Want to get more out of your vacation ownership? External exchange can help you do just that! With an external exchange system like Interval International (II) or RCI, you can exchange your ownership for thousands of other timeshare stays worldwide, all while enjoying exclusive discounts on hotel stays, cruises, and other unique vacation experiences. Today, most resorts are affiliated with either II or RCI. Some are affiliated with both. As the world’s two biggest vacation exchange platforms, millions of timeshare owners enjoy II and RCI’s endless exchange options. But which is right for you? In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Interval International vs RCI so you can make an informed decision!
What Are Interval International and RCI?
As mentioned, Interval International and RCI are the world’s two largest vacation exchange companies. But just what is vacation exchange? In short, a vacation exchange company is a third-party company that allows owners at affiliated timeshare resorts to exchange their ownership for timeshares at other affiliated resorts. In addition, these companies often let you trade your timeshare week or points for discounted hotel stays, airfare, and other travel expenses, as well as unique experiences like cruises and excursions.
How Does Vacation Exchange Work?
Vacation exchange platforms like II and RCI are membership-based. If your resort is affiliated with one of these platforms, you are eligible to join for an upcharge. It’s worth noting that just because a resort is affiliated with Interval International or RCI doesn’t mean every resort under the same brand name is an affiliate.
When you buy a vacation exchange membership with Interval International, RCI, or any other vacation exchange company, your next step will typically be to deposit your week or points into their system (this isn’t necessarily the case with II). The company will then convert your ownership to exchange points or weeks (aka Deposit Trading Power for RCI), which you can trade for comparable timeshares in their database. The “value” of your deposit is determined by the platform based on things like resort popularity, unit size, season, and other factors. If the value of your deposit is less than the value of your desired exchange, you can pay the difference or borrow points from the next use year. Conversely, any unused points can be banked for future use.
Interval International Vs RCI: Category by Category
Now that you know what II and RCI are, let’s see how these exchange companies compare on a category-by-category basis.
Interval International Vs RCI: Number of Affiliated Resorts
RCI and Interval International both offer thousands of exchange options. However, one company definitely has the size advantage. Interval International’s network boasts 3,200+ affiliated resorts in 92 countries. It is also widely considered to have more high-quality resorts than RCI. RCI’s network, however, features more than 4,200 resorts across 110 countries. So, it definitely has the edge in terms of sheer volume.
That said, if you can think of a destination, you can probably trade for it, regardless of which platform you join. Moreover, affiliated resorts aren’t the only thing that matters regarding exchange options. Affiliated brands are arguably even more critical. Additionally, it is worth noting that some brands, like Holiday Inn Club Vacations, use both RCI and II. Moreover, here are a few of the brands affiliated with Interval International and RCI:
Interval International
Most people who use vacation exchange choose a developer before they choose an exchange platform. After all, you must buy a timeshare before you can join Interval International or RCI. However, if vacation exchange is something you know you want to do, knowing which brands are affiliated with which platform can be a good way to pick your timeshare. For example, if your three favorite brands are Disney Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, and Club Wyndham, you may want to consider buying a Hilton or Wyndham timeshare since they are both on RCI. Shopping this way ensures you get to enjoy exchange opportunities with your favorite brands.
Interval International Vs RCI: Perks
II and RCI each offer unique perks that may or may not appeal to you. Here are some of the perks exclusive to each platform:
II Perks
- Flexchange: Want to get more spontaneous with your travel habits? With Flexchange, you can book vacations from 59 days up to 24 hours before check-in. And best of all, it’s free!
- Request First: As mentioned, vacation exchange usually starts with depositing your week or points into the company’s system. However, Interval International’s Request First program allows you to search for exchange options before you deposit. Thus, you can ensure you find the perfect exchange before giving up your own timeshare!
- Upgraded Membership Tiers: II offers two upgraded membership tiers: Interval Gold and Interval Platinum. For an upscharge, Gold members enjoy ShortStay Exchange (break your vacation into smaller stays), Interval Options (exchange for cruises, tours, etc.), and Getaways (discounted stays of seven days or less). Platinum members enjoy the same benefits plus Hotel Exchange (exchange for hotel stays), Interval Experiences (excursions), and more!
RCI Perks
- RCI Platinum: RCI Platinum members enjoy many perks, including 10% off Last Call vacations, 25% off guest certificates, priority booking, and more. It is an upcharge, though, so be sure it fits into your budget before you sign up.
- RCI Travel: RCI Travel is also an upcharge, but it can be well worth the money. Members can exchange their timeshare ownership for hotel stays at over 600,000 locations worldwide, plus airfare, car rentals, and cruises. Every booking comes with RCI’s best-price guarantee, which ensures you get the best deal for your reservation.
- RCI Gold Crown: Want to ensure your vacation is spectacular? RCI helps you pick the best of the best exchange options with its Gold Crown designation, awarded to resorts whose accommodations, amenities, and service go above and beyond. Other RCI award designations include RCI Silver Crown and RCI Hospitality.
Interval International Vs RCI: Membership
Both Interval International and RCI offer weeks- and points-based memberships. Generally speaking, if you own a timeshare week, you can exchange it for another week, and if you own points, you can exchange for timeshares in the platform’s points system. Though restrictions apply, both companies allow you to convert your weeks to points.
Basic membership with Interval International comes in both weeks- and points-based varieties. However, RCI Weeks and RCI Points are considered separate membership levels and are priced differently.
Interval International Vs RCI: Prices
So, how much does it cost to join Interval International Vs RCI? As mentioned above, basic membership with II can be either weeks- or points-based. Interval International’s starting exchange fee is $99 a year.
If you join RCI Weeks, the annual exchange fee is $109. RCI Points members, on the other hand, pay $134 a year. As you can see, RCI Points and RCI Weeks memberships are both more expensive than II’s basic membership. However, many members find RCI’s superior selection worth the price.
And the Winner Is…
So, who comes out on top in this vacation exchange showdown? The short answer is: you! Because no matter which platform you join, you’ll enjoy thousands of exchange opportunities, top developers and destinations, and outstanding member perks. Of course, the best vacation exchange platform is subjective; it all depends on your needs. So, here’s a quick review of the pros and cons to help you decide!
Pros and Cons of RCI
RCI Pros
- More Exchange Options Than II
- More Destinations
- RCI Travel (Best-Price Guarantee)
RCI Cons
- More Expensive Than II
Pros and Cons of Interval International
II Pros
- More High-End Resorts Than RCI
- Less Expensive Than RCI
- Request First Option (Before You Deposit)
II Cons
- Fewer Exchange Options Than RCI
More of a visual learner? Check out our video, RCI VS. II: Vacation Exchange Showdown!
Buy An RCI- or II-Affiliated Timeshare Resale With Fidelity Real Estate
Ready to take the first step towards a world of vacation exchange possibilities? It all starts with buying a timeshare. But you don’t have to break the bank to get your foot in the door. With a timeshare resale, you can potentially spend thousands less on your initial purchase and put your savings toward your vacation exchange membership. So, browse our resale marketplace at the link below. There, you’ll find hundreds of listings featuring RCI- and II-affiliated timeshares. Once you find the perfect timeshare, simply make an offer using the secure on-page form. After your offer is accepted, Fidelity Real Estate can take you all the way to the finish line, with licensed brokers who can assist you through every step of the purchase process. Have questions? Get in touch with us at 1-800-410-8326 or [email protected]. We’re always happy to help!
Not using your ownership? Fidelity Real Estate can help you sell it on the resale market. As members of ARDA, Fidelity is a resale solution you can trust. Fill out the form below to get started!
