Question about renting points/having them transferred

[becanya]

I have a question for you guys. What is the difference between renting points from someone (where they make the reservation through their account) and having them transfer the points to my account? What are the logistics of having them transfer points to our account? Do we have to have the same use year? This person has points that expire in November, and we were thinking of taking a short fall break trip in Oct. But our use year is in Dec. Can they just transfer the points to our account even if we have a different use year? Or do they have to make the reservation for us? It is only 100 points, and I need 112 to make our reservation, so I was thinking of just combining the points with some of ours. Is that even possible?

 

[Pioneer Hall]

You can only have one transfer to your account per year (in or out) and once transferred those points belong to the person who received them until they expire. What this will allow you to do is keep your reservation together if you need more points. The transferred points still expire with the original use year.

One of the better scenarios I have seen here is if two groups are going to be traveling together. Since it can sometimes be hard to get an equal split on points, by transferring you are then able to split the room 50/50.

 

[becanya]

Thanks Evan, that is really helpful. So would the other person just contact DVC with my member number and transfer them that way?

 

[tjkraz]

Transferred points retain their original Use Year and Home resort. It's also worth noting that you cannot transfer Banked or Borrowed points. However points received in transfer can be banked by the new recipient. Depending upon the Use Years of parties involved, proposed travel dates and status of the points, these rules could present a problem.

If you are traveling with friends, then I agree it may be best to just split the trip (each booking a portion) and then having member services link the reservations. Done it myself several times.

However if you're getting points from a stranger, bear in mind that a transfer is the only way for you to have any control over the points. Like any rental situation, if you allow another member to make a reservation in your name, they retain control of the points and could (theoretically) cancel at any time. Trip could also be put into jeopardy by non-payment of dues, foreclosure, etc.

In a transfer, the points are yours to do with as you please.

Would also make sure that there is ample availability before completing any transfer. The fall is a pretty popular time to visit and transfers cannot be reversed. If you complete the transfer and then discover that no rooms are available, you're still stuck with the points.