
RCI credit cards are a type of travel rewards credit card that offers exclusive benefits and perks to cardholders. They are designed for frequent travelers who want to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for travel-related expenses.
RCI credit cards often come with annual fees, which can range from $95 to $550. Some cards also offer sign-up bonuses, which can be worth up to 100,000 points or miles.
The RCI credit card program has over 10 million members worldwide, who collectively earn and redeem millions of points every year.
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RCI Credit Card Overview
The RCI Credit Card is designed for heavy RCI users who want to maximize their rewards.
Cardholders will earn 5 points per $1 spent on eligible RCI purchases, which includes the RCI Subscribing Membership renewal fee, exchange fees, and RCI guest certificates.
You'll also earn 2 points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases.
All other eligible purchases will earn 1 point per $1 spent.
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Here's a breakdown of the earning structure:
- 5 points per $1 spent on eligible RCI purchases.
- 2 points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases.
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
Note that purchases through RCI Travel, RCI Points Partners, RCI Cruise, Lifestyle Benefits, and experiential vacation purchases are excluded from the RCI bonus category and earn just 1 point per $1.
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Earning and Rewards
You can earn rewards with the RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard by making purchases through RCI, where you'll get 5 points for every dollar spent.
New account holders also receive a sign-up bonus of 2,500 bonus rewards points when they make their first purchase with the card.
Cardholders earn 2 points for every dollar spent on eligible travel purchases, making it a great option for those who frequently book travel.
After making $10,000 in card purchases within a calendar year, cardholders receive a $250 vacation credit, which can be a huge perk for frequent travelers.
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Earning Sign-Up Rewards
Earning sign-up rewards can be a great way to boost your rewards earnings, especially if you're new to a credit card program. New account holders with the RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard can earn a 2,500 bonus rewards points after their first purchase.
This bonus is worth $25 in cash back or as an RCI Rewards credit, assuming points are worth 1 cent each. That's a decent start, but it's not the only option available.
You can earn a more substantial sign-up bonus with other cards, like the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, which offers a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. That's a more attractive offer, especially if you can meet the spending requirement.
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card also offers a significant sign-up bonus: 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months, which is worth $200 in cash redemption. This card also offers higher rewards rates on certain categories, making it a more appealing option for frequent travelers or diners.
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Bonus Rewards on RCI Purchases
You'll earn a whopping 5 points for every dollar you spend on eligible RCI purchases.
RCI purchases include the RCI Subscribing Membership renewal fee, exchange fees, and RCI guest certificates.
The RCI Subscribing Membership fee is required to transfer points from your card to RCI, and it's a pretty steep $134 per year.
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Rewards and Redemption
With the RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard, you can earn points on your purchases and redeem them for various rewards. Cardholders earn 5 points for every dollar they spend on RCI purchases, 2 points for every dollar spent on eligible travel purchases, and 1 point for all other purchases made using the card.
You can redeem your points for RCI Members Rewards credit, worldwide travel rewards, or cashback to help pay for resort fees. Cashback rewards start at as few as 2,500 points.
Here are some redemption options and their minimum requirements:
- Transfer to RCI Member Rewards: $25, $50, $75, $100, $200, $300, or $400
- Cash back (direct deposit) or statement credit: 2,500 points ($25)
- Gift cards: 2,500 points ($25)
- Merchandise: no apparent minimum redemption amount
- Travel: 2,500 points ($25)
Keep in mind that the minimum 2,500-point redemption amount can be a hurdle, causing points to sit in your account unused.
Spend for $250 Vacation Credit
You can earn a $250 RCI vacation credit by spending $10,000 on the RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard in a calendar year.
This credit can be used towards one vacation stay with a maximum of seven nights at select RCI properties, subject to availability.
You'll receive an email from RCI with a link to a website where you can redeem the credit within six to eight weeks after meeting the threshold.
The credit is valid for 13 months from the date of issuance, so be sure to use it before it expires.
Redeem Rewards Guide
The RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard offers several redemption options, but with some caveats. You can redeem your points for RCI Members Rewards credit, which can be used towards exchange fees and membership renewals.
You'll need an existing RCI points subscription to transfer rewards from your card to your RCI loyalty account, and transfers are available in increments of $25, $50, $75, $100, $200, $300, and $400.
For cash back, the minimum redemption amount is 2,500 points, which equals $25, and you'll receive a 5% cashback bonus on top of that. There's also a $500 daily limit for direct deposit redemptions.
If you're looking for more flexibility in redeeming your points, consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited, which has no redemption restrictions and offers 3% cash back on drug store and dining purchases.
Here are the RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard redemption options:
The RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard also offers a 5% cashback bonus on any redemption amount, which is a nice perk.
Card Benefits and Offers
RCI credit cards offer a range of benefits and rewards to cardholders.
You can earn points or cashback on your purchases, such as 3 points for every dollar spent on gas, as mentioned in the article.
Cardholders can also enjoy purchase protection, which covers eligible items for up to 120 days, as stated in the article.
Some RCI credit cards offer concierge services, providing exclusive access to events and experiences, like VIP access to concerts and sporting events.
Travel benefits include no foreign transaction fees, making international travel more affordable, as noted in the article.
Cardholders can also take advantage of travel insurance, which covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays, as mentioned in the article.
Some RCI credit cards offer exclusive discounts and promotions at participating merchants, such as discounts at popular restaurants and hotels.
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Reviews and Details
The RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard is a great option for those who regularly stay at RCI vacation properties, earning rewards on spending and Member Rewards.
Cardholders earn points on various purchases, including 5 points for every dollar spent on RCI purchases, 2 points for every dollar spent on eligible travel purchases, and 1 point for all other purchases.
If you're an RCI member who travels frequently and uses the RCI website to book travel, this card could be a valuable addition to your wallet.
Details
The RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard has some interesting details worth noting. The regular APR interest rate is 19.99% - 29.99%, which is variable and based on the Prime Rate. This means the rate can change over time.
You won't have to worry about an annual fee, as it's a whopping $0.00. However, there are some fees to be aware of, such as a 3% balance transfer fee with a minimum of $5.
Here are some key interest rates and fees to keep in mind:
It's also worth noting that the card offers some useful features, such as zero liability protection and no foreign transaction fees.
What Critics Are Saying

If you're an RCI member, you might find the RCI Elite Rewards MasterCard valuable for earning rewards on your spending.
The card is worth a serious look if you regularly stay at RCI vacation properties, as you'll earn rewards on your spending.
RCI members who travel frequently and use the RCI website to book all their travel might find this card particularly useful.
You could find value in having the RCI Elite Rewards MasterCard if you rent vacation space through RCI or stay as a guest at an RCI property.
The rewards structure of this card suggests it's best suited for RCI members who travel often.
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Decision and Use
If you're considering applying for an RCI credit card, you'll want to think about how you plan to use it to earn rewards.
New account holders can earn a significant sign-up bonus of 2,500 bonus rewards points after making their first purchase.
To earn the most from your card, aim to make $10,000 in card purchases within a calendar year, which will get you a $250 vacation credit.

You can redeem your points for a variety of options, including RCI Members Rewards credit to help with exchange fees and membership renewals.
Redeeming for cashback is also a great option, with a 5% cashback bonus on top of your points.
You can start redeeming for cashback as low as 2,500 points.
On a similar theme: Amex Platinum Cashback Card
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a RCI card?
The RCI card is a rewards credit card designed for frequent RCI customers, offering points on eligible purchases. It's perfect for those who spend a lot with RCI and want to earn rewards.
How to get more points with RCI?
To maximize your RCI Rewards, focus on making Net Purchases on eligible RCI products and services, which earn 5 Rewards per dollar, and consider using your Account for travel expenses like rideshare, gas, and EV charging, which earn 2 Rewards per dollar.
What is RCI Barclays?
RCI Barclays is a co-branded credit card partnership between RCI, a global travel network, and Barclays US Consumer Bank. It offers exclusive benefits to its members through the RCI Elite Rewards World Mastercard.
Sources
- https://www.stocktitan.net/news/TNL/barclays-and-rci-renew-long-standing-credit-card-fveeynh640nj.html
- https://www.bestcards.com/credit-cards/rci-elite-rewards-mastercard/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/rci-credit-card
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/rci-credit-card-application-status-1000032-2140831643/
- https://theinformr.com/credit-cards/elite-rewards-mastercard/
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