Program Details
| Commission | 5% (Cost Per Sale) |
| Cookie Duration | 15 days |
| Network | Impact |
| Payment Methods | Direct Transfer (ACH, BACS, SEPA), PayPal |
| Min. Payout | $10 |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly |
| Category | Outdoor & Sports |
| Countries | United States |
| Website | www.rei.com |
REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) is one of the most respected names in outdoor retail in the United States. Founded as a consumer cooperative in 1938, REI sells outdoor gear, apparel, footwear, and equipment for activities like hiking, camping, cycling, paddling, and snow sports. With over 25 million Co-op members and a reputation built on expert advice and quality products, REI consistently ranks among the top outdoor retailers in the country.
REI Affiliate Program Overview
The REI affiliate program pays a 5% commission on qualifying sales and is managed through the Impact network. The 15-day cookie window is on the shorter side for outdoor retail, but REI’s strong brand recognition and loyal member base tend to support solid conversion rates.
Average order values typically fall between $120 and $175, which means a single sale can generate $6-$9 in commission. REI’s catalog covers thousands of products across top outdoor brands plus its own Co-op label, giving affiliates a wide range of items to promote. Payments are processed monthly via Impact with a low $10 minimum payout threshold.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Household name in outdoor retail with 25 million+ Co-op members
- High average order value ($120-$175) means solid per-sale earnings
- Low $10 minimum payout threshold on Impact
- Full catalog access including high-ticket gear and apparel
- Weekly affiliate newsletter with product and promotion updates
Cons:
- 15-day cookie is shorter than most outdoor competitors (Patagonia offers 60 days)
- 5% flat commission is lower than competitors like Backcountry (up to 12%)
- No commission on REI Co-op memberships or gift cards
- Selective approval – coupon and deal sites are typically declined
- Payments can take up to 47 days to clear (27 days to lock, 20 days to release)
How to Join
To join the REI affiliate program, start by signing up for a publisher account on Impact. Once your Impact account is active, search for the REI programme and submit your application directly through the platform.
REI reviews applications manually and favors content sites in the outdoor, fitness, hiking, and adventure niches. Gear review blogs, trail guides, and adventure travel sites tend to get approved. Pure coupon or deal aggregator sites are generally not accepted. Approval typically takes a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What commission rate does the REI affiliate program pay?
REI pays a flat 5% commission on all qualifying sales. With an average order value of $120-$175, that translates to roughly $6-$9 per transaction, and commissions on higher-ticket items like tents or bikes can reach $20-$30 or more.
How long is the REI affiliate cookie?
The REI affiliate cookie lasts 15 days. If a visitor clicks your link and completes a purchase within that window, you earn the commission. This is shorter than most competitors in the outdoor niche, so content that drives direct purchase intent tends to perform better than top-of-funnel awareness content.
Which affiliate network does REI use?
REI runs its affiliate program through Impact. The program previously had a presence on AvantLink, but as of early 2025, Impact is the primary network for new applicants. You’ll need an Impact publisher account to apply.
Are REI memberships and gift cards commissionable?
No – REI Co-op memberships and gift card purchases do not earn affiliate commissions. Commission is only paid on qualifying product sales. This is a standard exclusion – keep it in mind if your audience includes a lot of first-time REI shoppers who might start with a membership purchase.
What are the payment terms for REI affiliates?
REI pays monthly through Impact with a $10 minimum payout threshold. The payment cycle runs on a 47-day schedule – commissions lock after 27 days and are released for payment after a further 20 days. Payment methods include direct bank transfer (ACH, BACS, SEPA) and PayPal.
Is the REI affiliate program hard to get into?
REI is selective but not unreachable. The program favors content creators in the outdoor, hiking, camping, and adventure travel space – especially gear review sites, trail blogs, and fitness-focused publishers. Coupon sites, pure deal aggregators, and content that doesn’t align with the outdoor niche are generally declined. Having established, quality content before applying improves your chances.
What type of content converts best for REI?
Gear reviews, “best of” roundups (best hiking boots, best camping tents), and activity-specific gear guides tend to convert well with REI’s audience. The 15-day cookie means high-intent content that targets buyers close to a purchase decision works better than general awareness articles. Seasonal content around Black Friday, holiday gifting, and the start of hiking or ski season can also generate strong results.
