Barclays RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Rewards: 5x on RCI fees, 2x on travel, 1x everywhere else
• Bonus: 5,000 bonus rewards + $250 vacation credit (at $10K spend)
• Best For: RCI members, timeshare owners, vacation exchange enthusiasts
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (690+)

Overview

The RCI Elite Rewards World Mastercard is a specialized rewards card designed for RCI (Resort Condominiums International) members and timeshare owners who utilize vacation exchange programs. As the world's largest vacation exchange network with over 4,300 affiliated resorts across 110+ countries, RCI provides timeshare owners with incredible flexibility—and this card maximizes the value of that membership.

With 5x rewards on RCI subscribing membership renewal fees, exchange fees, and RCI Guest Certificates, this no annual fee card ensures your vacation exchange activities earn substantial rewards that can be redeemed for statement credits toward travel purchases. Beyond RCI-specific spending, the card offers 2x rewards on all airline, hotel, and car rental purchases, making it a strong everyday travel card for vacation-oriented spenders.

What truly elevates this card is the $250 vacation credit earned annually when you spend $10,000 on net purchases—essentially a $250 statement credit toward travel that can offset future vacation costs. Combined with the 5,000 bonus rewards on your first purchase and a 5% redemption bonus on all reward redemptions, this card delivers compounding value for dedicated RCI members and timeshare enthusiasts.

Unlike many rewards cards, RCI Elite Rewards provides promotional 0% APR financing on timeshare down payments for 6 months when made within the first 10 days of account opening—a unique benefit for those expanding their vacation ownership portfolio.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Timeshare Down Payment APR: 0% intro APR for 6 months on initial timeshare down payment purchases made within first 10 days of account opening
• Balance Transfer APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None specified

Note: The 0% intro APR for 6 months on timeshare down payments is a unique feature for timeshare purchasers. The standard APR is relatively high, making full monthly payments essential to avoid interest charges.

Benefits Overview

RCI-Specific Benefits

• 5x rewards per dollar on RCI Subscribing Membership renewal fees, exchange fees, and RCI Guest Certificates
• 5,000 bonus rewards with your first purchase
• $250 vacation credit earned annually after spending $10,000 on net purchases each calendar year
• 5% redemption bonus on all reward redemptions (e.g., 10,000 points redeemed = $105 value)
• 0% intro APR for 6 months on timeshare down payments made within first 10 days
• Integration with RCI Elite Rewards loyalty program
• Access to RCI vacation exchange network (4,300+ resorts, 110+ countries)

Travel Benefits

• 2x rewards per dollar on airline, hotel, and car rental purchases
• No foreign transaction fees (0%)—essential for international vacation exchanges
• Travel accident insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver (secondary coverage)
• Travel and emergency assistance services
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement

Everyday Benefits

• 1x reward per dollar on timeshare resort maintenance fees and all other purchases
• No annual fee keeps ownership cost-free
• Rewards never expire as long as account is open
• Zero fraud liability protection
• 24/7 customer service
• Digital wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay)

Mastercard World Benefits

• Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services
• Complimentary concierge service for travel planning and reservations
• Mastercard ID Theft Protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Purchase protection against damage or theft

Rewards & Earning Structure

• 5x rewards per dollar on RCI Subscribing Membership renewal fees, exchange fees, and RCI Guest Certificates
• 2x rewards per dollar on airline, hotel, and car rental purchases
• 1x reward per dollar on timeshare resort maintenance fees and all other purchases
• 5% redemption bonus on all reward redemptions (automatically applied)
• No caps or limits on rewards earned
• Rewards never expire as long as account is open and in good standing
• Redemption: Statement credits toward travel purchases, or other redemption options through Barclays

RCI Elite Rewards are valued at approximately $0.01 per reward point, but the automatic 5% redemption bonus increases this to $0.0105 per point. For example, redeeming 10,000 rewards provides $105 in statement credit value rather than just $100.

Important Limitation: RCI Member Rewards cannot be used for RCI Travel, RCI Points Partner, RCI Cruise, Lifestyle Benefits, Experiential Vacations, and timeshare resort maintenance fees.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 5,000 bonus rewards with your first purchase.

This immediate welcome bonus requires only a single purchase of any amount, providing 5,000 rewards ($50+ value with 5% redemption bonus) from day one. Unlike tiered bonuses with spending thresholds, this instant reward ensures you start earning value immediately. Combined with the ongoing 5x earning on RCI fees and the potential $250 vacation credit at $10,000 annual spend, the card provides both immediate and long-term value for RCI members.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer Fee: Not typically offered
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Active RCI members who regularly exchange timeshare weeks
• Timeshare owners utilizing RCI's vacation exchange network
• Frequent travelers who can maximize 2x on airlines, hotels, and car rentals
• Vacation exchange enthusiasts planning multiple exchanges annually
• Those renewing RCI memberships annually (maximize 5x earning)
• High spenders targeting the $10,000 threshold for $250 vacation credit
• Timeshare purchasers needing 0% financing on down payments (first 10 days)
• International vacationers benefiting from no foreign transaction fees
• Those valuing redemption bonuses (automatic 5% boost on all redemptions)

Not Good For

• Non-RCI members without timeshare ownership or exchange program access
• Infrequent exchangers using RCI less than once per year
• Hotel loyalists focused on Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt loyalty programs
• Those seeking airline miles that transfer to loyalty programs
• Those without significant RCI expenses (limited 5x earning opportunities)
• Balance carriers (high 20–30% APR negates rewards value)
• Those wanting flexible cash back redeemable anywhere
• Non-timeshare owners with no vacation ownership expenses
• Those seeking premium travel benefits like lounge access or elite status

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee keeps ownership cost-free
• Strong 5x earning on RCI membership fees, exchange fees, and Guest Certificates
• 2x earning on all airline, hotel, and car rental purchases
• 5,000 bonus rewards with first purchase (immediate value)
• $250 vacation credit annually at $10,000 spend threshold
• Automatic 5% redemption bonus on all reward redemptions
• No foreign transaction fees for international exchanges
• 0% intro APR for 6 months on timeshare down payments (first 10 days)
• Rewards never expire with active account
• Works everywhere Mastercard is accepted for 1x earning
• Mastercard World benefits including concierge and travel insurance
• Integration with RCI Elite Rewards loyalty program

Cons

• Limited value for non-RCI members or non-timeshare owners
• 1x earning on maintenance fees and non-travel purchases is basic
• $10,000 annual spend required to earn $250 vacation credit (high threshold)
• Rewards cannot be used for RCI Travel, Points Partner, Cruise, or maintenance fees
• High variable APR (20.24%–29.99%) if carrying balances
• Timeshare down payment 0% APR only available within first 10 days
• Redemption primarily as statement credits (less flexible than transfer partners)
• No lounge access or premium travel status benefits
• Limited value if you don't regularly use RCI exchange services
• 5% balance transfer fee (if offered)

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Assuming you're an active RCI member spending $15,000 annually:

First Year Total Value (hitting $10K): $561
Ongoing Annual Value (hitting $10K): $508

No annual fee to subtract = $508 net annual value

For dedicated RCI members with higher exchange activity—say $2,400 in RCI fees annually—the RCI-specific rewards plus vacation credit alone would generate $375+ in value, making this card exceptionally valuable for active exchangers.

Strategic Value: The 5% redemption bonus means every 10,000 rewards you redeem provides $105 instead of $100—a consistent 5% boost that compounds over time. Combined with the $250 vacation credit at $10,000 annual spend, you're earning approximately 2.5% back on all spending once you hit that threshold, plus category bonuses.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You're an active RCI member who exchanges timeshare weeks regularly
• You pay RCI membership renewal fees, exchange fees, or purchase Guest Certificates annually
• You travel frequently and can maximize 2x on flights, hotels, and car rentals
• You spend $10,000+ annually and want the $250 vacation credit
• You appreciate automatic 5% redemption bonus on all rewards
• You value no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• You're purchasing timeshare property (0% APR for 6 months on down payments)
• You want immediate rewards (5,000 bonus with first purchase)
• You always pay balances in full to avoid the high APR
• You're integrated into the RCI vacation exchange ecosystem

You Should Skip It If...

• You're not an RCI member or don't own timeshare property
• You don't regularly use RCI exchange services (less than once per year)
• You want flexible cash back or airline/hotel transfer partners
• You won't reach the $10,000 annual spend for the $250 vacation credit
• You prefer traditional hotel loyalty programs over timeshare exchanges
• You carry credit card balances (20–30% APR negates rewards)
• You're seeking premium travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
• You want higher earning rates on everyday non-travel purchases
• You need extensive purchase protection and extended warranty benefits

Apply Now

Apply for RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard

Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.