If you have status with either brand, it should get matched instantly.
Once you link, you’ll see options to transfer points from one program to the other.
The ratio is 3 Marriott points for every 1 from Starwood. It’s interesting both ways.
An example of how this can work if you’re rich with Marriott points?
240,000 Marriott points = 80,000 with Starwood. Which can then turn into 100,000 Alaska Airlines miles.
An example of how this can work if you’re rich with Starwood points?
90,000 Starwood points = 270,000 with Marriott. Which can then turn into 120,000 Southwest points + 7 nights at a Category 5 Marriott. Oh, and that’s a one-step Southwest Companion Pass!
This makes the current big Marriott credit card bonuses a little more interesting.
It makes Starwood’s “2 Free Night” card offer a lot more annoying.
Doesn’t really change anything with the Ritz Carlton card.