The REI Co-op Mastercard is a great option if outdoor adventure is your passion. This card has no yearly fee, reasonable interest rates, and special features for REI loyalists. It helps maximize the value you get when shopping at REI. The REI card can optimize your spending with benefits aimed directly at nature-lovers.
In this article, we’ll look at the features, rewards programs, and Learn how this card can reduce your costs and can save you money on all your outdoor gear purchases.
Overview of the REI Co-op Mastercard
If you love the outdoors, the REI Co-op Mastercard could be the perfect card for you. With no annual fee, a competitive APR, and benefits tailored for REI customers, this card optimizes your REI spending.
The REI Co-op Mastercard is issued by U.S. Bank and runs on the Mastercard network. It offers REI members 5% back on REI purchases with no annual fee. Additional card benefits include:
- 5% back on REI purchases
- 1% back on all other purchases
- 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
- 16.49% – 26.49% variable APR after the intro period
- No annual fee
- Exclusive REI discounts and offers
This card is ideal for frequent REI shoppers who want to maximize savings on outdoor gear and apparel. Responsible use can earn you a nice cashback rebate each year to reinvest at REI.
Top Benefits and Rewards
Here are some of the top benefits and rewards provided by the REI Co-op Mastercard:
5% Back at REI
Earn 5% back in the form of an annual dividend on all purchases made at REI with the card. Dividends get issued as an REI gift card each March.
1% Back Elsewhere
All other card purchases earn 1% back. Non-REI purchases add up, so this 1% still provides nice value.
100 Bonus Points
When approved, you get a one-time 100 bonus point gift equal to $1 in REI savings. Every $100 spent earns 100 points.
0% Intro APR
For the first 12 billing cycles, you’ll pay 0% interest on new purchases and balance transfers. This intro period can save on financing costs for large purchases.
REI Discounts
Get exclusive member-only discounts and offers throughout the year on outdoor gear purchases made with your card. Offers vary by month.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the 5% back on REI purchases provides the biggest appeal. Heavy REI shoppers can potentially earn over $100 back annually.
Costs and Fees
The REI Co-op Mastercard has no annual fee, a consumer-friendly practice not all rewards cards follow. Here are the rates, fees, and costs to be aware of:
- 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
- 16.49% – 26.49% variable APR after intro period
- Balance transfer fee of 3% (min $5)
- No annual fee
- Late payment fee up to $40
- Returned payment fee up to $40
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
As with any credit card, responsible habits like paying on time and in full will help avoid costly penalty fees. The ongoing purchase APR is higher than average but reasonable for a rewards card charging no annual fee.
Eligibility and Approval Odds
The REI Co-op Mastercard is among the more accessible rewards cards. Approval only requires:
- Good personal credit (660 FICO score or higher recommended)
- No recent bankruptcies or foreclosures
- Able to make minimum income requirement ($15,000 per year)
- Must have a U.S. address and Social Security number
As an unsecured card, the REI card has no collateral requirements. The underwriting relies mainly on your personal credit profile and income level.
Meeting these basic criteria gives you strong approval odds. Checking your credit ahead of time helps verify you meet the credit score requirements.
How to Apply in 5 Steps
Applying for the REI Co-op Mastercard takes just a few minutes:
- Go to REI.com and click on Credit Card at the top of the page.
- Click “Learn More and Apply” on the card details page.
- Provide personal and financial information like income, housing costs, and employment.
- Review terms and e-sign if you agree to the disclosures.
- Get an instant decision, and if approved, access your digital card within minutes.
Once approved, you can immediately take advantage of 5% back in REI dividends and the intro 0% APR offer.
In some cases, requested credit lines over $5,000 require contacting REI Financial Services for verification. This takes 1-2 days at most.
How to Make Payments and Account Management
U.S. Bank offers online and mobile tools to manage your REI Co-op Mastercard:
Online Account Login
- Go to usbank.com and click “Login”
- Enter your card number and security code
- Access your account dashboard after successful login
- View statements, check balances, make payments
- Set up alerts, enroll in autopay, monitor transactions
Mobile App
- Download the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Sign in using your online login credentials
- Make payments, check balances, temporarily block card
- Set transaction alerts, manage card activities
The online and mobile experience enable convenient account access anywhere. Enable autopay to avoid late fees and regularly check transactions for fraud. Responsible account management helps maximize the card’s value.
Tips to Avoid Interest Charges
The REI card’s annual percentage rate is higher than average after the intro 0% APR expires. Here are some tips to minimize interest fees:
- Pay off balances in full each month
- Split large purchases into multiple payments
- Consolidate higher rate debts into a 0% balance transfer
- Set up automatic payments for the monthly minimum if you can’t pay in full
- Avoid cash advances which start accruing interest immediately
Keeping credit utilization below 30% will also help maintain a favorable credit profile and rate down the road.
Alternative Cards to Consider
The REI Co-op Mastercard is a top choice for REI loyalists, but alternative options exist too:
Citi Custom Cash Card – Earn 5% back automatically in your highest spend category each billing cycle up to $500 in purchases. $0 annual fee.
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa – Choose 2 categories each quarter to earn 5% back on up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter. $0 annual fee.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards – 3% back in one category you choose, 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. $0 annual fee.
Capital One SavorOne – 3% back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores. $95 annual fee waived the first year.
Compare cards thoroughly to find the ideal fit based on your spending habits and financial priorities. Cards with flexible bonus categories or high bonus rates on gas, groceries, or travel may also provide robust savings.
Conclusion
The REI Co-op Mastercard delivers big value through its generous 5% back in REI dividends and no annual fee. For active REI members, this card optimizes your REI purchases.
When used effectively combined it’s with 1% back everywhere else offer, provides a healthy return. Before applying, just ensure your credit score meets approval requirements. Check for any exclusive REI card promotions too for additional perks.
While not ideal for everyday purchases, this card is hard to beat for REI loyalists. Maximize your outdoor gear savings with the tailored perks and hassle-free rewards of the REI Co-op Mastercard.
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