How to Get a Bigger REI Dividend

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By Ryan Newhouse
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REI

Early March is dividend time at Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI). REI is an outdoor retailer and member-owned co-op founded in Seattle in 1938 by a group of mountaineers. Members earn a 10% dividend on their regular-priced purchases. Here's how to increase your next REI dividend!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

REI Membership
REI Visa Card

Step 1

In order to earn a dividend, you must be a member of REI. It costs $20 (one-time payment) for a lifetime membership (See Resources). Once you're a member, you can shop to your heart's content at one of their 100+ retail stores or online at REI.com or REI-Outlet.com. Be sure to get all your purchases listed under your member number.
Step 2

The regular member dividend is 10% back on regular-priced purchases. Your purchases are tracked for the calendar year, and the following March REI sends you your dividend check, which can be used as merchandise credit at first but then cashed out after July 1st.

However, the trick to earning a bigger dividend, without spending more, is to get the REI Visa card, distributed by US Bank. Only REI members are eligible to apply for an REI Visa card (See Resources).
Step 3

Once you have your REI Visa card, you'll earn an extra 5% dividend on EVERYTHING you buy at an REI store, REI.com or REI-Outlet.com (on top of your normal 10% dividend on regular-priced items). This includes sale items! In fact, it's the only way to earn dividend on sale items at REI.
Step 4

The REI Visa card also earns 1% dividend on everything purchased outside of REI, such as gas, groceries, etc. This is the real trick! Using discipline, use your REI Visa card for recurring bills, groceries and gas, and then pay off the balance at the end of the month. That 1% will add up to a much bigger REI dividend by the end of the year!