How to value the extra points that come with a loaded resale contract — and why stripped contracts can be the smartest buy.
A loaded contract comes with banked points from the previous use year, current-year points, and sometimes borrowed points already pulled forward. A stripped contract has had current and sometimes next-year points already used or borrowed by the seller. A "fully loaded" contract gives the buyer maximum immediate booking power.
Extra points should be valued at the prevailing rental rate of about $18–$22 per point, minus a discount for the buyer's time and risk. A loaded contract with 300 extra points (current + banked) is worth roughly $4,500–$5,500 more than a stripped equivalent. Use this to negotiate — sellers sometimes overprice loaded contracts at $25+/pt for the extras, which is above market.
If you don't need to travel within the next 12–18 months, a stripped contract gives you exactly the same long-term value at a lower entry price. The "missing" points were just front-loaded value the seller already used. Many savvy buyers specifically target stripped contracts for the better per-point math, then bank their first year's points for a bigger trip in year two.
A contract bought in October with a June use year and "current year points available" sounds great — but those points expire next May. If you can't travel by then, the points may be wasted (banking only works before your use year ends). Always confirm exactly when each batch of points was deposited and when it expires.
If a seller lists a loaded contract at a premium, counter with a price reflecting only the stripped value plus a discounted point credit. Many sellers accept because the alternative is waiting for another buyer. If you have flexibility on use year and point loading, you're in the strongest negotiating position — let the broker know your criteria are loose so they bring you the best-priced inventory first.
Step 1: identify the prevailing per-point base price for stripped contracts at your target resort. Step 2: add about $15/pt for each "extra" point (current or banked) that comes with the contract. Step 3: subtract about $10/pt for each "missing" point (already used or borrowed forward). Step 4: adjust ±$2–$5/pt for use year desirability. This framework keeps you grounded in market rather than reacting emotionally to a listing.