REI gives first responders 10% off, verified through ID.me, both online and in stores. It’s a broad program: police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers are all named as eligible.
REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) is a member-owned outdoor retail co-op selling camping, hiking, climbing, and general outdoor gear. It’s one of the larger names in the space, with stores nationwide alongside its online catalog.
How To Get The REI First Responder Discount
- At checkout on rei.com, click the “Verify with ID.me” option.
- Create an ID.me account or sign in if you already have one, and confirm your first responder status.
- The discount applies once verification completes, and the same verification covers in-store purchases too.
911 Dispatchers Are Named, Which a Lot of Programs Skip
Most first-responder discount programs verify against a narrower definition than the job actually covers. ID.me’s own first responder credential, which REI relies on, explicitly includes 911 dispatchers alongside police, fire, and EMS. That’s worth flagging because plenty of comparable programs in other categories on this site quietly leave dispatchers out.
REI is also a member-owned co-op, which means part of what you pay can come back as an annual dividend if you’re a member. The first-responder discount and co-op membership are separate things, so check both if you shop here regularly.
Q&A
Q: How much is the REI first responder discount?
A: 10%, verified through ID.me.
Q: Does it work in physical stores?
A: Yes. The same ID.me verification covers both online and in-store purchases.
Q: Are 911 dispatchers eligible?
A: Yes, named explicitly alongside police, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics.
Q: Is this the same as REI’s co-op membership dividend?
A: No. The first-responder discount and the member dividend are separate programs; you can have both.
Q: Do I need to re-verify every time I shop?
A: No. Once your ID.me account confirms your status, it carries forward for future purchases.
More Information:
REI is one of the broader general-outdoor options on this site. If you’re specifically stocking up on emergency and preparedness gear rather than camping equipment, our Coleman first responder discount page and our MediTac Kits first responder discount page both cover more targeted categories worth comparing. See our full emergency preparedness discount guide for more brands like this one.
