Why You Might Want to Get Rid of RCI - Resort Condominiums International (And How to Do It)

If you’ve ever found yourself tangled up in the world of timeshares, chances are you’ve come across RCI—Resort Condominiums International. RCI is one of the largest vacation exchange networks in the world, which sounds great on paper… until you realize that it might not be all it was meant to be. If you're here wondering how to get out of your RCI-related timeshare mess, you're not alone. Let’s break it all down, shall we?

What Exactly Is RCI?

First things first—RCI is NOT a timeshare company. That’s right. Despite what some people might assume, RCI doesn’t actually own any resorts. Instead, it operates as a vacation exchange network. If you own a timeshare at a resort affiliated with RCI, you can trade your week or points for a stay at another resort within their network. In theory, this system allows owners to vacation in different destinations without purchasing multiple timeshares.

The Catch: What RCI Doesn’t Advertise

While RCI’s timeshare exchange system may seem appealing, plenty of members have found themselves frustrated with how the company operates. Here’s where things get messy:

1. RCI Membership Fees and Hidden Costs

• Membership with RCI isn’t free. It starts at $89 per year, but that’s just the beginning. Many resorts automatically bundle RCI membership into your maintenance fees, meaning you’re paying for it whether you want to or not.
• Want to actually exchange your timeshare? That’ll cost you extra. Exchange fees vary, and booking a vacation through RCI often comes with additional charges that weren’t initially clear.

2. Availability is a Gamble

• RCI’s inventory of available resorts is constantly changing, and booking the vacation you want is sometimes left up to chance. Members have reported that the best destinations are often unavailable, even when they’ve deposited their timeshare weeks well in advance.
• There are also no guarantees that the resort you exchange for will be of equal or greater value than your original timeshare.

3. Customer Complaints and Legal Disputes

• RCI doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to customer satisfaction. On ComplaintsBoard, they hold a 2.2-star rating, with common complaints about misleading resort descriptions, poor accommodations, and difficulty booking desired vacations. The BBB holds also similar complaints.
• A major lawsuit in the early 2000s revealed that RCI had been renting out timeshare inventory deposited by members instead of making them available for exchange. The company settled the lawsuit, but the controversy raised serious trust issues among its members.
• More recently, in 2023, RCI was involved in yet another legal battle over contract disputes, proving that issues within the company are far from over.

Are You Stuck? Here’s How to Get Out

If you're reading this and nodding along, you might be wondering: Can I escape this mess? The short answer is yes, but it’s not always simple. Here are some options:

1. Check If Your Resort Offers an Exit Program

• Some resorts affiliated with RCI allow owners to surrender their timeshare back. This isn’t a guarantee, but it’s worth checking if your resort has a “deed-back” or “timeshare exit” option.

2. Hire a Timeshare Exit Company

• If you’re feeling overwhelmed, a reputable timeshare exit company can help you legally exit your contract. Just be careful—there are plenty of scams in the industry. Do your research and look for companies with solid reviews and a history of successful exits.

3. Sell or Transfer Your Timeshare

• Selling a timeshare isn’t always easy, but if yours has value, you might be able to offload it on a resale marketplace. Keep in mind that timeshares rarely sell for what you paid, and some resorts make transferring ownership a bureaucratic nightmare.

The Bottom Line

RCI may market itself as a dream vacation exchange company, but for many, it turns into an expensive and frustrating commitment. Between hidden fees, poor availability, and past legal issues, it’s no surprise that many owners want out.

If you’re ready to ditch RCI, take your time to explore your options carefully. A professional timeshare exit company might be your best bet, but always vet their reputation before making a move.

At the end of the day, vacationing should be fun—not a lifelong financial headache. And if RCI is causing you more stress than relaxation, it might be time to make your escape.

Have you had an experience with RCI? Share your thoughts in our contact form!