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Outdoor gear adds up fast — a quality tent, a sleeping system, a bike, or a ski setup can each run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you want to spread that cost out, REI shoppers have a few realistic options. This guide walks through each one, what it actually costs, and how to decide whether financing gear makes sense at all.
Your options at a glance
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op Mastercard | A store-affiliated credit card with member rewards | Frequent REI shoppers who pay in full monthly |
| Buy now, pay later (BNPL) | Split a purchase into a few scheduled payments | Spreading one purchase over a short window |
| A 0% credit card promo | Interest-free for an introductory period | Larger purchases you can clear before the promo ends |
| Save and buy used | REI’s used gear section and seasonal sales | Stretching a tight budget — the cheapest route |
1. The REI Co-op Mastercard
REI offers a co-branded credit card that earns rewards on REI purchases and elsewhere. Like any credit card, it is only a smart financing tool if you pay the balance in full each month — carrying a balance means paying interest that quickly outweighs the rewards. Used responsibly by a regular REI shopper, it is reasonable; used to carry debt, it is not.
2. Buy now, pay later
BNPL services let you split a gear purchase into a handful of payments. A “pay in 4” plan spread over a few weeks can be interest-free, while longer BNPL plans may carry interest. They work best for a single planned purchase you are confident you can pay off on schedule. Always read whether a specific plan charges interest, and check the late-fee terms.
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3. A 0% promotional credit card
For a larger purchase — a bike, a big ski or camping setup — a credit card with a 0% introductory period can act as interest-free financing, if you have a realistic plan to clear the balance before the promo ends. After the intro period, the rate is typically high, so this only works with discipline.
4. The smart-money move: buy used and shop sales
REI runs a robust used gear program and frequent member sales. A lightly used tent or jacket can cost a fraction of new, and gear that has been gently used is often indistinguishable from new on the trail. Pairing patience with the used section and seasonal sales can remove the need to finance entirely.
Should you finance outdoor gear at all?
Be honest about the purchase. Replacing worn-out boots before a planned trip is a reasonable use of short-term financing. Financing a full premium kit on impulse is harder to justify — gear holds some resale value, but not enough to make high-interest debt worthwhile. The best approach: prioritize the gear you genuinely need now, finance only what you cannot reasonably save for, and choose interest-free options where you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does REI offer its own payment plan?
REI’s main financing tool is the co-branded REI Co-op Mastercard. Beyond that, shoppers typically use BNPL services or a general credit card to spread out a purchase.
Can I use buy now, pay later at REI?
BNPL availability depends on the checkout options offered at the time. A short “pay in 4” plan can be interest-free; longer plans may carry interest, so read the terms.
Is it worth financing outdoor gear?
For genuinely needed gear you cannot save for in time, short-term interest-free financing can be reasonable. For impulse or premium purchases, saving up or buying used is usually the smarter move.
The bottom line
REI shoppers can spread out the cost of gear through the Co-op Mastercard, BNPL, or a 0% promo card — but the cheapest path is often REI’s used gear section and seasonal sales. Finance only what you truly need now, favor interest-free options, and never let gear lust turn into high-interest debt.