Is RCI exchange fee refundable?

[Gwendyc]

I'm thinking of booking an RCI exchange, but am I understanding correctly that the $259 exchange fee is nonrefundable 24 hours after booking?

Within the HGVC system, though, you don't lose the $59 booking fee unless you cancel or change less than 60 days before travel, right?

 

[silentg]

Depends on the circumstances of why you cancel. I had a situation a few years ago. The place I was staying had a pollution of water and most places were closed in the area. We were able to leave and get our TPU and exchange fee refunded. With Covid, now on the rise again, RCI may be willing to oblige but it depends on where and when you are booking. Let us know if you cancel and how your dealings turn out.

 

[tschwa2]

The normal policy is the exchange fee is only refundable along with your points in the first 24 hrs. With points protection (additional fee) you can get your points back but not the exchange fee up to the day before. Otherwise you lose your exchange fee and get a percentage of points.

 

[silentg]

Unusual circumstances are sometimes given refund. I always try to work with RCI in situations that come up. For the most part they have been fair. One rep. Said I had reached my limit on cancelations. I didn’t realize they keep track of units you put on hold then cancel within 24 hours. Most times I book after thinking about it first before putting on hold. Lesson learned.

 

[rickandcindy23]

To me, the exchange fee is so high that losing it is a big deal. I wouldn't risk it for something I was unsure I can use. With RCI, my plans are set in stone, but with II, that re-trade fee and the flexibility it provides is so very helpful.

Maybe extreme circumstances they will make an exception. But RCI is all about getting money out of you.

 

[Gwendyc]

I'm just worried since we are a military family. We typically get plenty of notice for training dates, etc. But I have a little nervousness using RCI for the first time.

 

[tschwa2]

I'm just worried since we are a military family. We typically get plenty of notice for training dates, etc. But I have a little nervousness using RCI for the first time.

Unless you could find an outside 3rd party travel insurance that covers military deployment and training, you would lose the exchange fee with rci if you cancel. You can pay extra for points protection but that would not refund exchange fee or extend the expiration of the points, simply refund your points.

 

[Talent312]

They (RCI) has cancelled my booking (involuntary) twice in the past.
-- Both times, the resort closed (hurricane, & remodeling).

In each, no refund of fee; instead a credit toward a future booking.
Credits were valid for six months following cancellation. Use or lose.

Current year points were returned to my HGVC account.
Prior year points were deposited to RCI, good for the following year.
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The one time I cancelled willingly, the fee went poof and vanished.

.