Deposit First vs. Request First

Once you deposit your week with Interval International, it is gone.  So if you choose Deposit First, you cannot stay at your home resort that year. Unless you choose Request First.  If you choose this option, Request First, you can still stay at your home resort if you don't receive the exchange confirmation you are looking for. 

That being said, when using Request First, the requested exchange must be prior to or the same as the dates of the week you are relinquishing (your home week). Because of this, you have a narrower window of time in which to take your vacation.  The Deposit First method offers the largest window for exchange.

While staying at Marriott Custom House this past summer, I went to an owner's only "seminar".  In my opinion, it was a Marriott Vacation Club Destinations sales presentation with "tips" throughout. The presenter recommends "Request First", suggesting that you will have more "trading power". However, when I called Interval International, they said this is not the case.  But you do retain the ability to stay at your home resort if you are unable to get confirmed in a place (or a date) that is acceptable to you.

In summary, Deposit First offers the most flexibility, and Request First offers the most security.

Note: If you choose Request First, and your exchange request is not confirmed, and you do not wish to stay at your home resort, you must DEPOSIT your week at least 60 days prior to the check-in date  to avoid a late-deposit restriction.

Deposit First:

Request First:

 

I realize this post is specific to Interval International members.  That will not always be the case on this blog.