How Do Timeshare Points Work?

Have you heard of timeshares that use a points-based system, but are unsure what that means? Timeshare points serve as a form of currency for booking stays using your vacation club ownership. Based on your ownership, you get a number of points to use. Several factors determine the number of points you earn, including frequency of use, tier (which depends on the club or brand), and location. Of course, these are not all the factors to consider, but they are some key points to take into account. In this blog, we will go over the benefits of timeshare resorts and using points to book them, how to understand your points, and points from the resale market.

Timeshare Points Meaning

In the past, timeshares were based on the concept of one vacation a year. As times changed, so did timeshare. Now, owners crave more travel time each year and the flexibility to choose when and where they go. That’s what timeshare points offer. Timeshares work like currency. You use your points to buy time at vacation resorts within your brand’s network.

For example, if you buy points with Disney Vacation Club, you can use those points to book stays at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Copper Creek Villas (some restrictions may apply). Additionally, Club Wyndham and Marriott points work similarly. In most cases, owners receive an annual allotment of points. The date your points renew is different for every brand. For example, Disney points renew the same month every year, and this is known as the Use Year.

Why Timeshare Points Offer More Luxury Than Traditional Hotels

So, why might you find timeshare points offer more value—or even more luxury—than just booking a hotel? Think of it this way: when you use your points, you’re not just getting a standard room with a bed, a desk, and hopefully a coffee maker. You’re unlocking full vacation villas or suites, which often come decked out with expanded living spaces, full kitchens, and amenities that make even the nicest hotel suites seem a little, well, cramped.

Here are a few features where timeshare resorts often go above and beyond:

• Room to Spread Out: Most timeshare accommodations are significantly larger than typical hotel rooms—think separate living and dining areas, multiple bedrooms, and sometimes even laundry rooms.
• Home-Like Comforts: Having your own kitchen means you can whip up breakfast in your pajamas, host family dinners, or simply stash late-night snacks in a real fridge.
• Resort-Style Amenities: It’s not just about the room. Timeshare resorts tend to offer lavish extras like on-site restaurants, lazy rivers, top-notch fitness centers, spas, and dedicated activity programs.
• Consistency Across Destinations: Whether you’re staying at Hilton Grand Vacations in Orlando or a Marriott Vacation Club in Hawaii, timeshare brands usually guarantee a certain level of quality and amenities, so there are fewer surprises.

In short, timeshare points open the door to a kind of vacation experience you rarely get at hotels—more space, more comfort, and plenty of pampering perks, all rolled into one.

Timeshare Points vs. Week-Based Timeshares: Pros and Cons

So, how does the points-based approach stack up against traditional week-based timeshares? Let’s break it down.

With points, flexibility is the name of the game. Want to take a short weekend escape at Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club or a longer summer trip to Club Wyndham’s Bonnet Creek? Your points can be spread across multiple vacations, destinations, and even unit sizes, as long as the availability is there and your balance can cover it. This freedom means you aren’t locked into the same dates or resort every year, which is especially handy if your travel plans tend to change or you like to explore new places.

But that flexibility comes with a caveat—planning is required. Booking that perfect stay, especially during peak times like spring break at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, can get competitive. You’re sharing the reservation pool with a lot of other owners, so popular weeks and resorts can go fast.

On the flipside, week-based timeshares are all about predictability and ease. You know you’ll have that same week at your home resort every year—no juggling calendars or racing the reservation clock. It’s perfect if you love tradition or crave the comfort of repetition.

In short:

• Timeshare Points Pros: Flexibility, multiple destinations, customizable trip lengths.
• Cons: Requires advanced planning, high-demand weeks might be tough to snag.
• Week-Based Pros: Guaranteed dates and location, less booking stress.
• Cons: Less flexibility, same resort and week each year.

Consider your travel style—do you prefer routine or do you love to mix things up? This will help you decide which model is the right fit for your next adventure.

How Many Points Do I Need?

How do you know how many points to get? That depends on your vacation style. If you want enough points to take a two-week vacation, you’ll likely end up needing more points than you would for a one week vacation. This is important to remember when buying timeshare points. But, it can also differ from brand to brand. Some points have a different “exchange rate”.

It’s also important to remember that every brand, and even some resorts, have different valuations of points. 200 Wyndham points may spend a lot differently than 200 Disney Vacation Club points.

For the most up to date points charts, we’ve got you covered. Additionally, we recommend speaking to a timeshare expert or your developer to find out more.

How to Read and Use a Timeshare Points Chart

Feeling a little lost when you pull up a points chart? You’re not alone—these charts can seem confusing at first glance, but with a few pointers, you’ll be reading them like a pro in no time.

First, locate the current year’s points chart on your vacation club’s website or in their planning guide. This handy chart will typically list resorts, room types, travel dates (sometimes broken down by season), and the number of points required for each option.

When reading the chart, keep these tips in mind:

• Compare seasons and dates. Prime travel periods—think holidays, spring break, summer—will usually require more points. Off-peak weeks are often a bargain.
• Check unit sizes. A one-bedroom suite will cost fewer points than a three-bedroom villa. Balance space needs with your available points.
• Factor in flexibility. If you want the option to stay longer or in a larger unit, check how many points you’ll need for upgrades or extended stays.
• Use digital tools. Many brands, such as Disney Vacation Club and Wyndham, offer online calculators, apps, or downloadable PDFs to help you model out real vacation scenarios.
• Ask for expert help. Don’t be shy about calling owner services or your timeshare specialist—they can walk you through the chart and help you optimize your points.
• Tap into the community. There are plenty of vibrant forums and travel blogs where owners share their best shortcuts and advice for making the most out of those precious points.

Ultimately, understanding your points chart is the key to unlocking maximum flexibility and value for your vacations. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be planning trips with confidence and ease.

What Is Banking and Borrowing Points?

What do you do if you don’t have enough points? Well, you can always buy more points by adding to your membership, or you can begin banking or borrowing points. These concepts are used often, especially among DVC owners. If you don’t have enough points in your annual allotment for the vacation you’re planning, you can use these two tactics to make it work.

Banking points means rolling them over to next year, or the year after. Each brand has different rules for banking. If you have 50 points that you won’t be using this year, or you want to save them up so you can take a bigger vacation next year, you can bank them.

Borrowing points means taking points from future years and using them now. For example, if you want to take a bigger vacation now, you could borrow 50 points from next years allotment.

Whether you are banking or borrowing points, it’s important to know the policies of your timeshare developer. There are certain rules that apply when banking and borrowing, in addition to when the banked or borrowed points expire. Make sure you know these rules with your resort so you won’t lose your points.

Using Vacation Exchange Networks With Your Points

One of the biggest perks of owning timeshare points is the access you get to vacation exchange networks like RCI and Interval International (II). These major exchange companies partner with well-known brands such as Wyndham, Marriott, and Disney Vacation Club, and they make it possible to trade your points for stays far beyond your home resort.

Here’s how it works:

• Deposit and Exchange: You can deposit your annual points into the network, which often lets you swap for vacations at thousands of affiliated resorts all over the globe.
• Flexibility and Choice: So, instead of being limited to just one location, your points become a passport to a world of destinations—whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches in the Caribbean, bustling cities in Europe, or mountain retreats in Colorado.
• Expanding Your Horizons: The process is generally straightforward. After depositing your points, you simply browse the available destinations, pick the resort or travel week that interests you, and use your points to secure your stay.

By joining these networks, your vacation options multiply, letting you make the most of your ownership—no matter where you want your next adventure to be.

How to Check Availability and Choose Your Travel Dates

One of the perks of owning timeshare points is the ability to browse and select travel dates with ease. Most brands—including Disney Vacation Club, Club Wyndham, and Marriott—provide online member portals that let you plan your vacations without the guesswork.

Here’s how it typically works:

• Log into your member account. Every major timeshare brand has an online portal, so you’ll want to start there.
• Navigate to the reservation section. This is where you’ll usually find an interactive calendar or booking system.
• View availability. Calendars often display open dates, allowing you to see what’s available month by month.
• Filter your options. Customize your search by selecting your favorite resort, preferred villa size, or filtering by how many points each stay requires.
• Select your ideal dates. Once you find the right combination for your schedule and point balance, you can easily lock in your check-in and check-out days.

This self-service approach takes the hassle out of vacation planning—whether you’re dreaming of a fall getaway at Copper Creek Villas or a spontaneous weekend at a Club Wyndham resort. Just keep your points balance and “Use Year” in mind, and you’ll be able to snap up those coveted dates before they’re gone.

Are There Restrictions When Buying Resale Timeshare Points?

While buying timeshare points on the resale market is a great way to save, it’s good to be aware of possible limitations. Most of the time, resale points are used just like those purchased directly from the developer. However, some brands do place restrictions on resale buyers—so you’ll want to do your homework before making a decision.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Limited Access to Perks: Some developers reserve certain benefits—like priority booking windows or exclusive events—for owners who purchase directly. For example, features like exclusive status tiers or membership upgrades may not be available with resale points.
• Booking Restrictions: You might find that some resorts or room types can’t be reserved with resale points, depending on the rules of the program. Always check the fine print so there are no surprises.
• Program Changes: Policies and privileges tied to resale points can change over time, especially as developers update their membership structures. Staying in touch with your timeshare’s latest guidelines will help you get the most out of your points.

That said, many owners still choose resale for its value and flexibility. Whether you’re a new buyer or adding to your ownership, understanding these restrictions ensures you get all the vacation possibilities you expect—without any hiccups along the way.

Find Timeshare Points For Sale

Buying more points is always an option too. Many owners sell timeshare points on the resale market, and you can find a good deal. Purchasing more points from the developer can be costly, and you may have to attend another presentation.

By shopping timeshare resale points online, you can save money and time, adding to your ownership. Not to mention, you can browse many brands and resorts all at once.

With the upgrade of our website, you’ll also be able to set personalized notifications when the point package you want becomes available. Start browsing timeshare points for sale today, or contact us for help. Also, you can join The Timeshare Resales Community on Facebook to get your questions asked and answered!

Already Own and Have Points You Want to Sell?

Own a points-based timeshare and considering selling it? Fidelity Real Estate makes the resale process simple and secure. With over 25 years of experience as a licensed real estate brokerage specializing in timeshares, our team has guided thousands of owners through safe and successful ownership transfers.
We know that navigating the resale market can feel overwhelming, especially with so much misleading information out there. However, Fidelity has earned a reputation as a trusted leader in the industry. As proud members of ARDA and holders of an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, our credentials reflect our commitment to integrity and transparency.
If you’re ready to part ways with your timeshare, fill out the secure form below to be connected with one of our licensed agents and take the first step toward a confident resale experience.