.Com TLD rci.com

rci.com

December 10, 2025

What is RCI.com

RCI (originally Resort Condominiums International) is a global vacation-exchange company, founded in 1974 by Jon and Christel DeHaan. (Wikipedia) It doesn’t build or sell timeshares directly — instead it offers a platform that lets timeshare owners swap their week (or points) at one resort for a week or stay at a different resort anywhere in RCI’s network. (Wikipedia) Over the decades, it’s grown into the largest timeshare-exchange network in the world. (redweek.com)

As of 2024, RCI reports a membership base of about 3.5 million travelers, and offers access to over 4,100 affiliated resorts across roughly 110 countries. (Travel + Leisure Co.)

RCI is now part of Travel + Leisure Co. (previously Wyndham Worldwide), under which it continues to run its exchange and travel-service operations globally. (Wikipedia)

How RCI Works — Weeks and Points Exchange

RCI Weeks

  • If you own a “fixed week” or “floating week” at a timeshare resort, you can become an RCI Weeks member. (rci.com)

  • Instead of vacationing at your home resort during your week, you can deposit that week into RCI’s pool (also called “spacebanking”). (rci.com)

  • That “deposited” week gets a value (Deposit Trading Power), often higher if you deposit far in advance (optimally 9 months before the week’s start). (rci.com)

  • You can then exchange that deposited week for a stay (often a 7-night stay) at another affiliated resort — maybe in a different country, different season, depending on what’s available in the pool. (redweek.com)

  • If no ideal option is immediately available, you can wait: RCI allows ongoing search, and will notify you when a suitable vacation becomes available. (rci.com)

RCI Points

  • Instead of owning a defined week, you may own “points,” allocated based on your resort, unit size, season demand (e.g. high-season vs low-season). (Timeshare Solicitor)

  • Points act like a travel currency. You deposit your entitlement and get an amount of Points, then you can spend those Points to book stays (or other travel services) at any resort in RCI’s network, subject to availability. (rci.com)

  • This gives flexibility: you can book shorter or longer stays; you can mix and match travel arrangements rather than commit to a fixed week at the same resort every year. (rci.com)

Other Services — Beyond Simple Exchange

RCI isn’t just about exchanging timeshare weeks. Through its broader travel-service brand (often referred to as RCI Travel), members can access additional benefits:

  • Discounts on hotel stays, not just timeshare resorts. (rci.com)

  • Deals on car rentals, cruises, and other travel-related services. (rci.com)

  • Access to a resort directory covering thousands of resorts worldwide — a big advantage for travelers who value variety. (rci.com)

So RCI acts not only to facilitate “trade your week for a different resort” but also as a full-fledged travel network giving flexibility, variety, and value beyond your original timeshare.

History & Industry Role

  • Founded in 1974 in Indiana, USA. (rciaffiliates.com)

  • In its early years, RCI pioneered the idea of “vacation exchange” — i.e. allowing timeshare owners to swap their allocated vacation period for one at another resort. That changed the timeshare industry significantly. (Devex)

  • Over time RCI expanded globally: offices opened across continents, and membership grew into the millions. (rci.com)

  • As timeshares and vacation ownership evolved, RCI expanded too — adding services, creating the Points-based exchange, and integrating additional travel-service offerings. (fidelityrealestate.com)

Because of this history and scale, many consider RCI a foundational pillar in the timeshare and vacation-exchange world.

Strengths & Criticisms — What Works, What to Watch Out For

Strengths

  • Broad network: thousands of resorts, across over 100 countries. Great if you want the flexibility of variety.

  • Flexible options: own a fixed week — trade it for a different destination; own points — mix and match travel needs.

  • Added travel services: can book hotels, cruises, car rentals — not just timeshare resorts.

  • Longevity and scale: decades in business; millions of members; global reach.

Things to Watch / Criticisms

  • Exchanges depend heavily on availability. If many members want the same popular resorts/dates, competition can be tough. Booking early helps.

  • There are fees beyond just membership — exchange fees, housekeeping/tax fees, maintenance fees on original timeshare — which can add up. (Timeshare Solicitor)

  • Not all affiliated resorts or weeks are equally desirable — demand and seasonality affect the quality/availability of exchanges. Points or weeks from lower-demand time slots might offer fewer or less desirable options. (Timeshare Solicitor)

2024 Milestone — 50 Years of RCI

  • In 2024, RCI celebrated its 50th anniversary. (Travel + Leisure Co.)

  • At that time, it reported having served around 250 million travelers and facilitated approximately 62 million exchanges. (Travel + Leisure Co.)

  • Its member base was about 3.5 million, and network included over 4,100 resorts across about 110 countries. (Travel + Leisure Co.)

This milestone reflects RCI’s sustained presence and influence in vacation exchange over five decades.

Key Takeaways

  • RCI is the largest global timeshare-exchange company, founded in 1974.

  • It allows owners to swap a holiday week (or use points) for stays at resorts worldwide — giving flexibility beyond the original timeshare.

  • Membership isn’t only exchange-based: through RCI Travel, members get discounts on hotels, cruises, car rentals, and more.

  • RCI’s strength lies in its scale: millions of members, thousands of resorts, nearly 50 years of operation.

  • Exchange value and experience depend on timing, demand, and fees — so planning ahead is important to maximize benefits.

FAQ

Q: Do I have to own a timeshare to use RCI?
Yes — RCI is designed for people who already own a timeshare with a resort developer that is affiliated with RCI. You can either own a “week” or a “points-based” entitlement. (Wikipedia)

Q: Can I stay at regular hotels with RCI, or only timeshare resorts?
Yes — besides exchange resorts, RCI members can book hotel stays, car rentals, cruises, and other travel services through RCI Travel benefits. (rci.com)

Q: Is my vacation guaranteed if I deposit a week?
Not exactly — once you deposit your week (or points), you’re part of a pool. What you get depends on availability and demand. Early deposits increase your “Trading Power,” which helps improve your chances. (rci.com)

Q: Are there extra costs beyond membership?
Yes. You often pay exchange fees, housekeeping or resort fees, and possibly maintenance fees on your original timeshare. (Timeshare Solicitor)

Q: Does RCI still operate globally today?
Yes. As of its 50th anniversary in 2024, RCI remains active globally, with over 4,100 resorts in ~110 countries and about 3.5 million members. (Travel + Leisure Co.)