When you think of the word “timeshare”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s a timeshare property that you visit once a year at the same time. While that’s certainly one kind of timeshare, there’s more to vacation ownership than meets the eye. Two of the most common timeshare ownerships are weeks and point-based timeshare. Of course, there are timeshare owners who love the benefits of both kinds. Points offer more flexibility but you have to make plans. Comparatively, a weeks-based timeshare has more predictability and is also more rigid. So, what exactly is the difference? More importantly, which is right for you? Timeshare weeks vs. points—straight ahead.
- Timeshare Weeks vs Points
- Fixed Week Timeshares
- Floating Week Timeshares
- Pros and Cons of Timeshare Weeks
- Timeshare Points (aka Vacation Clubs)
- Pros and Cons of Timeshare Points
- Should I Convert My Timeshare Week to Points?
- Exchanging Points Vs. Weeks
- Should I Buy Timeshare Weeks vs Points?
- Sell Your Timeshare Weeks vs Points
Timeshare Weeks vs Points
The traditional type of timeshare is timeshare weeks. When time-sharing began, most owners owned a fixed week at a resort or condominium hotel. Owning a timeshare week means you own a week of time at your selected timeshare resort. Weeks are assigned a number based on where they fall on the calendar year. The way weeks work can vary depending on the type you own. Two of the most common types of week-based timeshares are floating and fixed.
If you own timeshare points, you are typically given an allotment of points that renew on the date stipulated in your timeshare contract. There are pure-points memberships, or you can convert your traditional week into a points-based allotment.
Let’s break down each type of timeshare further, so you can fully see the difference between weeks vs points.
Fixed Week Timeshares
If you own the traditional fixed-week timeshare, you are generally eligible to vacation at your resort for the same week every year.
Timeshares work on their own calendar, so each week is given a number. So, if you own Week 1, you likely own the first week of the year in the form of a fixed-week timeshare. That means, on that week each year, you are able to book and vacation through your timeshare developer. A fixed week timeshare is no longer the norm, but some families still prefer them because they take the stress out of vacation planning. You will never need to plan ahead to reserve your time at the resort or worry about not getting your spot. Especially if you plan to travel during highly popular seasons or holiday weeks.
Floating Week Timeshares
Floating week timeshares are another type of timeshare. They offer more freedom to make reservations than a fixed week. Additionally, with a floating week timeshare, the time you’re allowed to book is “floating” meaning that the time you can visit your resort varies. Typically, floating week timeshares are restricted to a season, but you have the ability to book any week within that season. Some owners prefer a floating week timeshare because there’s more freedom and flexibility. However, it can be more difficult to get the week you want to reserve, so planning ahead is a must.
Pros and Cons of Timeshare Weeks
| Pros | Cons |
| Guaranteed vacation time | Predictable |
| No need to plan in advance | Same week, same resort every year |
| Can be exchanged on RCI or II | Rigid vacation time |
| Create family traditions |
Timeshare Points (aka Vacation Clubs)
Of course, most of the major brands like Hilton Grand Vacation Club, Wyndham, Welk Resorts, Disney Vacation Club, Bluegreen Vacations, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations all offer some variation of timeshare points or a vacation club. As we mentioned before, buying timeshare points allows you to use those points to book vacation experiences within your brand. In the battle of timeshare weeks vs points, points come out on top in terms of vacation planning flexibility.
Why Choose Timeshare Points Over Traditional Hotels?
When considering the advantages of owning timeshare points versus booking a standard hotel, the differences can be pretty striking—especially for those who value comfort, flexibility, and a touch of luxury in their vacations.
First off, timeshare resorts tend to deliver a much more upscale experience compared to typical hotels. Think of amenities like expansive pools, relaxing spas, lazy rivers, and even on-site dining options ready to satisfy your cravings after a long day of exploring—or doing nothing at all.
But one of the biggest perks has to be the space. Instead of being crammed into a single hotel room, you’ll often enjoy spacious villas featuring fully equipped kitchens, separate living and dining rooms, and convenient laundry facilities. Families and groups especially love that everyone can spread out and enjoy their own space.
Let’s not forget that with timeshare points, you unlock the ability to choose where and when you travel. You’re not tied down to one fixed week or location each year. Instead, you can use your points to book stays at a wide variety of resorts, making it easy to plan everything from a quick getaway to a multi-bedroom family retreat. This added flexibility is something hotels just can’t match.
So, in the showdown of timeshare points versus hotel stays, it’s easy to see why more vacationers prefer the comfort and choice that points-based systems provide.
How do Points Work?
There are a couple of different ways timeshare points work, therefore it’s important to look into the different brands. In addition to pure points memberships, there are also converted points. This is where you convert your home resort week into points you can exchange using the points program. You can find pure points timeshares for sale from popular brands like Diamond Resorts or certain Club Wyndham programs. With pure points memberships, you own an interest in the brand and can spend your points at a variety of resorts within the brand’s portfolio. Clubs like Hilton Grand Vacations and Marriott Vacation Club offer owners the ability to convert their deeded week into points-based ownership. The amount of points you receive each year depends on the resort you own at, unit type/size, season, or week number your week falls on.
How Many Points Do You Need for a Vacation?
The number of points required to book a particular vacation can vary widely based on several factors. For example, popular resorts, peak travel seasons, larger units, or properties with extensive amenities will generally require more points to reserve. So, a trip to a high-demand destination like Hawaii will often cost more points than a stay at a quieter mountain location. Each timeshare brand sets its own point scales and criteria, so it’s important to review how your specific program assigns point values to different vacations. This makes the points system flexible, but it also means your annual points can stretch further or run out quickly depending on where, when, and how you choose to travel.
Timeshare points can be spent, banked, and borrowed however you decide. If you want to take a long vacation this year with the entire family, then you can borrow points from next year’s allotment. On the other hand, if this year you didn’t get a chance to take a vacation, then you can bank your points to use for next year. This flexibility is a major pro to many families that want to see the world together and travel to new places. However, planning ahead is highly important.
How to Read and Use Timeshare Points Charts
Understanding how to read a timeshare points chart can unlock a world of vacation possibilities—if you know what to look for. It might feel a little overwhelming at first, but once you know the basics, using points charts can make planning your next getaway much easier.
Start by locating your vacation club’s official “Points Chart” or “Vacation Planning Guide” online. These resources will break down exactly how many points are required for your desired resort, the size of your unit, and the dates you’d like to reserve. Charts are often organized by resort location, unit type (studio, one-bedroom, etc.), and season (peak, value, holiday, etc.), so make sure to compare these details before making your reservation.
If you’re unsure about how it all works, don’t hesitate to contact your club’s owner services. They can walk you through the booking process, help clarify point values, and even offer suggestions for maximizing your annual allotment.
Here are a few additional tips for making sense of points charts:
- Check multiple dates and unit sizes. Sometimes, moving your vacation by just a week—or downsizing your unit—can save a significant number of points.
- Watch for peak seasons. Popular times, like holidays or summer breaks, typically require more points. If you’re flexible, traveling during less popular times can stretch your points further.
- Consult online owner communities. Fellow owners often share strategies and advice for getting the most value from points. These forums can be great for insider tips.
- Keep an eye out for updates. Points charts can change from year to year, so review the latest version before making plans.
Deciphering points charts is a key step in ensuring you maximize the value of your timeshare ownership—helping you plan the vacations you truly want, when you want them.
Pros and Cons of Timeshare Points
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible vacation time | Must plan ahead |
| Multiple resort options | Popular resorts and high season dates sell out quickly |
| Bank or borrow points | Risk of not reserving the time you want |
| Travel alone or with family |
Should I Convert My Timeshare Week to Points?
You do not have to convert your timeshare week into points, especially if you are feeling pressured into doing so. There are pros and cons of timeshare weeks vs. points, so what works for others may not work for you! If you are happy with what you own, especially if it is a high-season week at a popular resort, you may not think the benefits of converting to points are worth it. If you are considering owning points, you can always purchase them on the resale market for less than it may cost you to convert.
In fact, shopping the resale market is a smart move for many owners. You can often find the same home resort and timeshare point system package at a much lower price—sometimes even for a third of the cost of buying directly from the developer. This route also lets you skip the sales presentations and work with a reputable resale company, saving both time and money as you start (or grow) your timeshare ownership.
Ultimately, whether you stick with your current week, convert to points, or supplement your ownership with resale points, the best option is the one that matches your travel style and budget.
Exchanging Points Vs. Weeks
Another option to pursue if you are considering converting your timeshare into points is through an external exchange system. This option can cost much less! RCI, the biggest vacation exchange network, has multiple membership options. If you own a weeks-based timeshare, whether it’s a floating week timeshare or fixed week, you can choose which RCI membership program you want. RCI points membership allows weeks owners to exchange their ownership for RCI points to exchange for thousands of resorts and destinations. So, this means that you can stay at resorts that are outside of your brand’s portfolio of properties.
Another major vacation exchange network is Interval International, also known as II. While Interval International has fewer resorts than RCI, it’s still a vacation exchange network with thousands of options for you to explore. Because of the value that an Interval International or RCI points membership can give your timeshare ownership, joining one of these networks is a very good deal.
With an exchange membership, you get to keep your timeshare week and enjoy the benefits of flexible points and freedom. With that said, not all vacation clubs are affiliated with the same vacation exchange network. It’s important to double-check that your resort is affiliated with one of the networks.
Want to learn more about vacation exchange? Then check out our video, “RCI vs Interval International: Vacation Exchange Showdown.”
Resort Developers Affiliated With RCI
Resort Developers Affiliated With II
Should I Buy Timeshare Weeks vs Points?
Buying timeshare points is recommended depending on which brand you want to own with and what type of traveler you are. For example, if you want a Disney Vacation Club timeshare, your only option is to buy points. If you want a weeks-based timeshare, you would have to consider other major developers. Moreover, if you know you’ll travel to the same place each year, buying a week may be ideal for you.
Why Choose Timeshare Points on the Resale Market?
Opting for timeshare points on the resale market has several perks—and could make your vacation dreams a whole lot more affordable. Not only can you often snag the exact vacation points and home resort you want at a much lower price, but you also bypass pricey sales presentations and work directly with licensed professionals for a smoother, more transparent process.
Some key reasons buyers love the resale market include:
- Significant Savings: Resale timeshare points frequently cost a fraction of what you’d pay buying direct, sometimes as much as three times less. That leaves more money in your pocket for travel, dining, or even extending your stay!
- Flexible Vacation Options: Once you own your points, you can book stays, upgrade your suite, or add extra vacation nights—just like retail buyers. Whether you’re looking for more space for the family or a trip during peak season, extra points expand your options.
- Great for Existing Owners: Already own a timeshare? The resale market is a fantastic way to add more points at a lower rate, giving you even greater flexibility and value for your future trips.
- No High-Pressure Sales: Skip the sales pitch. Instead, enjoy a straightforward buying experience with all the benefits and none of the pressure.
It’s important to note, though, that some developers may place a few restrictions on points purchased resale—such as limiting access to certain perks or status levels (for example, some elite tiers may only be available through direct purchase). So it’s a good idea to double-check any brand-specific rules before finalizing your purchase.
By shopping smart with resale, you can maximize your vacation choices while keeping costs in check—making it a win-win for both new and seasoned timeshare owners.
Using Timeshare Points Purchased on the Resale Market
There are a few important things to keep in mind when buying timeshare points on the resale market. Some developers impose certain restrictions on points acquired through resale. For example:
- Membership Benefits: Not all perks or membership tiers are available to resale owners; special status levels, VIP benefits, or exclusive events may be limited to those who purchase directly.
- Booking Windows: In some cases, priority booking windows are reserved for members who purchased from the developer, which means resale buyers might have to wait until a later booking window opens.
- Exchange Options: Access to internal or external exchange networks, such as RCI or Interval International, could have limitations depending on the brand’s specific rules for resale purchases.
Despite these possible restrictions, many owners choose to buy points on the resale market to supplement their current ownership or to secure additional vacation time at a more affordable cost. Whether you want to lengthen your stay, try out new resorts, or upgrade your unit size, purchasing extra points via resale can open more doors—just make sure to review the details for your particular developer before making a decision.
Consider Buying Resale Weeks or Points
No matter which type you decide to buy, we recommend shopping timeshare resales. Buying a timeshare, whether it’s points or weeks-based, can be expensive. You can find great (if not identical) options on the resale market when it comes to buying a timeshare. Whether you’re buying resale weeks or resale points, Fidelity Real Estate can help. We’ve been in the timeshare resale industry for over 20 years, and as a member of ARDA, we follow a strict set of ethics that helps keep everyone in the industry safe. When you work with Fidelity, you can rest assured you’ll be in good hands.
Ready to get started? Then check out our marketplace! We have listings for fixed weeks and points-based timeshares from resort brands like Hilton Grand Vacations, Disney Vacations Club, Marriott, and more! If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with one of our Licensed Real Estate Agents by calling us at 1-800-410-8326 or email us at [email protected].
Sell Your Timeshare Weeks vs Points
On the other hand, if you already own a timeshare, we can help you sell it. From floating weeks to a deeded points-based timeshare, no matter the resort location, we can help! Selling your timeshare with us is a safe, straightforward and convenient process, and our licensed agents will guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us by filling out the form below.
