HGVC --> RCI Exchange Fees

[VegasOrBust]

Hello! HGVC member, haven't used RCI Exchange yet. We have banked points for 2024 that we are at risk of losing. We'll probably deposit them in RCI.

...but RCI seems really expensive - we pay to deposit the points, then pay again for each reservation in RCI that we book using those points? Is there a thread or FAQ that addresses how these fees potentially work?

11,200 points to save in RCI....

Thanks in advance!

 

[SmithOp]

You need to get busy now and search in RCI, or better yet set up ongoing searches, if you have Saved HGVC points. It will avoid the deposit fees.

Good inventory gets put in RCI well in advance, if you are waiting until 2-3 months before you won't find much. The fact you have Saved HGVC points suggests you are not doing advanced planning. A timeshare owner needs to be planning 9-18 months in advance, 9 months for HGVC points and up to 18 months in RCI.

I booked a fall trip in RCI with HGVC points, it only cost 3200 points for 5 nights plus a prorated exchange fee. I didn't deposit, the points were taken directly from my HGVC balance.

 

[VegasOrBust]

You need to get busy now and search in RCI, or better yet set up ongoing searches, if you have Saved HGVC points. It will avoid the deposit fees.

Good inventory gets put in RCI well in advance, if you are waiting until 2-3 months before you won't find much. The fact you have Saved HGVC points suggests you are not doing advanced planning. A timeshare owner needs to be planning 9-18 months in advance, 9 months for HGVC points and up to 18 months in RCI.

I booked a fall trip in RCI with HGVC points, it only cost 3200 points for 5 nights plus a prorated exchange fee. I didn't deposit, the points were taken directly from my HGVC balance.

Thanks Dave - I'll setup an ongoing search in RCI, that's a great idea! Booking in RCI this year for use in 2025 or 2026 makes a lot of sense.

Dave

 

[SmithOp]

Thanks Dave - I'll setup an ongoing search in RCI, that's a great idea! Booking in RCI this year for use in 2025 or 2026 makes a lot of sense.

Dave

Here's a tip, pick a resort and search dates for a reservation, if nothing is available it will offer to set up an OGS. Select Yes to get it started, it's free! Once you have it started you can edit the search to extend or change dates, and you can add other resorts. Start getting familiar with the resorts and make a note of the IDs to add to the OGS.

I also watch the Sightings boards for ideas on what is available, the resort IDs will be listed.

 

[VegasOrBust]

Here's a tip, pick a resort and search dates for a reservation, if nothing is available it will offer to set up an OGS. Select Yes to get it started, it's free! Once you have it started you can edit the search to extend or change dates, and you can add other resorts. Start getting familiar with the resorts and make a note of the IDs to add to the OGS.

I also watch the Sightings boards for ideas on what is available, the resort IDs will be listed.

That's a good plan, thank you! Yes I'll have to start focusing on the places we'd like to stay - sounds like the search and setting up alerts is a key feature for RCI, particularly as inventory opens up.

Thank you for your insights and feedback, I appreciate your help!