Because there is no Eplus option, I find it much harder to decide to book an RCI exchange.

[Yellowfin]

I like RCI overall but I do not like that there is no Eplus feature. I am wondering if they would ever add a similar option. Yes, I can buy points protection but I would still lose around 550 dollars for a 2 week reservation and I find that very high.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Even if you add the protection, you lose the entire exchange fee.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

RCI has a feature called "upgrades and exchanges" for about $50. [Not as good as E-plus in which you can change much further in advance and to any resort] but you can designate alternative resorts in the area, upgrade unit sizes and adjacent dates. If they have availability 15 days prior you will get your upgrade. If not, then they don't charge you the $50. We tried it last year on a Disneyland stay over Christmas. Nothing came through however they didn't charge us $50 either.

 

[tschwa2]

Their points protection used to include a one time save of the exchange fee plus the points back. I think it was around $89. It has been more than 5 years since that was discontinued. For many of my exchanges the exchange fee is at 1/3-1/2 of the total expenses so paying to just get the points or trading power is usually not worth it because I am usually spending only $75-$350 on the MF's on the points.

I try to book things that even if I find something better or can't use, a friend or family member may be able to use and possibly compensate me on the side if they are so inclined (not a rental, an agreement between friends).

 

[Yellowfin]

The Eplus is great both for us and for Interval because they do not have to return the exchange fee and lose the revenue

 

[Yellowfin]

I try to book things that even if I find something better or can't use, a friend or family member may be able to use and possibly compensate me on the side if they are so inclined (not a rental, an agreement between friends).

I see what you are saying, just that now with all the Covid incertitude, it is almost like transferring a problem to a friend rather than a great vacation

 

[elaine]

I didn't know that about the $50 RCI upgrade. I wondered if it was a whole new exchange fee. thanks!
I also find it tough to roll the dice with RCI. We booked a Hawaii week for late 2021 and I'd have booked a 2nd week if there was E Plus, but risking losing 2 exchange fees for a trade so far into the future was too much for me.