Is your timeshare a deed week or points-based? Or are you thinking of buying one? If so, you have come to the right place. The most common type of timeshare is a points-based one, followed by a deeded week. In this blog, we are going to discuss timeshare points vs. weeks and how they work with timeshare exchange.
What is Timeshare Exchange?
Timeshare exchange, commonly known as vacation exchange, is a platform where timeshare owners can trade their weeks or points for vacations outside of their home resort and developer. For example, if you own a timeshare in Florida that is affiliated with RCI, you can trade to vacation at an RCI Hawaii resort. It is important to realize that the “value” of your ownership may not be the same as your “value” on the exchange platform.
The most common timeshare exchange networks are RCI and Interval International. There are thousands of resorts and destinations offered by both RCI and II, but top brands are affiliated with one or the other. Before signing up for a timeshare exchange network, check with your developer to see if your resort is affiliated with them. Timeshare vacations aren’t the only services offered by these networks. Your membership can be used for cruises, adventures, flights, travel discounts, and rentals. Below is an outline of which developers affiliate with which resorts:
RCI Timeshare Brands:
Interval International Timeshare Brands:
How Much Does Timeshare Exchange Cost?
Whether you own timeshare points vs weeks, there are fees when you join RCI or Interval International. RCI breaks their fees into RCI weeks and RCI points. Whereas an Interval International membership is $99 for one year, regardless of whether you own timeshare points or weeks. To learn more about RCI fees, check out this blog: 2025-2026 RCI Exchange Fees: A Complete Guide.
How Do Timeshare Points Work?
As a way to offer more flexibility to timeshare owners, most developers have moved to a points-based system. Point-based timeshares can be found in brands like Disney Vacation Club and Hilton, to name a few. Members now have the option of purchasing as many points as they wish. When and where you can travel directly depends on the number of points you own.
Points are based on the desirability of the resort and the size of the unit. The points owned for a studio at Disney are likely to differ compared to owning a three-bedroom timeshare at the same resort. When owners use timeshare points, they can customize their vacations exactly to their needs. The points system allows for more flexibility compared to the weeks system. You can use your points to book different times throughout the year at your home resort or others within your brand.
Exchanging Timeshare Points
With points-based ownership, you can essentially use your points to “buy” time at other resorts outside of your brand through timeshare exchange networks. Generally, as long as you have enough points for the resort you want to stay at, you can stay there (depending, of course, on resort and unit availability). As mentioned above, the exchange network you can join is determined by your resort. Find out which network your resort is associated with so you can search your exchange options. By exchanging with RCI or II, you open up your options on resorts, developers, and locations.
How Do Timeshare Weeks Work?
Did you know timeshares started as deeded weeks? Deeded timeshares essentially give the owner a deed to the property. The owner can use the property, rent it out, or even exchange it for another property. Week-based timeshares are the type where you buy the right to vacation at a resort for the same week each year, usually indefinitely. Many timeshare owners find the perks of deeded week timeshares through security and excitement for their ritual getaway each year. You may not know this, but even fixed-week timeshares are often eligible for vacation exchange through RCI and Interval International. That means even with fixed-week ownership. You can still visit new places!
Another perk of owning a deeded week is that you have booking priority at your home resort. That means you are able to reserve your unit during your week ahead of time. Points-based ownerships are great for those who like to keep their plans flexible.
Floating Week vs. Fixed Week Timeshares: What’s the Difference?
You may have heard people mention “floating week” and “fixed week” timeshares and wondered what sets them apart. Here’s how each works and how they stack up against each other.
With a fixed week timeshare, owners are assigned a specific week each year when they get to use their timeshare unit. Think of it as owning the same spot on the calendar—say, the first week of July—for as long as you own your timeshare. This setup guarantees your vacation time, making planning a breeze, especially if you love tradition or travel during busy holiday weeks. There’s little worry about competing for a reservation—your spot is yours, year in and year out.
On the other hand, floating week timeshares give you a bit more wiggle room. Instead of being tied to a single week, you receive the right to use your unit during any week within an assigned season—often labeled as “gold,” “platinum,” or “silver” seasons, depending on resort popularity. While this flexibility is great for those who crave variety or have unpredictable schedules, it does mean you’ll need to book early, as the most popular weeks can get snapped up quickly. The trade-off? A more adaptable vacation schedule, but sometimes less certainty when it comes to nabbing that perfect week.
In short, fixed weeks offer reliability and tradition, while floating weeks deliver increased flexibility, provided you’re willing to plan ahead.
Exchanging Deeded Weeks
How does exchanging weeks work? Well, when you have this type of ownership vs. timeshare points, you can spend your week at another timeshare instead of your home resort when you join a vacation exchange network. One of the benefits of converting your weeks to points through vacation exchange is that, for example, through RCI, your points can translate into longer or multiple stays. If you always go for a spring break or holiday getaway that lasts a week, you may not feel the need to break up your timeshare week into smaller stays throughout the year, but you can if you want.
Should You Convert Your Timeshare Week to Points?
You aren’t required to convert your timeshare week to points—especially if you’re happy with your current arrangement or feel pressured to make a change. There are definite pros and cons to both timeshare weeks and points, and what works for one family may not fit another’s vacation style. For instance, if you own a high-season week at a popular destination, you may already have great value and flexibility through your existing week ownership. On the other hand, points can offer added flexibility if you want to travel to different resorts or take shorter trips.
If you’re curious about the points system but don’t want to convert your week ownership, you can always look into purchasing points on the resale market, which sometimes costs less than converting your current week. Ultimately, it’s about what best matches your vacation priorities and how you prefer to travel.
Timeshare Points vs. Weeks: Which Is Right For You?
Deciding on timeshare points vs. weeks can feel like a hard decision. Just consider your vacation values! Do you want to visit lots of resorts multiple times a year? Do you enjoy visiting the same place each year because it’s located near your favorite beach or city? Perhaps you only get so many days of vacation at work a year, or the kids can only travel in the spring or winter.
Writing down your vacation priorities can help you make the best choice for your family. Below is an outline of timeshare points vs. weeks to help you determine which you prefer!
Timeshare Points
- Multiple Resort Options, Flexible Dates
- Must Plan In Advance
- Risk Of Not Getting Dates You Want
- Take One Big Trip Or Multiple Smaller Trips
- Bank Or Borrow Points
- Timeshare Exchange With RCI Or II
Timeshare Weeks
- Same Week, Same Resort Every Year
- No Need To Plan
- Guaranteed Vacation Dates
- Create Family Traditions
- Dates Cannot Be Changed
- Timeshare Exchange With RCI Or II
Buy a Timeshare
No matter which type you’re considering—points or weeks—it’s smart to explore the resale market. Buying a timeshare, whether it’s points-based or a traditional week, can be a big financial decision. The resale market often offers the same great resorts from top brands like Hilton Grand Vacations, Disney Vacation Club, Marriott, and more—just at a lower price than buying directly from the developer. This means you can get the vacation ownership you want at a lower cost.
You can always add to your point-based timeshare or purchase on the resale market to find a good deal. We have timeshare weeks and points available in our marketplace. With a timeshare resale, you can find timeshares for sale at the best vacation clubs for a fraction of the cost. Browse our timeshare for sale now! Have questions about buying a timeshare? Give us a call today at 1-800-291-6327 or email us at [email protected]. Our representatives are experts and are happy to help!
Rent a Timeshare to Try Before You Buy
Additionally, you can rent a timeshare, too, before deciding you want to buy one. This is a great idea for those who are interested in a deeded week, so you can try out your resort before you buy. Or, if you are interested in timeshare points, this is a great way to get to know the timeshare brands before you join. We have timeshares for rent in Hawaii, Las Vegas, Orlando, and so many more prime destinations. Browse our timeshare rentals now!
Do you have a points-based or deeded week timeshare? Do you love timeshare exchanges? Share your experience down below. For more information, check out our blog: How To Buy A Timeshare: What You Should Know.
Selling Your Timeshare: Weeks or Points
Ready to move on from your current vacation ownership? Whether you have a points-based membership or a traditional deeded week, selling your timeshare is easier than you might think.
How to Sell Your Timeshare
Advertise With a Resale Marketplace: The most popular option is to list your timeshare for sale on reputable online marketplaces that specialize in timeshare resales. Look for well-known platforms where buyers actively search for vacation ownership opportunities. RCI and Interval International are often involved in exchanges, but resales can be posted on major sites like Timeshares Only.
Prepare Your Ownership Details: Have your ownership documents, details about your home resort, annual fees, and the week(s) or points information handy. Potential buyers will definitely want these details.
Set a Reasonable Price: Research recent sales for comparable timeshares to set a fair price. Be open to negotiation, as the resale market is competitive.
Be Patient With the Process: Timeshare resales can take time. Stay proactive by keeping your advertisement up to date and responding promptly to interested buyers.
Next Steps
If you’re considering selling, start by gathering all your documents. There’s no need to go it alone—help is available, and with the right support, you can smoothly transition from your current ownership. Still have questions? Give us a call or email us, we are happy to help!
