Last week, I posted about how you could get yourself a bump-up to Hilton HHonors Silver status, without any stay requirements & get Gold status with 4 stays.
It seems, for the same corporate entity, there is also a link to get enrolled with Marriott for a new account, and you get Silver Status with Marriott Rewards without the 10 nights stay requirements. Here is the link:
Unlike the previous cases, this works with only a new account signup and you get your confirmation for Silver status 24-48 hours later. You could always merge your accounts later!
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Remember that if you are a United elite (1k I know for a fact), then Marriott will match you to Gold. More info on the United website.