else. As of June 2026, it also carries no foreign transaction fees.
What credit score do I need for the REI Co-op Mastercard?
Co-branded rewards cards like this one generally favor applicants with good to excellent credit. There is no single cutoff, and the issuer reviews your full profile, so approval is never guaranteed. If your score needs work, building it first improves your odds. APRs vary by creditworthiness.
Is the REI credit card worth it?
It can be worth it if you shop at REI often and pay your balance in full each month. The 5 percent rate on REI purchases is strong for outdoor enthusiasts. If you rarely shop there or carry a balance, the rewards may not outweigh the interest costs.
Next steps
The REI Co-op Mastercard is a solid rewards card for dedicated REI shoppers who handle credit well. If that sounds like you, review the current terms and apply once you are confident in your credit standing.
If you are not there yet, start by building a stronger credit base with a flexible option like the Aspire Mastercard or Perpay Credit Card. Pay on time, keep balances low, and watch your score climb until premium rewards cards are within reach. Terms and conditions apply.
