REI or Amazon: Trust Score, Safety and Review Check
Deciding between REI or Amazon for your next outdoor gear order? HasTrust rates REI 75/100 (Trusted): it is a legitimate, long-established member-owned cooperative selling authentic gear, not a scam. That said, if you are used to Amazon Prime delivery speed, note that REI currently has poor independent review scores tied to online order fulfillment problems, unhelpful customer service, and an increasingly restrictive return policy. Shopping at REI is safe, but a payment method with chargeback protection is a sensible precaution.
Why this score?
REI is a legitimate, long-established member-owned cooperative and is safe to use. While it is not a scam and offers authentic gear, it currently suffers from poor independent review scores due to significant, recurring issues with online order fulfillment, unhelpful customer service, and a increasingly restrictive return policy. You can safely shop here, but expect potential challenges with online orders and consider using a payment method that offers chargeback protection.
Video reviews
Pros
- Long-established, legitimate business with strong historical brand trust
- Wide selection of authentic outdoor gear from reputable brands and their own label
- Member-dividend program and other exclusive member benefits
- Generally positive feedback for in-store staff expertise
Cons
- Consistently low ratings on independent review sites regarding customer service
- Frequent reports of online order cancellations and delivery issues
- Complex or inconsistent return experiences, now including a $7.99 return fee
- Reports of declining support for their long-standing satisfaction guarantee
⚠ Red flags
- Weak ratings on independent review platforms (e.g., ~1.9/5 on Trustpilot)
- Significant volume of unresolved consumer complaints regarding online order fulfillment and customer support
- Business profile currently showing a low rating (D-) on the Better Business Bureau due to failure to respond to complaints
Safety signals
Third-party ratings
Facts
Better options
Why switch: An alternative outdoor retailer with a similar focus on name-brand gear.
A well-known outdoor brand that sells directly to consumers with a strong focus on quality and environmental responsibility.
Based on 8 sources
Recreational Equipment Inc. | BBB Business Profile | Better Business BureauREI Review 2026: Legit & Safe? Trust Score 79/100REI Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of www.rei.comREI ReviewsREI Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of www.rei.comREI Review for June 2026 | Best Camping Gear Storesrei.com ReviewsRecreational Equipment Inc. | BBB Complaints | Better Business Bureau🛡️ Site safety check
What you should do
- Still pay with a method that has buyer protection (credit card or PayPal), never a bank transfer.
- Check the returns policy and delivery time before ordering.
- We keep tracking this site — check back here if anything feels off later.
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Checked 43 days ago. · How we score →
Frequently asked
Is REI or Amazon legit?⌄
Trusted. HasTrust trust score: 83/100. REI is a legitimate, long-established member-owned cooperative and is safe to use. While it is not a scam and offers authentic gear, it currently suffers from poor independent review scores due to significant, recurring issues with online order fulfillment, unhelpful customer service, and a increasingly restrictive return policy. You can safely shop here, but expect potential challenges with online orders and consider using a payment method that offers chargeback protection.
Is REI or Amazon a scam?⌄
Possible concerns from our check: Weak ratings on independent review platforms (e.g., ~1.9/5 on Trustpilot); Significant volume of unresolved consumer complaints regarding online order fulfillment and customer support; Business profile currently showing a low rating (D-) on the Better Business Bureau due to failure to respond to complaints
What is the REI or Amazon trust score?⌄
HasTrust rates REI or Amazon 83/100 (Trusted). Buy
Is it safe to shop at REI or Amazon?⌄
This page assesses REI, which HasTrust scores 75/100 (Trusted). REI is a legitimate, long-established member-owned cooperative selling authentic gear and is safe to use. Independent reviews, however, report recurring online order fulfillment problems, unhelpful customer service, and a restrictive return policy, so a payment method with chargeback protection is a sensible precaution.
Is REI for profit, and is there REI stock like Amazon stock?⌄
No. REI is a member-owned cooperative rather than a conventional for-profit corporation, so there are no publicly traded REI shares the way there is Amazon stock. That long-established co-op structure supports its Trusted rating of 75/100 on HasTrust, though its recent independent review scores remain poor.
Is REI worth it?⌄
For most shoppers, yes: REI is Trusted (75/100), legitimate, and sells authentic outdoor gear. Be aware, though, that it currently has poor independent review scores driven by online order fulfillment issues, unhelpful customer service, and an increasingly restrictive return policy, so expect potential challenges with online orders.
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