What is the difference between a Member and Associate Member?

[ospopo5]

My wife and I have purchased a DVC Membership but I guess they only put it in her name as they ran her credit but said she can make me an associate member.

I havent received the paperwork yet but can someone explain to me about this? Is it best to have both of us on the contract or is it ok to have 1 and 1. Do we both get member cards or only her?

I would like some background before we sign everything.

I have tried to search the boards and am having a hard time with finding clarification on this.

Thanks!

Matt

 

[erionm]

Definitions from the member website:

• A "Purchaser" or "Additional Purchaser" is any person that is named on the deed conveying the Ownership Interest. Purchasers also are referred to as "Club Members". The "Primary Purchaser" is the first person named on the deed. While reservation confirmations are normally mailed to the Primary Purchaser, any Member may request to receive the reservation confirmation instead of the Primary Purchaser. Additionally, all financial information pertaining to the Membership, including Annual Dues statements and Form 1098 (reporting mortgage interest), will be mailed to the Primary Purchaser. To designate a different Primary Purchaser to receive the financial information mailings, a request must be submitted in writing to Membership Administration and must be signed by all Purchasers. All Purchasers have equal ownership rights and all Purchasers receive Member Cards.
  
• An "Associate" is a person named by the Purchaser or Purchasers who is only authorized to make reservations using the Member's Home Resort Vacation Points. Associates do not receive Member Cards and are not entitled to the benefits and privileges that are available to a Member. In addition, Associates may not access financial information related to Annual Dues and/or loan pertaining to the Membership.

 

[ospopo5]

Thank you. So besides a card it says associate members dont get the same priveleges, etc.

What would those be?

I guess I am asking, should I be deeded on the card to ensure we dont miss out on any benefits or should just being an associate member be ok.

Before I call my guide, I just want to have some info known ahead of time.

 

[erionm]

Thank you. So besides a card it says associate members dont get the same priveleges, etc.

What would those be?

I guess I am asking, should I be deeded on the card to ensure we dont miss out on any benefits or should just being an associate member be ok.

Before I call my guide, I just want to have some info known ahead of time.

The only time it would be an issue is if you wanted to get a discount (dining, merchandise, etc.) that may be offerred to members and your wife was not with you to show her membership card.

As an immediate family member, you would be eligble to get the member pricing on an Annual Pass as long as your ID has the same address as your wife. She would need to be present when they were purchased.

I'm an associate member also and it's not really a problem. We are always together when we are at Disney.

 

[ospopo5]

Thanks Michael!

That helps. I will see what my guide says.

Basically we are in the process of refi our home which is in just my name and I didnt have him pull my credit so I wouldnt get the inq. Otherwise I would of said put in both our names and been done with it.

 

[rparmfamily]

I'm an associate on our account too. Kind of irks me, but for some reason when it was done it was done that way. I want my own card too LOL! We do travel together though, so it's all worked out LOL.

 

[CarolMN]

Since you are an Associate member, you have no ownership interest in the membership. If something should happen to your wife, the membership would transfer according to her Will (or the laws of your state, if she does not have a valid Will or other appropriate estate-planning documents). Same thing would happen with your home should something happen to you, since it is in your name only.

After the DVC purchase and after the re-fi, you and your wife should consider a visit to an estate-planning attorney to make sure all is titled and arranged as you intend. (Advice you get here is worth what you paid for it and sometimes, even less. For the important stuff, it's worth it to pay for a qualified attorney).

I know many people, especially younger people, do not like to think about these things. But life happens and it's best to be prepared. Those who die intestate, can leave a real mess behind for their heirs and that's especially true if they own property in more than one state.

 

[Dean]

My wife and I have purchased a DVC Membership but I guess they only put it in her name as they ran her credit but said she can make me an associate member.

I havent received the paperwork yet but can someone explain to me about this? Is it best to have both of us on the contract or is it ok to have 1 and 1. Do we both get member cards or only her?

I would like some background before we sign everything.

I have tried to search the boards and am having a hard time with finding clarification on this.

Thanks!

Matt

Have them change the documents so you are both listed or don't purchase right now.