I have a deposit of 46 Trading Power to RCI and only 36 is the remaining balance of trading power. The reason given to me by RCI Staff name Gabriel that I canceled my reservation but he cannot name the hotel. According to him it happened last May 2021 of which we were supposed to travel on that date to Manila but Cathay Pacific canceled our flight. Cathay Pacific canceled our flight twice until finally we finally managed to fly to Manila last June 21, 2021. We stayed in the same hotel for 9 nights or 10 days and used 5 trading powers which we have no problem. The problem when we canceled our reservation in the same hotel where we stayed, RCI charged us of extra 5 trading power when we canceled the reservation because Cathay Pacific canceled our flight thus we have no option except to cancel the reservation. Now the big question why RCI charged us of 5 trading power when we didn't use said trading power? What is their valid reason to charge us? The reservation was canceled then rebooked it when Cathay Pacific assured us we can travel on that particular date June 21, 2021. read more

30+ Year Loyal Customer Treated Like an Afterthought--Total Rip-Off ​I have been an RCI member for over 30 years, but the continuous changes to the points program have ruined its value. I am forced to pay yearly maintenance fees for absolutely nothing. For the last three years, I haven't been able to book a single decent vacation because I am mysteriously always a "few points short" for basic bookings. ​RCI clearly does not care about the long-term members who helped build their company. Today, standard hotel loyalty programs like Hilton Honors and Wyndham Rewards are significantly cheaper, more flexible, and actually usable--without the mandatory maintenance fee overhead. Save your money. The legacy value of RCI is completely gone. read more

They make promises they don't keep! I wouldn't trust them to give you what they say they will. And customer service is nowhere to be found. My "case" keeps being "escalated" to someone else I can't talk to! read more

I have had issues with RCI with a cruise purchase and not sure if we will ever use them again! We have called many times about issues with our cruise and it keeps being pushed back. We bought a cruise back in December, after they changed their format and we thought we were getting a great deal, turns out to be a horror show. I was sent an e-mail that stated we were going to get an all-inclusive cruise with an On-Board Credit with a Infinite Veranda Balcony. First, afterwards we found out that the cabin we got had an obstructed view, but our salesman stated it was not on his ship map (this was minor to the next issue but found out later it is 40% obstructed). Second, I was talking to the cruise company (Celebrity) and found that not all of our gratuities were paid, we are missing our Dining and Stateroom gratuities. According to Celebrity, we have to talk to RCI about it. Lastly, when also talking to Celebrity, I found they have no record of an on-board credit. RCI has been called and a complaint has been made, but that was almost a month ago when that was made. But, I called and asked originally almost this 5-6 weeks ago. We were told that they need to refer to the QA Department and review the phones calls we made with our salesman, and that was during the first call. Second time we called they said it would be 10 working days, then the next call we were told 14 working days, and now it was been a lot longer and it is still being pushed off. We just got off the phone and they stated there is still no answer and they will call us back before the holiday weekend for an update. Our cruise is now within 3 months and we have been dealing with this for almost 2 months. So far we are looking at over a $10,000 cruise for all of use, with a lot of unanswered questions. We do not know if this will ever get resolved, but, if you are looking for a cruise, I think I would NOT use RCI! read more

Warning -- Misleading Vacation Booking Experience I want to share my experience so others don't go through what I did. I was promised a discounted vacation, but important fees -- including cleaning and resort charges -- were not disclosed up front. These fees totaled between 2,000 and 3,000 and the final price I was charged was higher than the original quote. In fact, I found it cheaper to book directly through the cruise line's website than through the site I used. Every search I ran showed better prices when I booked elsewhere. The sales representatives were persuasive, but the information they gave turned out to be misleading. When I asked to cancel within the first 60 days, I was told I couldn't because I was already under contract. Attempts to stop automatic payments were also obstructed: my calls went to voicemail, and one number I was given later blocked my phone so I had to call from my husband's phone -- at which point they answered promptly. A customer service representative told me my cancellation had been processed but did not provide a confirmation number; I had to request one to verify the action. The product as presented was not what I received. Once enrolled, it felt very difficult to end the service. I'm sharing this to urge others to be cautious: read all terms carefully, ask for written fee disclosures and confirmation numbers, and compare prices with the provider directly before committing. read more

Absolutely atrocious scam and we paid them "taxes and fees" to stay in a resort that we never even got to stay in. They moved us to a different one and tried to charge us additional fees. The other resort didn't even know what we were talking about because they said those "resort fees" have nothing to do with them. The fees they talked about are unexplainable by them. Resort owners here think they are pocketing the money and calling it whatever they need to to get away with it, even asking customers to pay cash on site in order to cover "mandatory additional fees". This is a fraudulent company. read more

Do not be a member of this organization. They're taking advantage of people now. My family was one of the first members when it was a private company. It was bought out by a large company and since then has changed hands a few times. Every year the level of service declines and the prices increase. They've increased faster than the rate of inflation. They are outrageously expensive and no longer worth the membership. The exchange fees are outrageous. And the customer service is nonexistent. When you go to exchange there's nothing to exchange for. The website and app are impossible. Why pay so much money for the aggravation. We got rid of our timeshares and will get rid of RCI. It's just not worth it. read more

All of the warnings you are reading here are true, accurate and unbelievable. Please do not involve yourself with RCI. I have tried to work with them regarding issues with a property they booked me at in Atlanta regarding being charged for items that were clearly untouched or not mine (charged for parking a vehicle that didn't match the description of the vehicle I was driving, which I was also being charged to park). RCI simply became smoke in the air. Ended up having to dispute the charge via my credit card, RCI wouldn't answer after the initial email. Worthless. read more

I recently spent $20,000 on this timeshare "package" and the last 3 times I've attempted to schedule time at a resort, each a different resort, NOTHING is available according to the representative! In my experience, it's a total SCAM! If I could go back I would have never given my money to this company. The sales agents are good, there's a whole show that is put on. Yes there are many destinations they show you you can choose from....... but what they don't tell you is that when you go to book dates it's very likely the resort will NOT be available! So you are stuck not being able to use your timeshare most of the time. It's so frustrating. read more

I agree with the common sentiment that there are few choices when choosing a resort in a particular location. Most often there are no choices for the dates and locations you are looking for. I also agree that the website is terrible. I've wondered if that is by design. The whole process seems to conspire to confuse and discourage rentals. In our current situation, we were given a unit that didn't include two of the most important features that we requested--a tub and an in-room laundry. When the condo management wouldn't fix it, we called RCI. The rep stated that there's nothing that they can do if the resort changes the reservation. If we can't have reliance on RCI to uphold the booked reservation or assure standards of quality service, then I question the value of paying fees to RCI. Booking is confusing, frustrating, and often fails. Advocacy for service quality is "nothing they can do." That relegates RCI to being an expensive catalog of beautiful-looking resorts that its members can admire but not use. So, we are now stuck in a unit which wasn't what we reserved through RCI, and there is no apparent resolution. read more

I just joined RCI for the first time in August of 2023 because I couldn't use my timeshare week at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach so I had to exchange it with RCI. The last few months I've been able to search properties and and see on the lefthand side of the screen the availability listed but as of a few days ago when I search for the property it says there's NO availability, even for the ENTIRE year which I know isn't correct!! The layout of the website has changed for me. Not sure why and I've tried logging out/in, changing my password and even used a different browser but no luck with fixing it. Extremely frustrating!! I tried calling customer service and none of them have a clue as to why I'm not able to search a property correctly, even the supervisor that tried to help said, "Sorry I have no idea"???? This whole thing has been such a nightmare, so many fees to exchange my week. If I want to "gift" my week to a family member I have to pay $409 to gift it to someone PLUS my stupid membership fee of $109 a year...What a SCAM!!!! I will never buy another membership again!!! read more

The worst program ever. All RCI reservations require an exchange fee. What is the point of having the points? read more

RCI - Vacation Rentals Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

went to site for help about getting 6-8 calls a day, was gave the run around. called and was hung up on, recalled and was told go to web site that told me to call did get supervisor who told me he couldn't help read more

Would give a zero if I could. First off they said we could sell back our membership whenever we wanted to. Tried after 6 months to cancel/sell back since we found out we had to fix a bad leak/molding in our bathroom/bedroom. And could not afford to go on any trips. Of course we were denied. Every time I try and book somewhere. Mexico trip for instance. I compare with expedia and every time I'm maybe saving $10-$20 on the hotel, for the whole trip. So I'm paying for a membership plus the $300 + a year for maintenance fees or whatever to save $20? Still haven't been able to book something worth while a year and half into membership. We were also promised several "free trips" with the membership. Vegas trip which can only go certain days and has to be during the week, which we were not aware of, a 7 day cruise too. Didn't even bother to look into that I'm sure its same bs though. Also like to add that with flight, if you just book through expedia you will save money even if this membership was free. lol, Such a joke. DO NOT GET FOOLED INTO THEIR "FREE TRIP" SCAM JUST FOR LISTENING TO THEIR 30 MIN MEETING. TRUST ME!!! read more

I have been a member of RCI for almost 40 years. The cost keeps going up. The service is the worst, availability is awful and their website has always been very bad and unreliable. I changed from weeks to points years ago after being promised the moon but it did not happened. I recently changed one of my weeks back so I can just use my own resort which I love. I am thinking of selling the other week because it is so difficult to find a trade. VRBO seems to be so much better. Timeshare is on the way out. read more

BEWARE OF RCI!!! BEWARE OF EXCHANGE PLUS - COMPLETE RIPOFF - Read all of the reviews. All of these people are not lying. There are some nasty places that RCI claims are nice. If you could give a company a negative number that is what I would give to RCI. In healthcare one can not plan years and years ahead, therefore year after year there is no availability for the places that we want to visit. DO NOT BE MISLED! DO NOT BUY A TIMESHARE affiliated with RCI. In my opinion RCI should be shut down for the truth in advertising scam that it is. Even the staff on the phone is rude. Even their website is junk! BUYER BEWARE! read more

Stay far away from these people, not customer friendly at all. We signed up for the program almost 2 years ago after being talked into it and never used it not once. We ran into some financial problems and got behind on our payments. We recently received a letter that our policy was canceled. Called to try to get it reinstated even offered to pay the total balance in full. That is all which is less than 30%. And they're telling us no, we have lost over 2000 dollars, and they won't give us any of it back. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE GUYS. WAY TO SHOW YOU CARE ABOIT THE PEOPLE YOU TALK INTO PURCHASING THESE THINGS!!! $2,000 WASTED AND WE NEVER USED IT ONCE!!! read more

My single biggest problem with RCI - and the reason I will not renew after I use up my banked weeks - is the incessant marketing phone calls. I get woken up in the morning by RCI. I get interrupted during dinner with RCI. I get Robocalls. It's always the same: "Renew early! Try two years at a time! We have a special offer for $XXX. When I am interested in an exchange, I will call you. If you have a renewal notice, email me. STOP with all the money-grabbing phone calls. read more

I have a long-time RCI member, weeks, not points. Recently, I used one of these exchange vacations for 3 nights in Atlantic city. I got confirmation stating there would be parking fee per night, but no other fees were listed. When I got there I was charged 101 dollar cleaning fee per the Wyndham/RCI agreement, so the desk clerk stated. What was I to do but pay the fee? When I called RCI, three times, after my stay I asked them to produce the email where I was forewarned about the cleaning fee (hidden fee). They could not. I told them I wanted to be reimbursed for cleaning fee. We are still going back and forth - threatened letter from attorney. Beware of hidden fees, get everything in writing, and I agree with everything posted here. Also, very few options for travel, except Florida and Las Vegas.... kerri Freidl read more

They have stolen 22 weeks of my time share vacations. I have also found that it is cheaper to NOT use their travels offerings. Do not waste your time or money. read more

If I could give this company zero stars...that would be too many! Besides having the LEAST user-friendly website to try and find an exchange...they continuously require more fees to "combine" points/weeks, provide no notifications or account updates, and then expire them even when you are paid up for another 7 months. It's like a never-ending money pit of fees that get you nothing. Customer service is useless...as they claim they can't tell you how many points expired 2 months earlier...but miraculously they keep meticulous records on how much money they've charged you and you've paid in fees over many years! Ridiculous! I will be looking for an alternate company to deposit my timeshare. Any suggestions, please pass them my way. In the meantime...do NOT invest your money or timeshare points/weeks with RCI. **Just remembered another example of how horrible this company is...RCI cancelled (not me) a confirmed reservation I had paid for, during the Covid chaos. They refused to give me back what I had paid and instead, gave me a "credit" for the amount that had to be used within 6 months. Of course, my work schedule didn't allow for me to take a week off within that time frame...and I was out the $$$. Seriously...RCI is a never ending money suck. read more

Overall, I'm a fan of the service provided by RCI, and although a few years ago would have given a low rating for their service level, they have seemed to improve on customer service in the past couple years. Reason for such a low rating is they seem to have turned into a money grab. Just noticed in April they will again be raising exchange booking fees for Points members. I'm not quite sure why there's even a fee to be a member since that alone doesn't get you anything and you're going to pay a fee for all transactions anyway, but there is, and the member ship fees increase every couple years. Then there are booking/exchange/extra vacation fees, and they all increase every couple years. Then there are guest certificate and point saving fees, and those increase every couple years. There are a boat load of other fees they charge for other things, and those also increase every couple years. It's a true nickel and dime operation, and they're really starting to push the limits with how high they're going in fees with such frequent increases. Perhaps it would be easier to stomach if they were more flexible with cancellations or booking modifications; you only get 24 hours after booking to cancel without loosing the booking fee. If you want to save any points after the 24 hour grace period, you can for another fee. Most reputable large hotel chains give you until 2 or 3 days before arrival to cancel/modify without penalty. For how costly RCI is becoming, one would almost expect RCI to be on par with such a policy. Even if cancellations weren't refundable, it would be nice if booking fee credits were issued as standard policy for modifying/rebooking if cancellation was within say a week before check-in. read more

We booked on RCI using our points and paid $249 fee coz we are Sapphire member . Our vacation supposed to be December 6-11 but 2days before City of California issued a "stay home order " meaning no non-essential travelers can visit since we were going to San Diego . After several emails and calls we got hold of Supervisor Rey which he said no last name from Indianapolis. This guy will never listen to your concern and was just there like a speaker machine to tell you " I'm sorry nothing I can do to refund that's the policy". It's like really ! Even the reason for cancellation is BEYOND our control ? We cannot get the money back. He told us he can just extend the booking til June and so we asked him does he know when pandemic will be over ? Which he said again "nothing I can do". Then automatically transfer us to automated survey and hang up the phone without giving us any confirmation on the promises he told us for the extension. RCI should be gone like pandemic. They are scammers and taking advantage of people even there is pandemic whom they know this is our hard earned money . How can you guys sleep at night knowing you guys are like thief getting people's money just so you guys will still continue your business even jeopardizing your customers satisfaction. Your customer care person and even the lady who replied back in every complaint here is just copy paste her statement for the just the sake of answering but NO sympathy nor does care about their customers concern too. Hope Karma will hit your company for treating us your Customer a trash after getting our money . read more

What a WASTE of a company. I drove 1.5 hours to the location as instructed to show up to be told I was no longer offered the gifts because I resided in a house with someone else who wasn't with me. I disclosed it to the place that I would be alone and that we did not split bills. They lied to me and told me that it would be fine because I qualified alone. Which was a lie. STAY FAR FAR AWAY! read more

Stay way from this company totally scam,please please don't let them fool you and don't waste your money at all They are just try to sell the package to you which is worthless,on the presentation day with all the methods and lies and push the sell you the worthless package, On that day when the sales representative couldn't sell us the worthless package she took us to the guy who introduced himself manager(JASON THOMAS)such a lier,he did his job with all his push and empty promises he sold us the 2 year package but all was lie and empty,I called him 100 times to get what he promised us as a manager but we got nothing at the end read more

RCI - Vacation Rentals Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

I was searching for AFVC but I find out the RCI is curry the same address which solved my issue with AFVC. Both organizations have same face of scammer. I listed too much for RCI and AFVC because of their unethical business, hidden fees, nonrefundable sale, and hidden agenda such as forcing half or full board to the resort price! Last scam, I paid for a location that is not running ( the whole building is under construction).I was told I may not get a refund even so the location is not running and I did not get the service read more

Higher prices and lower inventory... the new normal?

VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!!! I went to this seminar for this place at least 5 times to check them out, for my vacation use. BBB gave them an A rating so I figured, give them a chance. No black out dates is a lie, they switch up the wording by saying they are booked, but you can call the hotel/resort directly and there are rooms available. You can make payments on your maintenance fee is a lie, they want full payment before you can reserve anything. You also can't make last minute reservations, because everything is always booked. read more

Paid $5,000 for a membership I have not been able to use even once.Trying to work with customer service was not a fruitful endeavor unless I want to be on a wait list (for another fee of course). Overall my membership will be expiring and I have been denied every service I request. So RCI got $5,000 of my money, and I got exactly nothing in exchange other than a customer service rep who tells me "its not my problem". I will not allow RCI to steal anymore of my money. Super disappointing to see a company prioritize profit margins over customer service. Buyers beware. read more

Tried several times to get an exchange after the fifth pick found one. The associate I was dealing with was pushy and was trying to push me to accept a unit and when I did try to exchange it within 24 hours which they told me I could. The unit I wanted was for an additional 2 points which they refused to give me so I would have to pay 159.00 to have another week banked from my home resort. (keep in mind they past 10 request they did not have available) All they want is money and do not care about there people. There is never any unit avail. only if its in Orlando or las Vegas. Other then that nothing is available. Try it you will see. Intervalle international is little better I found. read more

Out of the 4 hotels I have stayed at only one was any good. I just walked out of the latest one. It was in a bad area. Homeless people all around. Which I feel bad for. Had go get another hotel will never use them again. They are alway hitting you up for fees. So does not work out to the deal that they sell you in. Very unhappy read more

Used to be a great place to exchange, and now they only offer sub par resorts for your premium banked unit. Avoid this company, you would be better served trying to rent your unit and hold the cash for your next trip. We've had a premium beach front property in Maui for over 35 year and have received some good exchanges in the past, but over the past ten years RCI has low balled us and offered sub par units in exchange. I'm uncertain what has happened to RCI, maybe not enough units read more

Perhaps one of the only travel-based organization's who isn't being understanding and flexible with customers during an unprecedented global pandemic - rather, their actions seem to be singularly-focused on ensuring any money is in their pockets now. Last September I booked a two-week dream trip to India for July 2021. Based on the all the (scientific) information being provided concerning the pandemic, planning a trip for my summer break 10 months ahead of time seemed more than safe and reasonable. The current guidelines via the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India state, "travel to India for tourism and most other short-term purposes is still not permitted...and there is no indication that this will change in the short-term. Indian government travel restrictions remain in place that prevent most US Citizens from entering the country." Contacted RCI today and "instant chatted" with a representative regarding transferring our scheduled resort reservations (in Kumarakom and Jaipur) to the following July, 2022. She finally was able to secure new reservations for us...then hit me with a $633 charge to be paid today (a sizable amount on a public school teacher/counselor's income). Was absolutely blown away! A big chunk of that amount was to pay 2022's RCI annual membership fee -which isn't due until the end of October (7 months IN ADVANCE), along with 'enhanced plan protection' costs. When I declined this option and stated that I would just keep the July 2021 reservations - though doubtful, yet hoping things MIGHT change over the next 4 months - she indicated that those two weeks had already been released/cancelled! I insisted that she then give me a refund of my points/exchange fees, as my request to reschedule the trip was due to the still-current global pandemic and India's restrictions on US travel to their country rather than a uniquely personal reason. She said that wasn't possible. After all of this, she then had the audacity to question why I would want to give up a "dream vacation"!! After a bit, she finally - and seemingly begrudgingly - reinstated my 2021 reservations. We nonetheless probably still won't be able to go this July...a total wash, but preferred over them re-booking the units I've already paid for without any concern over how their inflexible/insensitive policies have impacted me. Disappointingly, RCI has most certainly failed in the customer service and global awareness departments. Perhaps it is why Consumer Affairs rates them with a low, 1.5 stars. :( read more

I booked a cruise before Covid and have changed and delayed for years though RCI and Norwegian. After three attempts of contact I'm at a loss. In 2012, my family booked through RCI Cruise and had a lovely experience in the Baltic. In 2016, again another excellent experience in Norwegian fjords on a cruise booked through them. This time I'm so very disappointed. I could no longer recommend this travel agency. Although I have owned a timeshare since I was 28, I have little faith in this company and their customer service. I've taken a screen shot of being on hold yet again for over two and a half hours. Once I have booked a package, do I no longer deserve customer service? Angalica Gladney read more

Last year Capital Resorts (whom I bank points with) changed their exchange benefit provider from Interval International to RCI. This affiliation has replaced our current exchange membership with Interval International. Here's a fun fact, even if you have purchased points with Capital Vacations, when you transfer those points to RCI for an exchange, those points get converted to a complimentary weeks exchange (NOT a points exchange). Because of this fun little nuance, RCI will not allow you to protect your trip with insurance protection (usually costs around $89), in the event something happens prior to your trip (like getting COVID) and thus you can't go on your trip. If you find yourself in a situation where you can't go on your trip, you will lose that complimentary week at RCI and thus lose your points at Capital Vacations, as the customer service person so eloquently told me, basically, your out of luck. RCI is a bitter disappointment. read more

Would give MINUS rating if I could. Booked in 2019 through RCI what would have been a wonderful trip with Collette through Europe for 2020. Trip postponed to late 2022 due to Covid. Checked 9 months prior to departure date for policy regarding cancellation without incurring a penalty, as I was monitoring the requirements concerning Covid and travel. RCI rep said I could cancel up to 30 days prior to departure to cancel if needed. (I also had travel insurance with Generalli Insurance.) Thought it sounded it too close to departure date; rep was supposed to verify with Collette and call me back. Didn't hear back from RCI. Forward to 4 months before date, I called RCI back, and found that I had just missed the date by ~7 days in which I could cancel without a penalty. The penalty was now a 75% loss. ($7500). At this time RCI states they had sent me an email earlier to give the cancellation date. Sending an email is NOT fulfilling your requirement to get back to the customer when previous communication was by phone. At that time period, I was not able to monitor my email account and had nearly 98K emails. NONE of the parties involved, (RCI, COLLETTE, GENERALLI INSURANCE) took any responsibility for the situation. Each pointed the finger at a different entity. Because of incorrect information, and RCI's failure to correctly communicate with me the customer, I lost $7500; also paid over $1100 for travel insurance which was a waste as well. It also took over 6 months and several phone calls to recoup the $1400 and change which is all RCI would refund me of my over $9200 trip. I will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER deal with RCI again. read more

An absolute disgrace! Instead of helping us during these difficult Coronavirus times, they are taking full advantage of us. I just had to renew my 2 weeks vacation, although I /we cannot travel, but they are taking full advantage of this. Thankfully this is my last vacation with this shameful company, and never again. I WOULD NEVER EVER RECOMMEND RCI TO ANYONE. LET'S MAKE SURE THEY GO BANKRUPT! and don't cheat on people ever again! read more

Horrible experience, scammers! Do not Use or purchase their membership it's all a big scam! I purchased mine for purposes of trading my 2 weeks, I paid $309 membership. When I finally decided to take my vacation they had zero options in the state I desired to go, so I even opted for a cruise, their cruise is supposedly a different entity and their cost are marked up, insanely over priced. When I called to see if New York would be available two months out they said normally their protocol is 9 months to a full year! Before booking, ahh yeah really? I can find a better deal on Google a year in advance! So I found New York to be available two months away, I didn't ask about location or amenities I was just happy they had something to offer me, Catch was I am required to pay an additional $537 to trade or book! It's a huge scam. And it's a gamble when operators are rude unwilling to help, only less than a handful maybe 3 out of 10 operators will offer options or are willing to guide you through their process. I think timeshare is so outdated now where there are some many other vacation options. RCI won't stay afloat they do not know how to treat their only few members, and charging additional fees to book or trade!? The additional $537 bucks to trade is absolutely insane! I can see this business going out of business real fast. They're awful. read more

I am disappointed with RCI. They have the worse website ever. One moment I'm in trying to get a vacation, the next moment the vacation is gone, the next moment I'm bounced out of the site and have to re-enter my credentials. It has happened on several occasions. What is the purpose of having points where I'm am spending $50,000 points, $399 for three nights in GA???? I've had my timeshare for about 20 years, the price has gone up on everything, but my the amount of RCI points has never increased. If you book a trip, pay yours fees, get point protection, cancel your trip .... your points are saved, but not your fees. RCI is a total RIP OFF !!!! read more

I've concluded that RCI stands for 'Really Crappy and Irritating.' Aside from picking your pocket for every little thing: annual membership fee, cha-ching, trading fee, whomp, crack open your wallet, create a 'guest certificate,' combine your deposits for additional 'trading power,'...the list goes on and on. Put the 'crappy service cherry' on top of that pile of cash, and you've got yourself a nice Rip-Off Sundae. The latest train wreck: supposed to go out east this week for Spring Break; swapped out my timeshare week many moons ago, confirmed. Yesterday, called the resort to ask a couple of questions in anticipation of my arrival: no answer at the resort. OK, maybe everybody is out shoveling snow, as they seem to be having a rather nice run of winter nor'easters. I call the holding company, bluegreen: Bluegreen: 'Oh, didn't you get an email? The resort won't be open until Saturday, due to the storm. Me: WHAT?! My flight and my check in day are both on Friday--and by the way, who was going to tell me that if I hadn't called? Bluegreen: are you a Bluegreen member? Me: No, I made the exchange through RCI. Bluegreen: Ohhhhhhh....that explains it (said in a rather mournful 'I get it' kind of way.' Subtext: RCI...tsk tsk). The end of the searing saga: The geniuses at RCI didn't bother to let me know, so I would have been motoring around Cape Cod looking for a place that had all the lights off. Brilliant. So, RCI GRACIOUSLY refunded my exchange fee with a certificate...WHICH I HAVE 30 DAYS TO USE. Not that I need to travel in 30 days--but I have to make my next exchange in 30 days. And that would be...why? What's the big deal with having no time limit on the certificate? Way to ratchet up that customer service, RCI. I suppose in a way, I'm relieved, as I won't be renewing my membership...there are other places out there who would value my business, treating their customers with a shred of respect, without hijacking your credit card at every opportunity. As corporate villains go, Really Crappy and Irritating hits the top ten. read more