Want to see the world with just one timeshare? RCI can make it happen! Previously known as Resort Condominiums International, RCI is one of the world’s biggest vacation exchange programs. But, how exactly does RCI work, and where can you go with a membership? You’re about to find out! We’ll be going over everything you need to know about RCI resorts.
How Does RCI Work?
First things first, let’s talk about how visiting other resorts with RCI works. A lot of people ask which resorts are owned by RCI. The answer to that question is none! RCI actually doesn’t own any resorts. In fact, the company is simply a vacation exchange network. However, there are timeshares affiliated with RCI. What does this affiliation mean? A resort affiliated with RCI has trading power in the RCI network and is eligible for vacation exchange. In other words, if you own a timeshare at a resort affiliated with RCI, you can trade your weeks or points to stay at one of thousands of other resorts that are part of the company’s network.
How Has RCI’s Timeshare Exchange System Evolved?
RCI’s system has come a long way since its early days. Originally, being an RCI member meant you could swap your fixed timeshare week at one resort for a fixed week at another. This simple concept was revolutionary, letting owners break free from visiting the same place year after year.
Over the years, however, RCI has continuously added new features and options to keep up with travelers’ changing needs. The exchange process is no longer limited to direct week-for-week swaps—now it also accommodates points-based systems and a variety of flexible ownership models. Members can enjoy more choices, more destinations, and unique perks that go beyond the classic exchange.
What does this all mean for you? In short, RCI has grown its network and updated its membership benefits, making travel more customizable and accessible than ever before. Owners now have the freedom to explore thousands of affiliated resorts across the globe, with membership options and vacation perks designed to suit just about any travel style.
RCI Vacation Club Affiliations
Many of the world’s best vacation clubs are affiliated with RCI, such as:
While these brands are affiliated with RCI, that does not necessarily mean every resort in each brand is available on the network for exchange. Whether a resort is eligible is up to RCI and your developer, so call them to determine if your resort is affiliated. In the meantime, you can check the availability of your resort here.
Making the Most of Your RCI Membership
When considering RCI membership (especially if your developer hasn’t already enrolled you), it’s a good idea to make sure the exchange options fit your travel goals. Browse comparable resort listings and do a little homework to ensure your family’s vacation experience feels like a fair trade. Plus, if you’re not planning to use your timeshare in a given year, you might want to explore options to rent it out—some owners even find ways to offset costs or maximize the value of their ownership this way. The flexibility and choices available through RCI’s network can help you get the most out of your timeshare, whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both.
What Are the Benefits of an RCI Membership for RCI Members?
When you become an RCI member, you can access over 4,200 RCI-affiliated resorts in nearly 110 countries. From India to the Caribbean to Australia, there are tropical destinations to explore and snow-capped treasures in Canada and Colorado waiting for guests. RCI members also get deals on cruises, flights, and car rentals.
Is RCI Membership Right for You?
Before jumping into an RCI membership—especially if your resort developer hasn’t already enrolled you—it’s a smart idea to weigh your options. Start by exploring available RCI-affiliated resorts and comparing what’s on offer. Ask yourself: Do the destinations fit your favorite vacation styles? Is there enough variety, or are you locked into one place?
It’s also helpful to check the exchange rates for your home resort and see what kinds of resorts you could realistically trade into. Make sure the value you’re giving up matches the value you’ll be getting in return. For example, if you like ski trips, see how your options stack up in places like Valdoro Mountain Lodge or other popular destinations.
And don’t forget—if you ever find your plans changing, there’s flexibility, too. Many owners rent out their weeks at sought-after resorts, potentially recouping some of their annual costs. Taking the time to review the benefits and compare your options ensures your RCI membership will be the perfect match for your vacation goals.
Can You Buy RCI Timeshare?
As we mentioned before, you cannot necessarily buy RCI timeshares since the company doesn’t own any timeshares. However, you can browse our listings and find a resort you love. Then, you can call RCI, and they can let you know if it is eligible for the network before you buy.
How Does Trading with RCI Work?
We’ve talked a bit about how trading with RCI works, but let’s go into a bit more detail about what the process looks like. Members deposit their RCI points or weeks and can choose between RCI timeshares available at other resorts, such as properties. The type of ownership you can exchange depends on your ownership’s trading power. Trading power is determined based on factors like popularity, size of the unit, or the use week.
Understanding RCI Deposits and Trading Power
When you deposit your week or points with RCI, you’re essentially “banking” them into the system, making them available for exchange. Once a deposit is made, it is assigned a “trading power” value—this is what determines which vacations or resorts you’ll be eligible to trade for. Trading power is influenced by several factors, including when you deposit, how in-demand your home resort is, the size and type of your unit, and the specific week you own. Sometimes, you won’t see the full extent of your trading power until after the deposit is completed, so it’s worth keeping that in mind as you plan.
Depositing early can sometimes give you greater flexibility or more options, especially if your week falls during a peak season or at a popular destination. And remember, if your deposit doesn’t quite match the trading power needed for your dream getaway, you still have flexibility—by purchasing additional points or paying the difference, you can make that vacation happen.
Weeks and Points with RCI Resorts
The type of membership you have with RCI is based on the timeshare you own. If you have a points-based timeshare, you will have RCI Points; if you have a week-based timeshare, you will have RCI Weeks. Simple, right? Different timeshares have different trading power on the network, but both options are great for finding new vacations each year. If you need help determining your ownership type, call your resort or RCI; they can help you figure out what you have.
How RCI Weeks Works
RCI Weeks is essentially the original travel program offered by RCI. With RCI Weeks, you deposit your traditional week interval, which can then be exchanged for another vacation at a different resort within RCI’s vast network. The ability to make a successful exchange depends on your trading power—a value assigned based on your vacation ownership week and unit details.
Trading power is determined by factors such as the popularity of your resort, the size of your unit, and the time of year you own. For example, a highly sought-after resort in a prime season will generally have more trading power than a smaller unit or an off-season week at a less popular property. This trading power is what allows you to access comparable vacations across thousands of RCI-affiliated resorts.
No matter which type of ownership you have, RCI provides flexible options, making it easier to explore new destinations year after year.
How Are RCI Points Values Determined—and What Fees Should You Expect?
RCI Points are a flexible currency for members who own points-based timeshares. But how is the value of your RCI Points figured out? It all comes down to several factors:
- Brand and Resort Affiliation: Some brands, like Club Wyndham, have direct partnerships with RCI that may offer one-to-one exchanges, but this can vary.
- Unit Size and Season: Larger units or premium vacation times—like prime summer weeks—tend to have higher trading power.
- Location Popularity: Resorts in high-demand destinations (think Orlando, the Caribbean, or Lake Tahoe) tend to give you more points to play with for exchanges.
- Use Week or Time of Year: Owning a week during peak travel season generally yields higher points values than off-peak weeks.
Once your ownership is assigned an RCI Points value, those points can be used to book stays at other affiliated resorts, giving you maximum flexibility each year.
Related Fees to Keep in Mind
Beyond your standard timeshare fees, there are a few RCI-specific costs. RCI Points membership starts at $124 per year, but fees can climb based on add-ons. For example, opting for RCI Points Protection (similar to trip insurance) can allow you to keep your points if you need to change dates or destinations unexpectedly. Other optional services—like deposit extensions or upgrading to a Platinum membership—also come with their own price tags.
By understanding both how your RCI Points are valued and the associated fees, you’ll be better prepared to make the most of your vacation exchange opportunities.
Fees and Dues with RCI Resorts
Of course, all these benefits come with a cost. Fees vary depending on how many years you pay upfront. For example, a one-year RCI Weeks subscription fee costs $109, and a ten-year RCI Weeks subscription fee costs $768.
But annual dues aren’t the only thing to keep in mind when budgeting for your vacation swaps. RCI has a variety of other fees that may apply during your membership, depending on how you use their services:
- Exchange Fees: For each week-long vacation exchange, there’s a $249 exchange fee.
- Enrollment Fees: If you’re just getting started, expect an enrollment fee—typically $159 for a one-year membership.
- Deposit Extension Fees: Need to extend your deposit so you don’t lose it? That’s $49 for a one-month extension.
- Upgrade Fees: If you want to upgrade your reservation, plan for an additional $49 fee.
- Other Booking Fees: Some situations may include extra booking fees, depending on your reservation details.
When planning your next getaway, it’s a good idea to review RCI’s full exchange fee chart so you’re not caught off guard. That way, you can make the most of your membership and enjoy stress-free vacation planning.
Guest Certificate
Want to give your friends and family the gift of a vacation? Then gift them an RCI Guest Certificate! These certificates allow your friends or family to check into a vacation booked through RCI.
RCI Points Protection: What You Need to Know
Ever found the perfect vacation, only to have your plans change unexpectedly? That’s where RCI Points Protection steps in. This optional feature acts as a safety net for your points. If your travel dates shift, or you need to cancel or adjust your reservation, Points Protection can help you keep your hard-earned points from slipping away.
Here’s how it benefits RCI members:
- Peace of Mind: Life happens—work schedules change, family emergencies arise, or travel restrictions pop up. With Points Protection, you won’t lose your points if you need to make an adjustment after booking.
- Flexibility: Instead of worrying about losing your points due to last-minute changes, you’ll have the comfort of modifying your plans without penalties to your balance.
- Financial Savings: Consider it vacation insurance. Rather than risking the total loss of your valuable points, a small fee safeguards your investment.
Keep in mind, this feature is optional and comes at an additional cost, but for many travelers, it’s worth it for the flexibility alone. If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead but also wants the freedom to switch things up, Points Protection can be a smart addition to your RCI membership.
What Is RCI Trading Power Protection, and How Much Does It Cost?
If your plans suddenly change, RCI Trading Power Protection can come to the rescue. This optional add-on gives you peace of mind by allowing you to cancel or change your reservation without losing your valuable trading power. In essence, it safeguards the full value of your deposited weeks or points if you need to make a change after booking.
The cost for Trading Power Protection varies based on when you purchase it—if you buy within 30 days of making your reservation, you can expect to pay around $89. If you wait longer, the price may be higher. For the latest rates or to add this protection to your exchange, check directly with RCI or your resort representative. That way, you’ll know your trading power is covered, just in case life throws you a curveball.
What Is an Ongoing Search in RCI, and How Does It Work?
If you have your heart set on a specific destination or resort, but nothing is available right now, don’t worry—RCI’s Ongoing Search process might be just what you need. Here’s how it works:
- First, when you can’t find your perfect vacation using your available weeks or points, you can ask RCI to start an Ongoing Search.
- You provide RCI with your desired locations, dates, and any specific requirements for your dream getaway.
- RCI’s system goes to work, automatically searching its database for matches that meet your criteria.
- If something pops up that fits your preferences, RCI will contact you with the opportunity to book before others can even see the availability.
This handy feature saves you from the hassle of constant logins and manual searching. Just set it and forget it—RCI does the heavy lifting, increasing your chances of landing the exact vacation you want, even during popular travel periods.
RCI Resorts Platinum Membership
The RCI Weeks and RCI Points programs are considered the standard membership levels for RCI. However, you can upgrade to Gold or Platinum if you want to get more out of your RCI membership. Gold and Platinum members receive greater benefits and discounts that allow them to enhance their vacations.
Discounts include 10 percent off Last Call vacations, 25 percent off Guest Certificates to share with loved ones, and more! Members can also use the On-Hold Vacations feature for free, so there is no penalty to take your time with vacation planning. Platinum members also have priority access to vacations, so they will be the first members to be able to book exchanges. They also have access to 24/7 Travel Concierge and Emergency Travel Assistance services. So, if a problem or question comes up, you will have access to a quick solution. Additionally, platinum members receive complimentary unit and resort changes on their confirmed RCI Travel exchanges! Learn more about RCI Gold and Platinum memberships below.
Enhancing Your Exchange Experience: RCI Gold and Platinum Memberships
Upgrading your RCI membership unlocks even more opportunities for flexibility, savings, and convenience when planning your vacations. With RCI Gold and Platinum memberships, members enjoy an array of enhanced perks designed to make each trip simpler and more rewarding.
RCI Gold Membership is all about giving you a little more breathing room in your vacation search. Gold members can take advantage of complimentary ongoing searches for dream getaways. Plus, you’ll get a head start on Extra Vacations sales with exclusive one-day advance previews—perfect for snagging the best deals before they’re gone.
RCI Platinum Membership elevates your travel with priority benefits. Not only do Platinum members get all the Gold perks, but you’ll receive discounts on Last Call vacations, improved deposit power (making it easier to trade for high-demand weeks), and priority access to select exchanges before standard members. If you’re an RCI Points member, the Platinum Points Membership merges these advantages for maximum flexibility. Want to save even more? Special getaway discounts become available, subject to availability.
Keep in mind that upgrading does come with added costs, but for frequent travelers and those seeking peace of mind (or just the best possible selection), the enhanced benefits can make a world of difference. Whether you opt for Gold or Platinum, these upgrades are designed to take the hassle out of planning—and help you score that perfect vacation spot.
What Are RCI Vacations?
RCI vacations offer incredible experiences to their members. “RCI Vacations” is a term that members use to describe and search for vacations provided through the company. Are you interested in taking your holidays to the next level? RCI offers cash-only booking options for exclusive trips, great pricing, and member-only travel benefits.
RCI Extra Vacation Getaways
As a member of RCI, you may be able to take week-long vacations without exchanging your week. That’s what Extra Vacation Getaways offers. You can book vacations with cash, similar to the way you would book a hotel. The great thing about these trips is that there is no limit to the number of them you can take in a year.
RCI Resorts vs. Interval International
RCI is great, but not all resort brands are affiliated with them. Some companies, like Marriott Vacation Club and Disney Vacation Club, are affiliated with Interval International, another prominent timeshare exchange company. If you’d like to know more about the difference between RCI and II, check out our video “Vacation Exchange Showdown: RCI vs. Interval International.”
RCI vs. Interval International: Key Differences
At their core, both RCI and Interval International open the door to thousands of vacation options, but each comes with its own network of affiliated brands and unique exchange rules. RCI is part of the Wyndham Worldwide family and is also connected with WorldMark, while Interval International operates under Marriott Vacations Worldwide. This means that many of the big names in vacation ownership are tied to one of these two companies—Hilton Grand Vacations, for example, partners with RCI, while brands like Westgate are linked to Interval International.
Another difference comes down to what you can see when browsing available exchanges. With RCI, you’re often able to view exchange options even above your current trading power, giving you a sense of what’s out there if you want to bank points or upgrade in the future. Interval International, on the other hand, tends to limit your view to only those resorts that match your current trading ability, which can make the search feel a bit more curated.
No matter which exchange network you use, both RCI and II offer a wealth of options for planning memorable vacations—just make sure to check which companies are affiliated with your home resort before you start planning your big getaway.
RCI Resorts to Exchange for Now
RCI has a catalog of countless beautiful properties, so it can be pretty tough to decide where to go first. Here are a few of our favorites, all of which are RCI Gold Crown resorts! Gold Crown Resorts indicate that the resort has been considered excellent in many areas. When it comes to service, style, and amenities, you can rest assured you’ll have a first-rate resort experience. Let’s see just what these properties have to offer!
The Manhattan Club
In the middle of the hustle and bustle of New York City, you’ll find the quiet comfort of The Manhattan Club. This resort is just a few blocks from Central Park, Times Square, and the Theater District, so you’ll be right in the middle of the action! Take in a Broadway show, shop on 5th Avenue, or grab a slice of New York pizza. If you want a piece of the Big Apple, there’s no better place to be than the Manhattan Club. Then, when you’re ready for a break, kick back in your stylish suite or relax in the resort’s private club lounge with a cocktail.
Valdoro Mountain Lodge
If you’d like a resort that’s really cool, check out Valdoro Mountain Lodge in Breckenridge, Colorado. This RCI Gold Crown resort boasts easy access to Breckenridge’s world-class ski slopes, making it the perfect place to stay in the winter. You’ll also get to enjoy a heated pool, on-site dining, and a cozy spa. After a day of fun on the slopes, you can retreat to a spacious suite and cozy up by the fire or take in the sights from the comfort of your private balcony.
Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort
For your next family vacation to Orlando, exchange for a stay at Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort. This sprawling property comprises four villages: North Village, East Village, West Village, and River Island. Each section of the resort is jam-packed with its own amenities like golf courses, arcades, pools, boat rentals, dining options, and more. Plus, you’ll find water slides and a 1,200-foot lazy river at River Island! If excellent amenities aren’t enough, accommodations at Orange Lake are spacious and sufficient for the whole family, including full kitchens and laundry units. Guests staying here can enjoy the proximity to Walt Disney World, so a magical day of fun is right around the corner!
Tahiti Village Resort
This RCI Gold Crown property is an oasis in the Nevada desert located right on the famed Las Vegas Strip. You can cool off in the pool or lazy river or enjoy a putting green and sand volleyball courts. Not to mention, it boasts a 24-hour restaurant, so you’ll always be able to enjoy a delicious meal. While the amenities are stellar on their own, it’s the activities and experiences that make this one of the top RCI resorts. Guests can enjoy a Summer Luau, the Beat of Joy, and many more activities. Of course, you’ll also be just steps away from all the excitement of the Strip. These benefits make Tahiti Village Resort one of the best timeshare resorts for a vacation in Vegas.
Best Way to Save on Timeshares at RCI-Affiliated Resorts
Timeshares at RCI-affiliated resorts are great, but they aren’t always cheap. Fortunately, you can save up to thousands of dollars on these RCI timeshares by buying on the resale market! These timeshare resales let you save big while still enjoying all the amenities and accommodations that make vacation ownership great. Of course, you’ll also be able to join RCI with these resales. What’s not to love?
RCI Timeshares for Sale: Buy at Top Resorts for Less
If you’re looking for timeshares you can use to join RCI, you’ve come to the right place! In fact, our online marketplace has many timeshare resales associated with premier vacation clubs like Wyndham, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Hilton Grand Vacations, and more! Browse our marketplace until you find a listing you like, and make an offer. Yes, it really is that simple! If you have any questions about the timeshare industry, our licensed agents are always happy to help! Give us a call at 1-800-410-8326 or email us at [email protected].
Sell Your Timeshare with Fidelity Real Estate
On the other hand, if you’d like to sell your timeshare, we can help you too! Fill out the form below, and one of our licensed agents will contact you about the next steps.
