REI sells gift certificates directly through their website, in their stores, and by phone

REI gift certificates are sold at REI.com, at any REI store location, and by calling REI customer service at 1-800-426-4840. You can buy them in any dollar amount from $10 to $500 per certificate. Physical certificates arrive by mail in 5 to 7 business days, while digital certificates (e-gift certificates) are delivered to an email address within minutes of purchase.

The fastest option is a digital certificate if the recipient needs it right away. The physical certificate is better if you want something to wrap or hand over in person. Both work identically at checkout—the recipient enters the certificate number, and the balance deducts from their total.

Key Takeaways

  • REI.com, REI stores, and phone orders (1-800-426-4840) all sell gift certificates with no purchase fees.
  • Digital certificates arrive by email within minutes; physical certificates arrive by mail in 5 to 7 business days.
  • You can buy certificates in any amount from $10 to $500, and they do not expire.
  • REI members and non-members can purchase certificates, and the recipient does not need to be a member to use one.
  • Certificates work for in-store purchases, online orders, and REI Garage sales with no restrictions on product categories.

Buying a digital certificate online

Go to REI.com and search for "gift certificate" in the search bar at the top of the page. Click on the gift certificate product page. Select the dollar amount you want ($10, $25, $50, $100, $250, or $500, or enter a custom amount). Enter the recipient's email address and add a personal message if you want one.

Complete the checkout process with your payment method. The digital certificate will be sent to the recipient's email within minutes. They can print it, screenshot it, or straightforward provide the certificate number at checkout. There is no separate account needed—they just need the number.

Buying a physical certificate in a store or by mail

Walk into any REI store and ask a staff member at the register or customer service desk for a gift certificate. They will print one on the spot in the amount you request. You can pay with cash, card, or any payment method REI accepts. You walk out with the certificate when ready.

If you prefer to order by mail, call 1-800-426-4840 and speak with an REI representative. Provide the dollar amount, your shipping address, and your payment information. The certificate will be mailed to you in 5 to 7 business days. This option is useful if you live far from an REI store or want to order outside business hours.

What to know about certificate balances and expiration

REI gift certificates do not expire. The recipient can use the full balance whenever they choose, whether that is next week or years later. If they use only part of the balance, the remaining amount stays on the certificate for future purchases.

If a certificate is lost or damaged, REI can replace it if you have the original certificate number or receipt. Keep your receipt if you buy a physical certificate, or save the confirmation email if you buy a digital one. This protects you if something goes wrong.

Using a certificate at checkout

At an REI store, the recipient hands the physical certificate to the cashier, who scans or enters the number. The balance deducts from the total. If the purchase is less than the certificate amount, the remaining balance stays on the certificate.

Online at REI.com, the recipient enters the certificate number in the "Gift Certificate or Promo Code" field during checkout. The balance applies the same way. Certificates work on all products—clothing, gear, shoes, camping equipment, and everything else REI sells. There are no restrictions on what can be purchased.

Combining certificates and other payment methods

If the recipient has multiple certificates or wants to use a certificate with another payment method, both are possible. At the register or online, they can enter one certificate number, and if the purchase total is higher, they pay the difference with a credit card, debit card, or cash. Multiple certificates can be combined on a single order.

REI members also earn member rewards on purchases made with gift certificates, so if the recipient is a member, they will accumulate rewards points on the full purchase amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a gift certificate for someone who is not an REI member?

Yes. Anyone can use an REI gift certificate regardless of membership status. The recipient does not need to create an account or join REI to redeem it. They straightforward provide the certificate number at checkout, and the balance applies to their purchase.

What if I buy a certificate and the recipient never uses it?

REI gift certificates do not expire, so there is no time limit. The recipient can use it whenever they decide to shop at REI, whether that is next month or in five years. The balance will remain available until it is spent.

Can I return or exchange a gift certificate I bought?

REI allows returns on unused gift certificates within 30 days of purchase if you have the receipt or confirmation email. After 30 days, the certificate cannot be returned for a refund. If the certificate was damaged or lost, contact REI customer service at 1-800-426-4840 to request a replacement.

Do I have to pay a fee to buy a gift certificate?

No. REI does not charge a purchase fee or set up fee for gift certificates. You pay only the face value of the certificate itself. This applies whether you buy online, in a store, or by phone.

Can I use a gift certificate to buy another gift certificate?

No. REI does not allow gift certificates to be used to purchase other gift certificates. The certificate balance must be used for merchandise or services REI offers.