If you have a wallet full of cards and you need to change your name, you should be aware of the requirements set forth by the issuers.
You still have access to your credit history through many other identifiers, including your Social Security number and previous addresses, so changing your name won’t erase it.
Even though your parents disagreed about your name long before you were born, who you call yourself now might not be the same later in life. Changing your legal name is a crucial task when thinking about your financial future, regardless of whether you recently got married or prefer to identify with a name of your choosing.
You should update the name on your credit card in addition to asking to have your Social Security card and driver’s license changed.
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- You might need to ask for a name change on your credit cards and other legal documents if you get married or divorced.
- Even if you haven’t legally changed your name, there are situations where you might want to modify the name on your card, such as for transgender cardholders. Some issuers have a process in place for this.
- Because your credit history is still linked to your Social Security number, changing your name won’t have an impact on your credit.
One of the most significant components of your identity and persona is your name. If you recently changed your name, you must update this new information in all of your important documents and accounts. That applies to your credit cards as well, particularly to prevent having your transaction declined by a business or service provider who requests proof of identity. Although there isn’t much to the process, it’s still a good idea to know what to do and the steps involved, particularly if you have several credit cards that require name changes.
Read this helpful primer to learn why it’s a good idea to change the name on your credit card, what steps are involved, what to expect after, and more.
Reasons to change the name on your credit card
There are numerous reasons why you might need to update the credit card name. According to Georgia’s Own Credit Union’s director of card services Zac King, “the most common reasons for name changes are marriage and divorce, as you may need to update this status on your credit cards to match the legal documents that reflect your new name.”
As an example, let’s say you recently got married and are using a new last name. You’ve successfully updated identification documents such as your driver’s license and state ID, but you decide to postpone requesting a name change until November 2026 because your present credit card expires before then. On the other hand, the merchant asks to confirm your identity when you try to pay for something in person.
The seller might decline to take your money because the names don’t match. If the name on your card doesn’t match your ID, this could be problematic, according to King.
There are other situations besides marriage or divorce that can justify changing your name on your cards.
It’s a good idea to update your credit cards if you have legally changed your name for any reason. Having your credit card names match your legal name helps to avoid confusion, according to personal finance expert Andrew Lokenauth.
This topic is especially important for transgender and nonbinary people looking for the name on their credit card to match their chosen name, even if they haven’t legally changed it, says Ted Rossman, Bankrate’s senior industry analyst. To ease this process, Mastercard partners with Citi, BMO and other banks to offer True Name, a feature that enables cardholders to have their chosen first name listed on eligible credit cards. Equifax has followed suit for names on credit reports.
What to do before changing the name on your credit card
Before you call your card issuer to request a name change, follow these steps to get ready:
- Lock down any legal requirements. A legal name change is something you can ask for during a marriage or divorce. State laws differ regarding the legality of changing your name for other purposes. Before the change is approved, a judge may ask questions during the court hearing, so you’ll probably need to file paperwork at the county courthouse.
- Update your government-issued IDs. Change the legal name on your passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, and other important identification documents.
- Collect all needed documents. Keep your driver’s license, marriage certificate, Social Security card, and court order handy as proof of your new name change may be required by your card issuer.
How to change the name on your credit card
Changing your name on your credit cards is not too difficult, but there are a few steps involved.
According to Carter Seuthe, CEO of Credit Summit, “the procedure to change your name on your card may be different for each credit card company.” “The simplest course of action would be to simply call the customer service number associated with that card and clarify the circumstances. Inform them of the reason for the name change and the new name you want, and they should be able to help you with the process and give you the links or forms you need to finish. ”.
This is how to contact the main credit card companies to request a name change.
- Complete a Name Change Authorization form through your online account. To access the form, log in and select edit next to your name. Prepare to provide a copy of your most recent passport, driver’s license, or state-issued identification card with your new name on it. According to Lokenauth, “American Express normally issues new cards within five to seven days.”
- Come in person to a BofA branch with your official government photo ID or other supporting documentation. A representative will give you the required paperwork and help you through the process of changing your name, which includes getting a new credit card. If you are unable to visit a branch, please contact 800-432-1000 for customer support. According to Lokenauth, “Bank of America should issue a new card within one week.”
- Present original copies of any supporting documentation, such as a divorce decree or marriage certificate, when you visit a Barclays bank branch. Alternatively, get assistance from customer service at 866-928-8598 to finish your name change.
- If you’d like expedited service, give Capital One a call at 888-464-0727. You’ll get an email with a secure link to upload the necessary paperwork for your name change. Processing can take three business days or more. Once the new name appears on your account, give them a call at 888-464-0727 to request a new credit card with the updated details. You should receive your new card in seven to ten days, according to Lokenauth.
- An Account Holder Name Change Request Form is required by Chase; you must print it, fill it out, and send it by fax or email to 800-805-3909. According to Lokenauth, the normal turnaround time for receiving a new card from Chase is five to seven days.
- To discuss the details of your name change, call the number on the back of your card. While some changes can be handled over the phone, others might need the sending of supporting documentation, which could take up to five days to process.
- Contact customer service by phone at 800-347-2683 or use your Discover account to send a secure message. An agent will reply with the paperwork needed to change the name. According to Lokenauth, processing is instantaneous and “your new card should ship out the next business day.”
- You need to go in person to a branch with your most recent photo ID and the original copies of the paperwork proving your name change. Once everything is finished, a representative will make copies of the necessary paperwork, file it, update their records with your new name, and send you a note card.
- Call customer support at 800-531-8722. You will receive instructions from a representative regarding how to change your name.
What to expect after you’ve changed your name
It could take a few days for processing to be completed after you’ve formally changed your name with your card company before a card bearing your new name is issued and delivered.
“Usually within a week or two, and possibly even sooner if the card issuer is willing and able to expedite shipping,” advises Rossman, “you should receive a new credit card with the updated name.”
Once your new card arrives, dispose of your old one appropriately.
“Use a powerful magnet to demagnetize the chips and magnetic stripes on the card, then cut it into pieces with scissors by making several deliberate cuts in both horizontal and vertical directions, or use a crisscross shredder to shred the card into smaller pieces and store the pieces in different trash cans,” advises King.
According to Lokenauth, it should take one to two billing cycles for your name change to appear on your credit reports.
Does changing your name on a card affect your credit?
Although it may seem laborious to legally and credit card companies change your name, the good news is that the procedures are not too difficult. The fact that it won’t harm your credit is additional good news.
“Your credit score or credit history are unaffected by changing your name on a credit card.” These remain tied to your Social Security number,” Lokenauth explains. “The new name will appear on your credit reports, but it won’t have a negative impact on these credit reports. ”.
Since your name is the only thing that is changing on your card or account, all other identification and card information remain the same.
“Instead of using a single piece of information like a name, credit reporting uses a wide range of identifying information for matching,” according to King. The other identifying information would match and provide proof that the newly named consumer is the same as the original consumer, even though a different name might cause suspicion. ”.
Request an updated credit card that reflects your new name if you’ve had a significant life event that has affected who you are. Depending on the credit card, changing your name may require contacting your issuer and sending paperwork or filling out an online form. In any case, it’s a valuable endeavor that keeps a retailer, healthcare provider, or other merchant from declining your card.
FAQ
Can I change my name on my credit card online?
Depending on the credit card, changing your name may require contacting your issuer and sending paperwork or filling out an online form.
How do I change my credit card holder name?
Step 1: Make sure to update your government-issued IDs first. Your Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, driver’s license, and passport are among them. Step 2: Before approving your request to modify your credit card name, the credit card issuer will require documentation of your legal identity.
Can I change my name on my bank card online?
You must visit a branch or send us a letter if you need to change your name for security reasons. While updating your name online is not possible, you can fill out and print the necessary form.
Does my credit card name have to match my legal name?
Your full legal name must be provided to the bank, but the way it appears on the card may differ. Certain credit card companies may opt to use specific name structures by default, such as displaying your first initial rather than your full name. Some might print your initial or middle name, while others might not
Read More :
https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/how-to-change-name-on-credit-cards/
https://money.usnews.com/credit-cards/articles/how-to-change-your-name-with-your-credit-card-company