Interval International's Club Interval Gold Points?

[chriskre]

Has anyone bought Club Interval Gold Points for II?
Have you found them useful?
How are the fees and what kind of exchanges did you get?

 

[chriskre]

So nobody has bought these?

 

[Hindsite]

Clearly not on TUG that have seen this post and are minded to reply, but at least one resort/brand has a marketing campaign so there is a bit more chatter around about it than previous. A couple of the actively curated II facebook groups have their owners that are part of the promo work so there is info about via them and free webinars available. There is good stuff that can be had with them, as there is with any II membership and the more work you put in the better outcomes you get, so nothing new there.

The points are far from new and the points chart is in the II buyers guide so you can go and look at what you need for what unit/TDI combination. Its a points system and seems to work like any of the points systems in terms of larger units and higher TDI need more points to book. It doesn't seem to have any magic access to inventory that can't be seen with other ownerships and it doesn't have preference within any of the brands e.g MVC to MVC.

What appears to be different in the current offerings is that they are a set number of points over a set number of years, as few as 3 years, so it differs from some of the vacation clubs in that it is much shorter period of time, and you seem to be able to add more points as you need. Its quite a good way for resorts to dump their sticky inventory and get some return for them, so sems like a decent idea as long as you understand what it is and whether it will suit your needs.

As with anything timeshare its not some kind of magic bullet and you need to cut through the hype and do your homework carefully before you commit to anything to ensure that it is the right product for you.

 

[chriskre]

Clearly not on TUG that have seen this post and are minded to reply, but at least one resort/brand has a marketing campaign so there is a bit more chatter around about it than previous. A couple of the actively curated II facebook groups have their owners that are part of the promo work so there is info about via them and free webinars available. There is good stuff that can be had with them, as there is with any II membership and the more work you put in the better outcomes you get, so nothing new there.

The points are far from new and the points chart is in the II buyers guide so you can go and look at what you need for what unit/TDI combination. Its a points system and seems to work like any of the points systems in terms of larger units and higher TDI need more points to book. It doesn't seem to have any magic access to inventory that can't be seen with other ownerships and it doesn't have preference within any of the brands e.g MVC to MVC.

What appears to be different in the current offerings is that they are a set number of points over a set number of years, as few as 3 years, so it differs from some of the vacation clubs in that it is much shorter period of time, and you seem to be able to add more points as you need. Its quite a good way for resorts to dump their sticky inventory and get some return for them, so sems like a decent idea as long as you understand what it is and whether it will suit your needs.

As with anything timeshare its not some kind of magic bullet and you need to cut through the hype and do your homework carefully before you commit to anything to ensure that it is the right product for you.

Thanks for responding.
I'm actually in the Facebook group for DVC-II trading but since I own DVC already I am not really interested in using them for DVC trades.
I'm more interested in getting the other stuff in II like the Marriotts and Hyatts that I used to get when I owned BG until they downgraded my ownership.
I've since divested of that ownership so looking for other options.
I did pick up a Marriott since then but don't want to over commit anymore to owning so wondering if you have to convert a week to points or can buy points
without converting a week. I guess I'll see if the group does any other exchanges.
People are so obsessed with DVC.
I'm wanting to get to Key West and Marco Island. LOL

 

[GrayFal]

@chriskre listen to the “ free” webinar given on that group. They are selling these memberships. Reminder no Marriott Vistana preference.
For some reason, II does not require very much trading power to see DVC so other options are also out there that could work for you.
And you already own what will get you into Key West, with Marco the issue is availability, not what you own.

@Hindsite has covered all the points

 

[Hindsite]

The group you are in is a DVC group, as well as II, so its going to be heavily focussed on getting DVC exchanges as well as helping DVC owners to get other exchanges.

MVC Crystal Shores Marco Island is a tough exchange to get as GrayFal says, that's down to availability, not just Trading power. You'll need to have a request in using an MVC week to have a decent chance of getting that.

The Hyatts, particularly Key West are available as getaways, so that would be a good solution for that without committing. A lot of the HWP and HYB getaway inventory has already gone, but there are still dates there at a price that is cheaper than maint fees for the weeks.

The CIG points offer that is making the rounds is a stand alone product, not something that you can use your MVC week to convert to points to use. You buy a set number of points for a set number of years for an up front price and then get an II gold level membership that they are deposited into for you to use. After that time, you can just let it lapse or buy more as you need. There are a load of vacation club type products that operate this way, though usually for longer time periods.

 

[chriskre]

@chriskre listen to the “ free” webinar given on that group. They are selling these memberships. Reminder no Marriott Vistana preference.
For some reason, II does not require very much trading power to see DVC so other options are also out there that could work for you.
And you already own what will get you into Key West, with Marco the issue is availability, not what you own.

@Hindsite has covered all the points

Thanks.
I was wondering why she kept asking people to DM her. I guess it’s for the webinar. I have to pay more attention to that group.
So it’s interesting that trade power is lower for DVC with these points. Hmmm.


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[GrayFal]

Thanks.

So it’s interesting that trade power is lower for DVC with these points . Hmmm.


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Trade power is lower in general for DVC.
Unrelated really to those points. Cindy's week 52 Foxrun see it.
Unrated resorts can see DVC.
Not as low as CMV but lowwwwww

 

[chriskre]

The group you are in is a DVC group, as well as II, so its going to be heavily focussed on getting DVC exchanges as well as helping DVC owners to get other exchanges.

MVC Crystal Shores Marco Island is a tough exchange to get as GrayFal says, that's down to availability, not just Trading power. You'll need to have a request in using an MVC week to have a decent chance of getting that.

The Hyatts, particularly Key West are available as getaways, so that would be a good solution for that without committing. A lot of the HWP and HYB getaway inventory has already gone, but there are still dates there at a price that is cheaper than maint fees for the weeks.

The CIG points offer that is making the rounds is a stand alone product, not something that you can use your MVC week to convert to points to use. You buy a set number of points for a set number of years for an up front price and then get an II gold level membership that they are deposited into for you to use. After that time, you can just let it lapse or buy more as you need. There are a load of vacation club type products that operate this way, though usually for longer time periods.

Thanks
So that makes sense.
I was wondering why II would allow points conversion of MVC when they are trying to sell you points.
Now it makes sense that they make it a separate program yet it’s kinda the same thing in II just with no preference and more fees.
Still cheaper than buying points I imagine and ongoing MFs unless you can just use getaways to get most of the inventory.
I know I have never seen a DVC in getaways. I have seen Crystal shores and key west Hyatt in getaways so that is probably why the group is into the points heavily.


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[chriskre]

Trade power is lower in general for DVC.
Unrelated really to those points. Txt sees it.
Unrated resorts can see DVC.
Not as low as CMV but lowwwwww

Things sure have changed.


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[Hindsite]

Thanks
So that makes sense.
I was wondering why II would allow points conversion of MVC when they are trying to sell you points.

It's not II selling the points it's a timeshare resort selling you a limited ownership package that trades in II as club interval points.
Several independent resorts trade in II using club interval points rather than weeks.

 

[chriskre]

It's not II selling the points it's a timeshare resort selling you a limited ownership package that trades in II as club interval points.
Several independent resorts trade in II using club interval points rather than weeks.

Oh okay.
Kind of like RCI points?


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[GrayFal]

Oh okay.
Kind of like RCI points?


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Exactly!
Grand view in Vegas

 

[chriskre]

Exactly!
Grand view in Vegas

So do you have to buy a deed or just a package of points?
I can see why those chasing DVC would be attracted to this but we know how easily that can change.


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[SherBear801]

From what I understand it is a one-time package of 100,000 points and you have three years to use those points. You can buy additional points in increments of 5000 at .04 per point.

 

[Hindsite]

I can see why those chasing DVC would be attracted to this but we know how easily that can change.

Exactly the whole point of a short-term deal is that, as and when either your needs change or the trading power is adjusted for some reason, you just use the points up and let it all lapse with no ongoing commitment. Unlike buying a low (or high) cost trader and then being stuck with trying to dispose of it or paying enduring maint fees. It has a place in the market that might suit some, but its not some kind of magic solution.

 

[WorldT]

Is there anyway to see how much points are need for a unit? Like a table or something?

 

[Hindsite]

Is there anyway to see how much points are need for a unit? Like a table or something?

Yes, its in the II buyers guide along with info on how it works. Table below in case the link doesn't work: https://www.intervalworld.com/iimedia/pdf/iw/buyers-guide.pdf

 

[WorldT]

Thanks. I wonder the if you can use this on any available inventory or it is subject to the same opacity as the weeks program. In other words, if I deposit say an independent unit with a high TDI and get the listed points, can I be able to pick up a two bedroom Marriott in the same TDI range? The guide says points allocated is also the same as points required for redemption.

 

[kwelty]

I use my RCI points a lot more than CIG points but this is how I have used my CIG points.
About three years ago I bought into II CIG by paying $495 to my home resort, Harbor Ridge in Southwest Harbor Maine. This buy-in included a two year membership and 35,000 points. If i were to deposit my June week I would receive 105,000 points, the same amount of points as many Marriott prime weeks. I always use my weeks so instead of depositing them, I am able to buy 52,500 points (value of a winter week) for $450. Two of these buys give me 105,000 CIG points or enough for a week at a Marriott during the reddest of the red weeks but I go late Aug/early Sept instead for 70k or 77k CIG points.
- I went to Marriott's OceanWatch Villas@Grand Dunes 9/14/25 for 77k points, a cost including exchange fees of $229 and points value of $660, of $889.
-This year, 8/30/25, I will go to Marriott's Barony Beach Club (MBY) for a total cost of $889.
These are good values in my opinion but you do have to keep a watch to find the availability of the week you want. These weeks I booked the previous October.

My resort, Harbor Ridge did an excellent write up of the CIG program here: https://harborridge.com/club-interval-gold-membership/

Information at Interval International's website can be found at these places: https://www.intervalworld.com/iimedia/pdf/iw/cig-mem-broruchre-us.pdf

https://www.intervalworld.com/iimedia/pdf/iw/buyers-guide.pdf

 

[GrayFal]

From what I understand it is a one-time package of 100,000 points and you have three years to use those points. You can buy additional points in increments of 5000 at .04 per point.

I believe I heard Initial cost $4,000 - or that could be the Ocean Landing seller????

 

[GrayFal]

Thanks. I wonder the if you can use this on any available inventory or it is subject to the same opacity as the weeks program. In other words, if I deposit say an independent unit with a high TDI and get the listed points, can I be able to pick up a two bedroom Marriott in the same TDI range? The guide says points allocated is also the same as points required for redemption.

You still need Marriott preference to see Marriott. CIG points would see after the preference period is ended.

 

[Hindsite]

Thanks. I wonder the if you can use this on any available inventory or it is subject to the same opacity as the weeks program. In other words, if I deposit say an independent unit with a high TDI and get the listed points, can I be able to pick up a two bedroom Marriott in the same TDI range? The guide says points allocated is also the same as points required for redemption.

Nothing is above opacity in II .

Bearing in mind that there are nuances to all points systems that operate in II, there are pros and cons to points vs weeks in general terms
- You will (should) see all eligible inventory when searching, it will just be the number of points needed that varies. It will include and exclude any preferences that the membership is or isn't entitled to see.
- You don't (except one system that I can't recall the name of) get any discount on number of points needed during flexchange
- You don't get the ability to pay a fee for unit size upgrade. Not sure if there are exceptions to this.
- If you retrade from your initial exchange to a week that requires fewer points, you don't get the difference between the points you initially used and the new requirement back, but you can still retrade again back up to the higher points level.
- Some systems do and some don't allow any additional points needed for a retrade to be added

If you buy a week at a resort that then converts that week to points to be used in II, per the Harbour Ridge example, then you're just into the same usual process of working out what points yield you get for the up front cost and maint fees and what you can get with those points so you can compare with Sheraton Flex, Hyatt and Welk etc Just the same as you compare weeks traders and the benefits of lock-offs etc.
Points systems work quite well where people have needed high season larger units and then want to trade down to smaller units or lower season, they can get 3 weeks in II for the price of 1 week's maint fees.

What you can get with the various vacation club points models is you pay an up front fee for a set amount of points over a set time, and then no enduring maint fees, but there may be "usage" fees for "depositing" to II. Then you're into the analysis of the time value of the up-front payment vs usage risk over time. Really roughly most of the Mexico schemes that I've read about come out around $600/week for an elite studio, and they generate much better value when used within their home resort system.

Per the Harbour Ridge example, some independents do offer "bonus" weeks that can be purchased for deposit to II, which can be a good low cost additional use, whether deposited as weeks or points.

 

[chriskre]

I believe I heard Initial cost $4,000 - or that could be the Ocean Landing seller????

For that I might as well just buy Getaways and not complicate things.
I've seen the weeks that I want for around $900 to $1000 or less in off season.
Granted they are very last minute but I can do that with my crazy life lately.
Orlando for $500 and sometimes even less.
I've been buying the Rentals in RCI lately too since they are so cheap.
Wyndhams and Vistana for $299 for a 2 bedroom can't be beat.

 

[chriskre]

I use my RCI points a lot more than CIG points but this is how I have used my CIG points.
About three years ago I bought into II CIG by paying $495 to my home resort, Harbor Ridge in Southwest Harbor Maine. This buy-in included a two year membership and 35,000 points. If i were to deposit my June week I would receive 105,000 points, the same amount of points as many Marriott prime weeks. I always use my weeks so instead of depositing them, I am able to buy 52,500 points (value of a winter week) for $450. Two of these buys give me 105,000 CIG points or enough for a week at a Marriott during the reddest of the red weeks but I go late Aug/early Sept instead for 70k or 77k CIG points.
- I went to Marriott's OceanWatch Villas@Grand Dunes 9/14/25 for 77k points, a cost including exchange fees of $229 and points value of $660, of $889.
-This year, 8/30/25, I will go to Marriott's Barony Beach Club (MBY) for a total cost of $889.
These are good values in my opinion but you do have to keep a watch to find the availability of the week you want. These weeks I booked the previous October.

My resort, Harbor Ridge did an excellent write up of the CIG program here: https://harborridge.com/club-interval-gold-membership/

Information at Interval International's website can be found at these places: https://www.intervalworld.com/iimedia/pdf/iw/cig-mem-broruchre-us.pdf

https://www.intervalworld.com/iimedia/pdf/iw/buyers-guide.pdf

This makes sense if you already own in a resort that sells this to it's members.
I don't think it makes sense otherwise unless I'm not understanding something.
Well maybe if I wanted more DVC then yes it would make sense.
If I was inclined to try for more DVC then maybe.
It's definitely a cheap way into DVC.