Placing an order at REI is quick and convenient, but sometimes you need to cancel it, whether due to a change of plans, a mistaken item selection, or a better alternative you have just discovered. This article covers everything that you need to know about how to cancel an REI order. Stay tuned to learn.
REI offers time sensitive cancellatipn process. Most cancellations depend on how you placed the order and what your order contains. REI processes orders quickly, so acting fast is essential.
Things to Know Before Cancellation
- Shipment Status Matters: If the order is unfulfilled or pending, you can usually cancel instantly on the website or app.
- After Shipment/In Transit: You can not cancel directly. You have to contact customer support, refuse the delivery when it arrives, or process a standard return once you have the item.
- Check Cancellation Fees: Most e-commerce platforms allow you to cancel physical items before they enter the shipping process for free.
- Check Payment and Refund Timelines: Confirm the timeline. It might take 3 to 10 days to process back to your original payment method.
- If your canceled item was a part of a combined order or multi-item shipment with a single tracking number, cancelling one item could accidentally cancel the entire shipment.
REI Order Cancellation Eligibility
You can typically cancel your order if:
- You placed it less than 20 minutes ago.
- It does not include certain restricted items.
- Some mixed orders with shipped items and an e-gift card may qualify.
You cannot cancel if:
- More than 20 minutes have passed since placement.
- The order includes an REI Membership, store pickup items, or consists only of an e-gift card.
- Other restrictions may apply based on order status, such as if processing or shipping has begun.
How to Cancel an REI Order?
Follow the steps below to cancel an eligible REI order:
1. Sign in to your “REI Online Account.” You must be logged in as the account holder who placed the order.
2. Go to your “Purchase History.” Find this in your account dashboard or order details.
3. Locate the order. Open the relevant order.
4. Look for the “Cancel item(s)” link. It appears next to eligible items or for the full order in your order details or purchase history.
5. Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation.
Important: If you don’t see the cancel link, the order is not eligible for self-cancellation.
If You Can’t Cancel REI Order Online: Try

If you fail to cancel online, here are some of the options that you can resort to:
1. Contact REI Customer Service promptly: Reach out over the phone at 1-800-426-4840. This number is meant for U.S. and Canada-based customers. Hours: Mon-Fri 6 AM-8 PM PT; Sat-Sun 8 AM-5 PM PT.
2. International: International customers can reach out at 1-253-891-2500.
3. Live Chat: This option is available on the REI website. Tap the green chat bubble available at the lower right.
4. Email: You can contact REI through the help centre on the website.
What Happens After Cancellation?
Here is the possible scenario after cancelling your order:
- Refunds for cancelled orders: REI typically has not yet charged your account, or the authorisation drops off.
- Credit cards / Apple Pay / 3rd-party gift cards (Visa, etc.): Authorization usually drops in 7-10 business days, depending on your issuer.
- PayPal: Refunded to PayPal balance.
- REI Gift Card / Merchandise Credit: New e-gift card issued via email. Refund drops often within 48 hours.
- Rewards: Credited back to your balances.
Monitor your bank or credit card statements and emails for confirmation. You will receive a cancellation email if successful.
What If the Order Has Already Shipped?
Here is what you can do if the order has already shipped:
- Self-cancellation is generally unavailable.
- You can refuse delivery when the package arrives. Inform the carrier.
- Once received, treat it as a return (REI has a generous return policy for most items).
- Cancellations sometimes fail to stop shipping; in that case, complete a return via your account or in-store.
Note: Refusing or returning shipped items may involve return shipping costs in some cases, though REI’s standard policy is customer-friendly for unused gear.
Alternative Options
Replace the Gear Instantly: If you need the item immediately for a trip, consider checking alternative outdoor retailers. There are many options available; opt for the one that fits your requirements.
Shop Second Hand: If you missed out on an item, you might find it or a similar alternative in excellant conditions for a fraction of the price at used gear sites. Check the official resale site for gently used customer returns and trade-ins.
Take Advantage of Member Benefits: If your cancellation resulted in a loss of a specific promotion, remember to check for equivalent deals. At REI outlets, you can often find overstock and clearance items that match or beat standard retail pricing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, REI’s policies prioritise quick fulfilment, so timeliness matters. Once you are sure that you have to cancel the order, act fast and choose the appropriate method to ensure seamless cancellation. This article provides you with several ways and methods you can try for the same. Go through the article to know.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cancel my REI order?
Yes, but only if it qualifies. You can typically cancel if the order was placed less than 20 minutes ago and does not include restricted items. Most orders become ineligible for self-cancellation after this short window due to rapid processing.
2. What orders cannot be canceled?
You generally cannot cancel orders that were placed more than 20 minutes ago. This includes an REI Membership, store pickup items, or orders that consist only of an e-gift card and orders that have already shipped or are in later processing stages.
3. What should I do if I don’t see a cancel option?
Contact REI Customer Service immediately: Call 1-800-426-4840 (Mon–Fri 6 AM–8 PM PT, Sat–Sun 8 AM–5 PM PT). Use live chat on the REI website (green bubble). Provide your order number. Agents may assist with eligible cancellations or guide you on next steps.
4. How long does it take to get a refund after canceling?
Most orders are not yet charged; authorisation drops off in 7 to10 business days for credit cards.
5. Can I cancel a backorder or pre-order?
Yes. You can cancel backordered or pre-ordered items before they ship. Contact customer service for assistance. REI will also cancel unavailable items and notify you.

