How to Link Your Marriott & Starwood Accounts to Get an Instant Status Match

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Yesterday, I shared exciting news for folks with points or elite status at Marriott or Starwood.

You can now link your loyalty accounts to get instant elite status match between programs.  And you can transfer points between your Marriott and Starwood accounts at a 3:1 ratio.

Although this is a BIG change following the merger, each of the hotel brands will still continue to operate their own loyalty programs through the end of 2017.

I’ll explain how quick and easy it is to link your accounts!

Link Starwood & Marriott Accounts

Link:   New Marriott & Starwood Loyalty Site

It only takes a minute to link your accounts.

Step 1 – Visit the Marriott Website

First, go to the Marriott site.  Then, select any one of the loyalty programs to get started.  I clicked on the purple tab for Starwood Preferred Guest members.

Step 2 – Enter Your Loyalty Account Information

This example shows the linking process by beginning with Starwood.  Simply enter your username and password and click “Sign In”.

Step 3 – Link Your Accounts

After you log-in, you’ll have the option to link your Starwood account to Marriott or Ritz-Carlton.  Remember, these 2 programs are essentially the same loyalty programs, just with different marketing.  I clicked “Link to Marriott Rewards”.

If you don’t have a Marriott or Ritz-Carlton rewards account, you can create one quickly.  It’s free to sign-up.

Step 4 – Discover Your Status Match

Your accounts are now linked!

Depending on your existing elite status, this is how your automatic status will be applied:

• Marriott Rewards Basic = Starwood Preferred Guest Preferred
• Marriott Rewards Silver = Starwood Preferred Guest Preferred Plus
• Marriott Rewards Gold = Starwood Preferred Guest Gold
• Marriott Rewards Platinum = Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum

Transfer Points Between Marriott & Starwood

Now that your accounts are linked, you’ll have the ability to transfer points between both programs.

You can transfer points between your Marriott and Starwood accounts at a 3:1 ratio.  Meaning 3 Marriott Points = 1 Starwood point.  Or 1 Starwood point = 3 Marriott points.

And there’s no maximum limit to the number of points you can move between accounts.

Bottom Line

You can link your Marriott & Starwood accounts in a few quick steps.  It takes less than a minute!

If you have elite status with either chain, you’ll get an instant status match between programs after your accounts are linked.  Plus, you’ll be able to transfer points between programs!

Are you looking forward to using elite status perks with each hotel loyalty program?