Best way to extend RCI TPUs

[Rhiannon35]

Due to COVID, and our lack of travel, I have 28 TPUs that will expire July 31 that I won't be able to use by then. I know I can buy an extension of six months for them? I also I believe I've read buying a Platinum membership will extend them and that there is a way to transfer TPUs into points that would also extend.
I've never run into this situation before, and any advice on what is the most economical way to extend my trading power would be much appreciated. TIA

 

[Free2Roam]

If that's the only deposit you have, you would need to extend. You can extend 1,3,6 or 12 months. Being Platinum won't automatically extend them.

If you have another deposit expiring in the next year or so, you might consider combining rather than extending. In that case your options are 1 or 2 years.

I'm not aware of a Platinum benefit that lets you transfer TPUs into any sort of points... definitely not regular RCI Points, but perhaps some kind of reward program points?

It might be worth calling RCI and explaining your situation. Maybe you'll get lucky and they'll offer a discount on the fees. The way I look at it, they get no additional revenue from expired TPUs... but if you extend, they will eventually get exchange fees.

 

[Rhiannon35]

I didn’t even think about combining. That might be best, I do have other deposits.
as far as converting to points I thought I had read on a FB group that someone had paid to convert weeks to points. It wasn’t anything I read in depth.
Good advice on calling. Both times I’ve called I’ve gotten a deal on fees. Thanks !

 

[Free2Roam]

as far as converting to points I thought I had read on a FB group that someone had paid to convert weeks to points. It wasn’t anything I read in depth.

You can pay a fee to convert some weeks to RCI Points (only if the resort is affiliated with RCI Points) but usually cheaper to acquire one already converted.

 

[Eric B]

You can pay a fee to convert some weeks to RCI Points (only if the resort is affiliated with RCI Points) but usually cheaper to acquire one already converted.

Could be they were talking about the points for deposit program to convert a single week that is already deposited into RCI points. That only works if you own both in weeks and points and if the deposited week is at a resort that isn't affiliated with RCI points, which is in place so that this program doesn't compete with enrolling an ownership in RCI points. The fee for the program is $49. Enrolling in points is how I think of what you're talking about.

From the RCI Help Library on the subject:

What is Points for Deposit?
Points® for Deposit allows RCI Points® subscribing members, who also own an eligible week at an RCI Weeks affiliated resort, to deposit that week with RCI and receive Points for that deposit. They can then use those Points in the RCI Points exchange program.

By combining your ownerships in this way, you can increase your Points balance and increase the flexibility of RCI Points membership, opening up possibilities for stays at resorts for which you may otherwise have had insufficient Points, longer trips or even more trips.

Even if your week is already deposited in the RCI Weeks exchange program, if it is eligible for Points for Deposit, you can still take advantage of this program. You can convert up to 4 eligible weeks per resort per calendar year to Points through the Points for Deposit program.

How many Points will I receive for my eligible Week?
The number of Points that you’ll receive depends on various factors such as unit size, resort quality, season and location. The timing of the deposit is also a key factor:

The Points you receive for your week will be allocated to the Use Year in which the start date of the week you are depositing falls, and it can take up to 15 days for the Points to be deposited into your account.

How do I use Points for Deposit?
Currently, Points for Deposit is not available on RCI.com. Please call an RCI® Vacation Guide at 1.877.968.7476 to take advantage of this great benefit.

 

[Free2Roam]

Very possible. I wasn't sure because the original post mentioned a Platinum benefit that allows the transfer of points for the purpose of extending.

 

[Kauai Kris]

Is there a way to get an RCI Points membership when you currently have a weeks membership, besides buying at a points affiliated resort?

 

[Free2Roam]

Is there a way to get an RCI Points membership when you currently have a weeks membership, besides buying at a points affiliated resort?

No. Not directly thru RCI.

Years ago I recall hearing about some sort of vacation club (not legit RCI) where you pay an annual fee and then - I think - pay as you book...but no purchase necessary.

 

[JudiZ]

Hi Rhiannon35,

I combined weeks and extended two years. We had 28 points that were going to expire so I took those and all the odds and ends I had left (which I usually just let expire because they aren't worth extending or combining) and combined them all. 34 points extended for 2 years for $231. It didn't thrill me but it seemed the best approach. Good luck with yours.

Judi