Whether you recently married your partner, you finalized your divorce or you legally changed your name for other reasons, you’ll need to update your name on credit cards. Luckily, the process of changing names on credit cards is simple.
However, if you have multiple credit cards with different financial institutions, you’ll need to complete the process with each one. You’ll also want to complete a bank account name change. Here’s what you need to know.
Why you may want to change your name on a credit card
There are many personal reasons as to why people want to change the name on a credit card. Marriage and divorce are the two most common reasons. Some people might change their name on a credit card after transitioning from one gender to the other, namely if they legally changed their name during the process.
Other reasons for changing names on credit cards include using a middle name as a first name instead, changing your legal name for other personal reasons or correcting a mistake. In addition to legal name changes, there is also the matter of personal preference.
For example, Madison Jessica Smith may prefer to have her name listed in one of the following ways:
- M. Jessica Smith
- M.J. Smith
- Jessica Smith
- Madison Smith
- Madison J. Smith
- Madison Jessica Smith
Steps for changing your name on a credit card
Changing your name on a credit card requires that you first legally change your name and update your government-issued IDs. It’s always a good idea to contact your credit card issuer to find out which documents in particular that they require you to submit, as well as how you should go about submitting them. However, you can keep reading to learn about the basic requirements in general.
Update your government-issued IDs
Credit card issuers and banks will only update your account with information that is available on your government-issued ID. You will need to update your passport, driver’s license and other government-issued IDs so that they reflect your new name before applying to change names on credit cards. Once that is done, you’re ready to change the name that is printed on your credit cards.
Gather your required documents
Additional documents that are often required for changing names on credit cards may include your proof of address, like a utility bill or an internet bill. You might also be asked to provide your new Social Security card along with a government-issued photo ID that reflects your name change.
Contact your credit card issuer or bank
When all of your documents are ready, it’s time to contact your bank or credit card issuer to request the name change. With some credit card issuers, you may be able to request a name change online.
Other credit card issuers will require you to call them and confirm your identity when changing names on credit cards. You might be asked to fill out paperwork or sign name change documents either online via a service like DocuSign or in person.
Submit your documents
Once you’ve requested the change and gathered the necessary documents, all that is left to do is submit the documents and then wait for your new credit card to arrive in the mail. Most credit card issuers will send the new credit card so that it arrives within a week of you finalizing the name change request.
How to change name on a credit card after marriage
To change your name on a credit card after getting married, you can follow the same steps listed above. Alternatively, you can also start by calling the number listed on the back of your credit cards to understand the credit card issuer’s requirements.
You might be asked to present certain court documents for the name change. These could include your driver’s license, Social Security card, passport or naturalization papers.
Will changing your name affect your credit score?
No, changing your name on credit cards will not affect your credit score. Your name is not the only identifying factor on your credit report. Your credit report is linked to your Social Security number (SSN) or tax identification number (TIN). As such, it should automatically be updated along with your new name.
After changing names on credit cards, it’s a good idea to check your credit report with the three major credit bureaus, which are Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. This can help you confirm that your credit report has been updated with your new name.
What to expect after a name change
After your name is successfully changed, you will receive new credit cards in the mail. You’ll want to follow up with your banks as well as any other financial institutions to update your name across the board.
It’s important to follow up and ensure that your name has been changed correctly without including any spelling errors. Also, you’ll want to keep an eye on your credit reports after changing names on credit cards to be sure those are also updated correctly as well.
Putting it all together with credit card name changes
To change your name on a credit card, you will need to follow a few simple steps. You’ll need to have a government-issued ID that has your new name on it. From there, contact your credit card company or bank. In as little as a week, you’ll receive your credit cards with your name changed.
FAQs
How can I change the last name on my credit cards?
You can change the last name on your credit card by following the procedure of your issuing bank. That said, the first step of a credit card name change will be to obtain a government-issued ID with your new legal name. You will be able to change the last name on your credit cards by phone, online or in person, depending on your bank.
Do I need to change my name with my bank before changing the name on my credit card?
No. It’s recommended to change the legal name on your bank account as soon as possible. Also, update your credit cards as well. You can contact your bank for the steps necessary to complete a bank account name change.
What do I do if my name is spelled wrong on a credit card?
If your name is spelled wrong on a credit card, contact the issuing bank and request a credit card name change. They may request a copy of your government-issued ID, or they might be able to confirm the correct spelling from the information they have on file.
