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If you've recently changed your name, it's a good idea to update your credit cards to reflect the change. Once you have the documents to show your name has been changed legally, you can request that your card issuer update the name on your credit card. However, each financial institution and credit card company has its own process; some require an in-person visit, while others will accept a phone call and allow you to upload your documents online. Read on to learn more about the process.
When to Change the Name on Your Credit Card
Someone might change their legal name for a variety of reasons, including marriage, divorce or gender transition. The legal name-change process varies by state, but once you've completed this process and received an updated Social Security card and driver's license, then you should update your credit cards.
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Does My Credit Card Name Have to Match My Legal Name?
You're typically required to use your legal name when you open a bank account or credit account in the United States as part of an effort to reduce crimes such as money laundering and fraud.
However, card issuers can decide which name you're allowed to use on your actual credit card. Some issuers will allow customers to use a preferred first name on a credit card that's different from a legal first name, for instance. But if your last name has changed, you typically need to update the credit card to match it.
Does the Name on a Credit Card Matter?
For in-person purchases, some merchants will request to see a photo ID that matches the name on a credit card in an effort to reduce fraud. If this happens and your ID and credit card have different names, it's possible the merchant won't allow you to complete the transaction.
How to Change Your Name With Your Credit Card Issuer
The steps to change your name on a credit card vary by issuer, though most require you to contact them and to provide copies of legal documents as evidence of your name change.
Below are the current steps for the major credit card issuers; if yours isn't in the list, refer to your bank's or credit union's website or contact their customer support.
American Express
In your online account, click "Edit" next to your name to complete a name-change authorization form. You'll need to upload a copy of your driver's license, state-issued identification card or U.S. passport with your new name as proof of legal name change. Once processed, American Express will automatically send you a new card.
Bank of America
Visit your nearest Bank of America branch with a government-issued photo ID and documentation showing your legal name change. Depending on your situation, this could be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, legal court order or adoption certificate. An employee will provide the required forms and walk you through getting a new credit card. If you don't live near a branch, call their customer service at 800-432-1000.
Capital One
Before changing your name on a Capital One credit card, you must have already legally changed it with the Social Security Administration. Once that's done, call Capital One customer support at 800-227-4825 for further instructions.
Prepare to submit copies of the legal document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, new driver's license or updated Social Security card. You'll also need to fill out an IRS W-9 form with a handwritten ("wet") signature. When you call, customer service can send you a secure online link to upload the documents. You might also have the choice of submitting them in a branch, by mail or by fax. It typically takes up to 10 business days to process this request.
Chase
Call Chase's customer service at 800-432-3117 for further instructions on changing your name on your credit card.
Citi
If you're transgender or nonbinary, you can change your first name on your Citi credit card even if you haven't completed a legal name change. Log in to your Citi card account, and under your profile, select contact information, then "Use a Preferred First Name."
If you're changing your name due to a legal name change, and/or you need to change your last name, call Citi customer service using the phone number on the back of your card or visit a branch to start the process.
Discover
Call Discover's customer service at 800-DISCOVER (800-347-2683) or send a secure message through their online support to start the process of requesting a name change on your account.
Wells Fargo
You're required to physically go to a Wells Fargo branch to change your name on your credit card account. You can make an appointment with a banker at a branch in advance.
Bring your updated photo ID and either the original or certified copy of your legal supporting documents, like the divorce decree or marriage certificate. They'll make copies and update your credit card account, then send you a new card.
USAA
Call USAA's customer service at 800-531-8722 to get assistance with the process of changing your name on your credit card.
Does Changing Your Name on Your Credit Card Affect Your Credit?
Neither legally changing your name nor changing your name on your credit card will affect your credit report. Getting married or divorced doesn't impact it either, since credit reports are always individual; you never share one with your spouse.
The only way a marriage will impact your credit score is if you open a new joint account with your spouse. If you take out a mortgage or car loan together, for example, it will appear on both of your accounts and will impact both of your scores. But simply getting married and changing your last name will not result in any changes to your credit score, good or bad.
Your new name should update automatically, as your creditors will report your new name to the three major credit bureaus. You don't have to do anything to change your name on your credit report. It can take a few months for the new name to appear, since reporting schedules vary, but it will eventually happen without any effort required on your part.
Be aware that your previous name will still show up on your credit report as a former name, just to avoid confusion should lenders or creditors need to see if you're the same person.
Learn more >> Will Changing My Last Name Affect My Credit?
The Bottom Line
Once you've legally changed your name, the process of updating all of your credit cards and financial accounts can be time-consuming since each financial institution has its own process. Fortunately, after that, your work is done as your creditors inform the credit bureaus for you.
Even so, it's smart to monitor your credit for several months after changing the name on your accounts to ensure they're all updated correctly. It's free to monitor your credit with Experian, which lets you set up custom alerts for things like new inquiries and changes to your personal details.