RCI timeshare cancellation policy: what you can actually do

Last updated 2026-07-24

What is RCI and what does it actually control?

RCI (Resort Condominiums International) is the world's largest timeshare exchange network, with more than 4,300 affiliated resorts across 110 countries. If you own a timeshare week or points at a resort affiliated with RCI, you pay RCI an annual membership fee (typically $99-$199) to access their exchange platform. Here's what RCI does: it facilitates trades between timeshare owners. You deposit your week or points with RCI, and they let you book stays at other affiliated resorts. RCI does not own your timeshare. They don't hold the deed. They don't collect your maintenance fees (your home resort does that). They're an intermediary service. This distinction matters a lot when you want to exit. Canceling your RCI membership stops the exchange service and its annual fee, but it has zero effect on your underlying timeshare ownership. You still own the deed. You still owe maintenance fees. You're still on the hook for special assessments. Thinking RCI can cancel your timeshare is like thinking AAA can cancel your car loan because they provide roadside assistance. Your actual timeshare contract is with the resort developer (Wyndham, Marriott, Hilton, Diamond, Bluegreen, etc.) or the homeowners' association at the resort where you hold the deed. That's where cancellation has to happen.

Can you cancel a timeshare through RCI?

No. RCI has no legal authority to cancel your timeshare ownership because they didn't sell it to you and don't hold your deed. If you bought your timeshare at a resort that happens to participate in RCI's exchange network, your purchase contract and deed are with that resort or its developer. RCI was simply offered as a benefit of ownership, the same way your resort might offer concierge service or pool access. Some owners confuse "RCI Points" with ownership. A few developers (like Wyndham) offer points-based systems that integrate tightly with RCI, but even then, the underlying ownership is with the developer's trust or specific deeded property. RCI administers the exchange currency, but the legal obligation sits with the developer. If you want out, you need to work directly with your home resort or developer. RCI customer service will confirm this if you call them. They'll tell you to contact your resort.

How to get out of a timeshare (when RCI isn't the path)

Getting out of a timeshare requires going through your resort or developer, and your options depend heavily on timing and the specific developer's policies. Here are the real paths, in order of likelihood. Rescission (your only sure path out). Every state gives timeshare buyers a brief window to cancel after signing, no questions asked. This is called the rescission period or cooling-off period. It's typically 3 to 15 days depending on the state ^[1]. Florida gives you 10 days ^[2]. Nevada gives you 5 ^[3]. Colorado gives you 5. You must send written notice to the developer by certified mail within that window, following the exact instructions in your purchase contract. If you're still inside your rescission period, stop everything and cancel now. This is your only zero-cost path out. Instructions are in the contract you signed, usually in the first few pages. The Federal Trade Commission provides guidance on exercising rescission rights ^[4]. For a state-by-state breakdown, see our guide on how to get out of a timeshare. Deed-back or surrender programs. If you're outside rescission, some developers and resorts offer formal programs to take back your timeshare. Wyndham has Certified Exit by Wyndham. Marriott has a disposition program for certain ownerships. Diamond, Hilton, and Westgate have limited take-back options. Eligibility varies: many require your account to be current, no outstanding loans, and they often prioritize owners with documented hardship (death, divorce, disability, job loss) ^[5]. These programs are not advertised. You have to ask. Call your resort's owner services department and ask explicitly: "Do you have a deed-back, surrender, or exit program? What are the eligibility requirements?" Some charge a transfer fee (typically $250 to $2,500). Some don't. Many say no. Resale market (if you can find a buyer). The resale market for most timeshares is brutal. Listings on eBay, Redweek, and TUG (Timeshare Users Group) show weeks selling for $1, and even those can sit for months ^[6]. Buyers are scarce because maintenance fees are high and rising. If your timeshare is paid off, you have low fees, and it's at a desirable location during peak season, you might find a buyer. Otherwise, expect to pay a title company to handle the transfer and possibly offer cash incentives to a buyer. Never pay a company that cold-calls you promising a buyer. The FTC has published repeated warnings about timeshare resale scams ^[4]. Legitimate resale happens through licensed brokers (who list on commission) or direct owner-to-owner platforms. Donation (rarely works). Some charities claim to accept timeshare donations for a tax deduction. Most don't actually want them because of the ongoing fee burden. The IRS scrutinizes timeshare donation deductions heavily. If the charity can't sell it, your deduction is limited to the fair market value they realize, which is often zero . This is not a reliable exit. Default (not recommended, real consequences). Some owners simply stop paying and let the timeshare go into foreclosure. This will damage your credit score (foreclosures stay on your credit report for seven years), and the developer may send your unpaid fees to collections or sue you for the debt . In some cases, the developer will eventually foreclose and reclaim the property, but you'll still owe the deficiency balance (the fees and legal costs minus whatever they recover). We don't advise this route unless you've exhausted every other option and consulted an attorney. For a full discussion of your exit options, see our article on how do you get out of a timeshare.

How to cancel your RCI membership (not the same as exiting the timeshare)

If you want to cancel your RCI membership itself, that's straightforward. Call RCI customer service at 1-800-338-7777 or log into your RCI account online and submit a cancellation request. There's no penalty, and you can cancel at any time. If you paid an annual membership fee, you'll lose access when the current membership year expires. RCI does not prorate refunds unless you're within a very short window of initial purchase. Canceling RCI stops the exchange service and its recurring fees. It does not cancel your timeshare ownership, eliminate your maintenance fees, or remove your name from the deed. Your home resort will continue billing you. If you stop paying those bills, you risk collections, damage to your credit, and potential foreclosure. Some owners cancel RCI to cut costs while they figure out an exit strategy. That's fine, but understand it's a small savings (under $200/year) compared to typical maintenance fees ($800 to $1,500+ per year).

How to sell a timeshare when you want out

Selling a timeshare is hard, and most owners lose money. The resale market is flooded with supply and minimal demand. Here's how it works in practice. First, research what similar timeshares at your resort are actually selling for. Check closed sales, not asking prices. Redweek, TUG, and eBay show completed transactions. You'll likely find weeks listed for $1 to $500, even for desirable resorts. If your maintenance fees are over $1,000/year and rising, buyers are scarce. To sell, you have a few options: Licensed resale brokers. Companies like Fidelity Resales, Timeshare Broker Services, or SellMyTimeshareNow work on commission (typically 15-30% of sale price) or flat listing fees ($100-$500). They list your property on their marketplace. You're competing with thousands of other listings, and there's no guarantee of a sale. Legitimate brokers don't charge large upfront fees before a sale closes. Owner-to-owner platforms. Redweek ($59.99 to list), TUG forums (free), and eBay let you list directly. You'll handle buyer inquiries, negotiate price, and coordinate the closing through a timeshare title company or real estate attorney. Expect to pay $300-$800 in closing costs to transfer the deed. Price it to move. If you want out, price your timeshare at or below the lowest comparable listing. Offer to cover the first year's maintenance fees or closing costs. Some owners advertise "free timeshare, buyer pays transfer fees only" and still struggle to find takers. Warning: resale scams. The FTC warns that scammers cold-call timeshare owners, claim they have a ready buyer, and demand upfront fees for marketing, title search, tax preparation, or closing costs ^[4]. Once you pay, the buyer vanishes. Legitimate brokers charge a commission after the sale closes, not before. Never wire money to someone who contacted you unsolicited. If you're getting nowhere after six months of listing, a deed-back program or formal timeshare cancellation path may be more realistic. For scam avoidance detail, see our breakdown of timeshare exit companies.

Are timeshares scams?

Timeshares are not inherently scams. They're a legal form of vacation real estate, and millions of people use them without major problems. But the way they're sold and the economics of long-term ownership create serious issues that feel scam-like to many buyers. Here's what's real: High-pressure sales tactics. Timeshare presentations often last 90 minutes to four hours, with aggressive closes, emotional manipulation, and claims that the offer expires immediately ^[4]. Buyers sign contracts on the spot without independent review. Misrepresentation of costs. Salespeople downplay or omit rising maintenance fees, special assessments, exchange fees, and the near-zero resale value. Buyers think they're investing; they're actually prepaying for vacations with rising annual costs and no equity. Exit difficulty. You can't just sell and walk away like a car or house. The resale market is effectively dead for most properties, and resorts have no obligation to take your timeshare back. The FTC, AARP, and state attorneys general have published extensive warnings about these practices ^[4]. Many developers have faced lawsuits and settlements for deceptive sales practices . That said, timeshares do have value for some people. If you vacation at the same resort or chain every year, if you understand the true all-in cost, if you're comfortable with decades of fee escalation, and if you'll use it enough to justify the expense, it can work. The problem is most buyers don't get that honest calculus during the sales pitch. If you're researching whether you got scammed, the answer is probably "you overpaid for a product with no resale value and high ongoing costs that were not clearly disclosed." That's not a criminal scam, but it's a lousy deal.

How much is a timeshare (purchase and ongoing costs)?

The cost of a timeshare has two parts: the upfront purchase price and the ongoing annual fees. Both vary wildly by brand, resort, season, and unit size. Purchase price (new from the developer). According to the American Resort Development Association, the average purchase price for a timeshare interval (one week or equivalent points) in the U.S. was approximately $22,942 in 2020 . Premium brands (Marriott, Hilton, Disney, Four Seasons) often sell for $30,000 to $50,000 or more. Budget brands and off-season weeks might start at $10,000 to $15,000. These prices are from the resort sales floor, often financed with developer loans at 12-18% APR. Purchase price (resale market). On the secondary market, that same week typically sells for 10-30% of the developer price, or less. Many weeks list for under $1,000. Some are advertised as free ("just take over our fees"). The collapse in resale value is a red flag: if the developer charges $30,000 but owners can't give it away two years later, the developer price was never connected to actual market value. Ongoing maintenance fees. These are the real long-term cost. ARDA reported average annual maintenance fees of $1,000 in 2020 . But fees vary by resort age, amenities, and location. Older resorts with aging infrastructure can charge $1,500 to $2,500 or more. Fees typically increase 3-5% per year, compounding over decades. A $1,000 fee today becomes $1,629 in ten years at 5% annual growth. Special assessments. Resorts can levy one-time special assessments for major repairs (roof replacement, hurricane damage, code upgrades). These can run $1,000 to $10,000 or more per owner, billed as a lump sum or added to maintenance fees over several years. You have no vote and no opt-out. Other costs. RCI or Interval International membership ($99-$199/year if you want to exchange). Exchange fees ($200-$300 per trade). Club fees if you're in a points-based system. Property taxes in some states. Transfer fees if you eventually try to sell or deed back. The true lifetime cost of a $25,000 timeshare financed over 10 years at 15% APR, plus $1,000/year maintenance fees growing at 4%/year, plus RCI membership, is roughly $75,000 to $90,000 over 30 years. That's enough to fund dozens of hotel vacations with full flexibility.

What to do if you're stuck with a timeshare right now

If you're past rescission and your resort won't take the timeshare back, you have limited but real options. Here's the practical path forward. 1. Confirm your rescission status. Double-check the date you signed your contract and your state's rescission period. Some states count business days, some count calendar days, some count from contract signing, some from the first day you can inspect the property. If there's any chance you're still inside the window, send that cancellation letter today by certified mail. Cite your state's law by statute number in the letter. 2. Contact your resort's owner services. Call and ask for a deed-back, surrender, or exit program. Be specific about your situation (financial hardship, health issue, inherited ownership, etc.). If they say no, ask if there are any circumstances under which they accept returns. Ask for a supervisor if the first rep doesn't know. Document every call (date, time, rep name, what they said). Some resorts will say yes after multiple attempts or when you present proof of hardship. 3. Get current on fees if you're pursuing deed-back. Most programs require your account to be in good standing. If you're behind on maintenance fees, you may need to catch up or negotiate a payment plan before the resort will consider taking it back. 4. Try a realistic resale. List at $1 or less on Redweek, TUG, and eBay. Offer to pay the buyer's first-year maintenance fees and closing costs. Use a reputable timeshare closing company (Timeshare Closing Services, Resort Closings, LT Transfers). This can cost $800 to $1,200 all-in, but if it gets your name off the deed and stops the annual fee bleed, it's worth it. 5. Avoid exit companies that charge large upfront fees. Many "timeshare exit" firms charge $3,000 to $10,000 upfront and promise to get you out through legal loopholes, contract challenges, or pressure campaigns. Success rates are murky, timelines stretch for years, and some companies have been shut down by attorneys general or sued by developers ^[4]. The FTC warns that if a company charges a large upfront fee before delivering results, it's likely a scam. For an honest assessment, see our guide to timeshare exit companies. 6. Consider professional help for complex situations. If your timeshare involves fraud, misrepresentation, or violation of state law during the sale, consult a real estate attorney in your state. A few legitimate timeshare attorneys work on contingency or flat fees and can evaluate whether you have grounds to cancel the contract outside the rescission window. This is rare and fact-specific. 7. Use ExitHonest's Timeshare Exit Kit if you want step-by-step guidance. Our $149 Exit Kit walks you through rescission letters, deed-back requests, realistic resale strategies, and scam avoidance, with templates and state-specific instructions. It's not legal advice, and we don't contact the resort for you, but it's the same process we'd follow ourselves. Build your kit at exithonest.com/exit-kit-builder. 8. If all else fails, consult a bankruptcy attorney. In extreme cases, where maintenance fees are overwhelming and the resort won't take the property back, filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy can discharge the debt. This is a last resort with serious financial consequences. A bankruptcy attorney can advise whether your timeshare obligation is dischargeable in your state. Some resort HOAs argue that maintenance fees are ongoing obligations tied to property ownership and survive bankruptcy; courts have split on this issue. One thing you should not do: stop paying your fees without a plan. That path leads to collections, damaged credit, and potential lawsuits. If you're going to stop paying, do it as part of a deliberate strategy (like letting it go to foreclosure after consulting an attorney), not as a hope that the resort will magically let you go.

Who to contact if you need to exit (not RCI)

Here's who you actually need to talk to, depending on your situation. Your home resort or developer. This is the entity named on your deed or purchase contract. If you bought from Wyndham, call Wyndham owner services. If you bought from Marriott Vacation Club, call Marriott. If you bought at an independent resort, call the resort's front desk and ask for the HOA or owner services department. They're the only ones who can formally take back your ownership or facilitate a deed-back. Your state attorney general. If you believe you were defrauded during the sales process, or if an exit company scammed you, file a complaint with your state attorney general's consumer protection division . They can't undo your contract, but they investigate patterns of abuse and sometimes take action against bad actors. The Federal Trade Commission. Report timeshare resale scams, exit company fraud, or deceptive sales practices to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov ^[4]. The FTC doesn't resolve individual disputes, but complaints feed into enforcement actions. A local real estate attorney. If you want to explore whether your contract is voidable (due to fraud, mistake, violation of state timeshare law, or failure to deliver promised benefits), consult an attorney licensed in the state where you bought. Some will review your documents for a flat fee ($200-$500). If they see a winnable case, they may take it on contingency. Timeshare user communities. TUG (Timeshare Users Group), Redweek forums, and the r/timeshare subreddit are free resources where experienced owners share advice. Take individual claims with skepticism, but these communities can tell you which resorts have deed-back programs and which exit companies to avoid. Not RCI. RCI will politely redirect you to your home resort. They don't handle ownership issues.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel my timeshare through RCI?

No. RCI is an exchange network and has no authority over your timeshare ownership. You must cancel through your home resort or developer, either during your state's rescission period or via a deed-back program. Canceling RCI membership stops exchange access but does not exit your ownership or eliminate fees.

How to get out of a timeshare if I'm past the rescission period?

Contact your resort or developer and ask about deed-back or surrender programs. If they refuse, try selling on the resale market (Redweek, TUG, eBay) for $1 or less, or offer to cover buyer's closing costs. Avoid exit companies that charge large upfront fees. In extreme cases, consult a real estate attorney or bankruptcy lawyer.

How do you get out of a timeshare you inherited?

You can disclaim an inherited timeshare within a short window (typically 30-90 days, depending on state probate law) by filing a written disclaimer with the probate court. If you've already accepted the inheritance or the window has closed, you must pursue deed-back, resale, or surrender like any other owner.

How to sell a timeshare when nobody wants to buy it?

List it for $1 on Redweek, TUG, or eBay. Offer to pay the first year's maintenance fees or buyer's closing costs. Advertise it as "free, buyer pays $500 transfer only." Use a reputable closing company. If no one bites after six months, pursue deed-back with your resort.

Are timeshares scams or legitimate investments?

Timeshares are legal but rarely a financial investment. Most lose 70-90% of value immediately on resale. High-pressure sales, hidden fee escalation, and exit difficulty make them feel scam-like. They can work if you'll use them annually and accept the rising costs, but they're prepaid vacations, not assets.

How much is a timeshare per year after purchase?

Average annual maintenance fees were $1,000 in 2020, but fees vary widely by resort ($600 to $2,500+) and increase 3-5% per year. Add RCI membership ($99-$199), exchange fees ($200-$300 per trade), and periodic special assessments ($1,000-$10,000 for major repairs). Budget $1,500-$2,000+ per year.

How much do timeshares cost to buy new versus resale?

Developers charge an average of $22,942 for a week (2020 ARDA data), with premium brands at $30,000-$50,000+. On resale, the same weeks sell for $1 to $5,000 or are given away free. The 70-90% resale collapse shows developer prices are inflated, not market value.

How much are timeshares worth if I want to sell mine?

Most timeshares resell for less than $1,000, and many have zero market value. Check completed sales on Redweek and eBay for your resort and season. High maintenance fees and oversupply kill demand. If annual fees exceed $1,000 and are rising, you may have to pay someone to take it.

What is RCI and why can't they cancel my timeshare?

RCI is an exchange network that lets timeshare owners trade weeks or points at affiliated resorts. You pay RCI an annual membership fee for exchange access, but RCI does not own your timeshare, hold your deed, or have any legal authority to cancel it. Only your resort or developer can cancel.

Can I just stop paying my timeshare maintenance fees?

You can, but it will damage your credit, result in collections, and possibly a lawsuit. The developer or HOA may foreclose on the timeshare and send unpaid fees to collections. Foreclosures stay on your credit report for seven years. Stopping payments is a last resort after consulting an attorney.

How long is the rescission period to cancel a timeshare?

Rescission periods vary by state, typically 3 to 15 calendar days from contract signing or first property viewing. Florida gives 10 days, Nevada 5, Colorado 5. You must send written cancellation by certified mail within the window. Check your contract and state law immediately after purchase.

Do timeshare exit companies actually work?

Some do, many don't. Companies charging $3,000-$10,000 upfront before delivering results are high-risk. The FTC warns many are scams. Legitimate exits happen through rescission (free, DIY), deed-back (free or low-cost through your resort), or resale (you pay closing costs). Exit companies rarely offer better results.

Can I donate my timeshare to charity for a tax deduction?

Few charities accept timeshares because of ongoing fee burdens. If one does, your tax deduction is limited to the fair market value they realize on resale, which is often zero. The IRS scrutinizes timeshare donation deductions heavily. It's not a reliable exit strategy.

What happens if I inherit a timeshare and don't want it?

You can disclaim the inheritance within your state's probate deadline (typically 30-90 days) by filing a formal written disclaimer with the court. If you miss that window or have already accepted ownership, you're responsible for fees and must pursue deed-back, resale, or surrender like any owner.

Sources

1. Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 721.05: Florida grants a 10-day rescission period for timeshare purchases
2. Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 119A.470: Nevada provides a 5-day rescission period for timeshare contracts
3. Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38, Article 33-202: Colorado allows a 5-day rescission period for timeshare agreements
4. Internal Revenue Service, Publication 526 (Charitable Contributions): IRS limits charitable deductions for donated property to fair market value realized, often zero for timeshares
5. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, What happens if I stop paying my timeshare fees?: Unpaid timeshare fees can result in collections, credit damage, and foreclosure proceedings
6. National Association of Attorneys General, Consumer Protection: State attorneys general investigate consumer fraud and deceptive practices in timeshare sales and exit services