Is REI a Legit Website?
HasTrust rates REI Mixed (72/100), checked 2026-06-23: Weak independent customer service reviews and low ratings on sites like Trustpilot; Reports of slow refunds and order fulfillment issues for online purchases; Tightened return policy including a $7.99 return shipping fee for mailed returns.
Wondering is rei legit website to buy outdoor gear from? Yes—REI is a long-established American outdoor retail cooperative and a safe place to buy authentic gear, earning a HasTrust score of 79/100 (Trusted). That said, independent reviews are weaker, citing poor customer service, slow online order fulfillment, and delayed refunds, so paying by credit card and returning to a store are smart precautions.
What we measured
Why this score?
REI is a legitimate, long-established American outdoor retail cooperative and is not a scam. While it remains a safe and reliable place to purchase authentic outdoor gear, customers should be aware of weak independent review scores, particularly regarding poor customer service, slow online order fulfillment, and delayed refunds. It is recommended to use a credit card for payment to ensure buyer protection and, if possible, return online orders to a physical store to avoid return shipping fees.
Video reviews
Pros
- Long-established, legitimate American co-op retailer with deep brand trust
- Provides authentic first-party outdoor clothing, footwear, and gear
- Member-owned structure with dividend program and member-exclusive benefits
- Generally generous return policy, though recently tightened
Cons
- Weak independent customer service reviews and low ratings on sites like Trustpilot
- Reports of slow refunds and order fulfillment issues for online purchases
- Tightened return policy including a $7.99 return shipping fee for mailed returns
- Recent financial and operational strain, including store closures and layoffs
- Low independent review scores (~1.9/5) on major consumer feedback platforms
- Persistent reports of poor customer service and slow refund processing times
- Not BBB accredited with a low local profile grade due to unresolved complaints
Better options
Why switch: A comparable outdoor retailer often considered for high-quality gear.
Another reputable brand known for outdoor gear and a strong focus on sustainability.
What web sources say (not checked by us)
Third-party ratings
Facts
Based on 8 sources
atoplegal.comREI Review for June 2026 | Best Camping Gear StoresRecreational Equipment Inc. | BBB Business Profile | Better Business BureauREI Return Policy 2026 | Member & Non-Member Guidescamadviser.comREI Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of www.rei.comRecreational Equipment Inc. | BBB Complaints | Better Business BureauREI Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of www.rei.com💬 Ask about this shop
Answers come from what we checked about this site — the AI only picks the topic, it writes nothing.
🛡️ Site safety check
What you should do
- Use a payment method you can charge back (credit card or PayPal) — skip bank transfer or "friends & family".
- Place a small first order before trusting it with a big one.
- Search the shop's name plus "reviews" or "scam" for recent experiences before paying.
🔍 What we checked ourselves
Each row is a check HasTrust ran, and the day it ran.
| Check | What we found | How | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTPS certificate | Certificate expired 2026-08-13 — not re-checked since | TLS handshake from our servers | before 2026-06-23 |
| Domain registration | 1996-03 (30 years old) | RDAP registry record | before 2026-06-23 |
| First seen on the web | 1996 | Internet Archive | before 2026-06-23 |
| Popularity rank | #2391 on Majestic Million | Majestic Million list | before 2026-06-23 |
| Blocklist | Not listed | HasTrust blocklist | |
| Trust score history | 3 recorded points since 2026-06-23, 79 → 72 | HasTrust score model |
Buyer reports
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Checked 98 days ago. · How we score →
Frequently asked
Is REI legit?⌄
Mixed. HasTrust trust score: 72/100. REI is a legitimate, long-established American outdoor retail cooperative and is not a scam. While it remains a safe and reliable place to purchase authentic outdoor gear, customers should be aware of weak independent review scores, particularly regarding poor customer service, slow online order fulfillment, and delayed refunds. It is recommended to use a credit card for payment to ensure buyer protection and, if possible, return online orders to a physical store to avoid return shipping fees.
Is REI a scam?⌄
Our check surfaced no major scam signals — still verify payment and seller details before you pay.
What is the REI trust score?⌄
HasTrust rates REI 72/100 (Mixed). Unsure
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📖 Helpful guides
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