REI pays its annual dividend in May, usually between the 1st and 15th of the month

REI Co-op members receive one dividend payment per year, deposited directly to the account on file with REI or mailed as a check if you have no account set up. The payment arrives in May, though the exact date shifts slightly year to year depending on when REI processes the payout. You do not need to do anything to receive it — if you were a member on December 31st of the prior year, the dividend is automatic.

The dividend amount depends on how much you spent as an REI member during that calendar year. REI calculates the percentage (typically between 3% and 12% of may be able to access purchases) and applies it to your may have access to spending. Members who made no purchases that year receive no dividend, even if they held membership.

Key Takeaways

  • REI dividends arrive in May each year, usually in the first half of the month, and are based on spending during the prior calendar year.
  • The dividend percentage varies by membership tier and year, ranging from 3% to 12% of may be able to access purchases.
  • You must have been an active member on December 31st of the prior year to receive a dividend for that year.
  • You can check your expected dividend amount in your REI account online before May arrives.
  • If you do not receive your dividend by mid-May, contact REI customer service to verify your account status and payment method.

How REI calculates your dividend amount

REI bases your dividend on your total spending during the calendar year (January 1 through December 31). Only purchases made with your REI membership number count — online orders, in-store purchases, and REI Visa card transactions all may have access to. Rentals, classes, and some services do not count toward the dividend calculation.

The dividend percentage itself is set by REI each year and announced in advance. In recent years, the rate has ranged from 3% to 12%, with higher tiers for members who spend more or hold higher membership levels. REI publishes the current year's rate on its website and in member communications before the dividend is calculated.

Where to find your dividend before it arrives

Log into your REI account online and navigate to the "Dividends" or "My Rewards" section. This page shows your year-to-date spending and an estimate of what your dividend will be. The estimate updates as you make purchases throughout the year, so you can see the number grow as you shop.

If you do not have online access or prefer to call, REI customer service can tell you your estimated dividend amount over the phone. Have your membership number ready when you call.

How the dividend is delivered to you

REI deposits the dividend directly to your account if you have a payment method on file (debit card, credit card, or bank account). The deposit typically appears within a few business days of the May payout date. If you have no payment method stored, REI mails a check to your address on file.

You can also choose to receive your dividend as REI store credit instead of a direct deposit or check. This credit appears in your account and can be used immediately for purchases. Some members prefer this option because the credit does not expire as quickly as a check might be forgotten.

What happens if you do not receive your dividend

If May passes and you have not received your dividend, first check your REI account online to confirm your membership status and payment method. If your account shows a payment method but the dividend has not arrived by mid-May, contact REI customer service. They can confirm whether the payout was processed and investigate any delivery delays.

Occasionally, a dividend fails to process if your account information is outdated or if there was a system issue on REI's end. Customer service can reissue the payment or apply it as store credit if the original deposit failed. Keep your contact information and payment methods current in your REI account to avoid delays.

Membership requirements and timing

You must be an REI member on December 31st of the year you are earning the dividend for. If you join REI on January 15th, you will not receive a dividend for that year — your first dividend comes the following May, based on spending from January 15th onward. If you cancel your membership before December 31st, you forfeit the dividend for that year.

REI membership is free to join, so there is no cost to maintaining membership status through the end of the year if you want to receive the dividend. Some members renew their membership specifically to stay may be able to access for the annual payout.

How dividends differ from REI Visa rewards

The annual dividend is separate from the REI Visa card rewards program. If you hold an REI Visa card, you earn rewards points on every purchase (both REI and non-REI), and those points can be redeemed for discounts or purchases. The annual dividend is a co-op member benefit that applies to all members, regardless of whether they use the Visa card.

Some members use both — they earn the annual dividend on their REI spending and also earn Visa rewards points on the same purchases. The two programs do not overlap or cancel each other out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my dividend right away in May, or is there a waiting period?

If your dividend is deposited as store credit in your account, you can use it immediately. If it is mailed as a check or deposited to your bank account, you can spend it however you choose right away. There is no waiting period or restriction on when you can use the money.

What if I made a large purchase in late December — does it count toward this year's dividend or next year's?

Purchases are counted in the year they are made. A purchase on December 28th counts toward that calendar year's dividend, which you receive the following May. The dividend is always one year behind the spending year.

Do I lose my dividend if I do not use it by a certain date?

If your dividend is issued as store credit, it typically does not expire for several years. If it is mailed as a check, you should cash it within the timeframe printed on the check (usually 180 days). If deposited to your bank account, it is yours to keep. Check your dividend notice for specific expiration details.

Can I transfer my dividend to someone else or use it to buy a gift card?

Store credit dividends are tied to your account and cannot be transferred. However, you can use your dividend to purchase REI gift cards, which can then be given to someone else. Some members do this as a way to share their dividend benefit.

What if I was a member for only part of the year — do I get a partial dividend?

No. You must be a member on December 31st to receive any dividend for that year. If you joined mid-year, your first dividend comes the following May based on your spending from your join date forward. There is no prorating based on how long you were a member.