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How to Change the Name on Your Credit Card
July 1, 2025
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Recently changed your name? Updating your credit card is easier than you think — here's how to do it step by step.
Why Update Your Credit Card After a Name Change
Life events like marriage or divorce are the most common reasons for changing the name on a credit card. In fact, if you've legally changed your name for any reason, it's wise to update your credit cards to match. Keeping your card name consistent with your legal name helps avoid confusion or denial of transactions.
For example, imagine you got married and now have a different last name. You might be tempted to keep using your old-name credit card until it expires, but if a store clerk asks for ID, the names won't match and the merchant may refuse to accept your payment. To prevent hassles like declined cards or fraud alerts, you'll want the name on your card to mirror your official ID.
Updating your card is not only about avoiding inconvenience — it can also be important for personal identity reasons. This is especially true for transgender and nonbinary individuals who want their card to reflect their chosen name. Some banks now offer programs (like Mastercard's "True Name") that let you use your preferred first name on the card even if it's not your legal name. In general, though, it's best to change your credit card name once you have legally changed your name, so that all your identification is aligned.
Prepare Before Requesting a Name Change
Before contacting your credit card issuer, take a few preparatory steps to make the process smooth:
- Complete the legal name change – If you haven't already, finalize your legal name change through the proper channels (e.g. marriage certificate or court order). Rules vary by state, but typically you'll file paperwork and obtain official proof of your new name.
- Update your IDs – Next, update your name on government-issued identification like your Social Security card, driver's license (or state ID), and passport. Most issuers require your new name to be on these IDs before they'll change it on the credit card.
- Gather documentation – Collect all documents that prove your name change. This may include your marriage certificate or divorce decree, a court-sanctioned name change order, and your updated Social Security card or ID. Your card issuer will likely ask for copies or scans of these as proof.
- Double-check for errors – Ensure all your new documents have the correct spelling of your name. Any typo on your updated ID could carry over to your credit card if not caught in time. (One writer described the headache of fixing a driver's license typo before updating her cards.) It's easier to correct mistakes before you request new cards rather than after.
Taking care of these preliminaries sets you up for a quick and successful name change request with your card issuer.
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How to Change the Name on Your Credit Card
Changing your name on a credit card is a straightforward process, though the exact steps can vary by issuer. In all cases, you will need to contact your credit card company and provide proof of your name change. Here are the general steps to follow:
1. Contact Your Card Issuer's Customer Service
Call the number on the back of your credit card (or log in to your online account) and explain that you need to change the name on your card. Many issuers have a dedicated procedure for this request. Some credit card companies allow you to initiate the name change online, while others might require you to speak with a representative.
Every bank is a bit different: for example, American Express lets you submit a name-change form online (with supporting ID uploads), whereas Bank of America requires you to visit a branch in person with your ID and documents. The customer service rep will tell you what their process entails (be it an online form, mailing or faxing a document, or visiting a branch).
2. Provide Required Documentation
Be prepared to show or send your proof of name change. The bank will typically ask for copies of a government-issued photo ID that has your new name (updated driver's license or passport) as well as the legal document that certifies your name change (such as your marriage certificate or court order). If you're handling this online, you may upload scanned images through the bank's secure portal.
Over the phone, the rep might direct you to an email or physical address to send documents, or a link to a secure upload form. Make sure to follow their instructions carefully. It's a good idea to ask the representative if any additional forms are needed – for instance, Chase requires filling out a specific Name Change Request form and submitting it by email or fax in addition to your documents.
3. Confirm the Name Change and Wait for Your New Card
Once the issuer has your request and documentation, they will process the name change on your account. This part may take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company. Ask how long you should expect to wait. In many cases, you'll receive a replacement credit card with your new name within about a week or two.
(Some issuers are faster – for example, one expert notes that Discover can ship an updated card the next business day in some cases.) If you need the new card urgently, inquire if expedited shipping is available. When your new card arrives, activate it (if required) and sign the back as usual.
4. Destroy Your Old Card
After your new card is in hand, you should securely dispose of the old card that still bears your former name. Simply cutting it in half isn't always enough. Experts recommend thoroughly destroying the magnetic stripe and chip so the card can't be used or read. For example, you can demagnetize the strip with a strong magnet, then cut the card into many pieces (through the chip and across the numbers) or use a shredder.
This ensures no one can retrieve your old card details from the discarded card. Also, update any saved payment info: if your old card number stayed the same, merchants shouldn't have an issue, but if you get a new card number, be sure to update subscriptions or online accounts with the new card details (now under your new name).
What to Expect After Changing Your Card Name
Once you've submitted a name change request, the hard part is over! After processing, your account will reflect your new name and you'll start using your shiny new card. Here are a few things to expect next:
- Delivery of the new card – As mentioned, most issuers send out the replacement card within 7–10 business days, often sooner. If two weeks pass and you haven't received your card, give the issuer a follow-up call to check on the status.
- Continued card activity – Your credit card number (and credit line) usually remain the same after a name update. You can keep using your account as normal during the interim; if you have automatic payments or subscriptions tied to the card, they should not be interrupted. Just remember to start using the new card once it arrives, and destroy the old one.
- Credit report updates – You do not need to directly notify the credit bureaus of your name change. Credit reporting agencies will get that information from your card issuer automatically. It may take a month or two (one to two billing cycles) for your new name to show up on your credit reports. During that time, your old name may still appear, possibly noted as a former name. Don't worry – this is normal.
- No impact on credit score – Changing the name on your credit card will not affect your credit score or history. Because your credit history is tied to personal identifiers like your Social Security number (which isn't changing), a name change is purely cosmetic in terms of credit risk. Lenders and credit bureaus will link your new name to your existing credit file, so you retain the credit score you've built. In short, you won't lose any credit history just because you updated your name.
If a month or two has passed and you still don't see your new name on your credit report, you can contact the bureaus to ensure they received the update. But in most cases, no action is needed on your part – the system will update itself behind the scenes.
Conclusion
Updating the name on your credit card is an important step after a name change. Thankfully, it's a one-time process that isn't too difficult: you provide proof, wait for your new card, and enjoy the peace of mind that all your finances reflect your true name. The effort is well worth it – it prevents confusion at checkout and keeps your financial identity consistent.
Remember to change your name on all your credit cards (and other accounts) around the same time, so you have a clean break from the old name. By following the steps above, you'll ensure that from your driver's license to your credit cards, everything is in your new name – and you can swipe your card with confidence knowing it matches your ID.
FAQ
Do I need to legally change my name before updating my credit cards?
Yes. You must legally change your name (through marriage, court order, etc.) before a credit card issuer will update it on your account. Banks require official proof such as a certified marriage certificate or legal name change document.
Can I use my credit card if the name doesn't match my ID?
While transactions will usually go through, merchants may decline payment if they check ID and see a name mismatch. It's best to update your cards to your new name as soon as possible to avoid potential issues.
Will changing the name on my credit card affect my credit score?
No. Your credit profile remains tied to your Social Security number, so updating your name has no effect on your credit score or history. All your past credit history will carry over under the new name.
What documentation do I need to change my name on a credit card?
You'll need a government-issued ID showing your new name (updated driver's license) and the legal document that certifies your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Is there a fee to change the name on my credit card?
No. Credit card issuers don't charge fees for name updates - it's considered standard account maintenance. The only potential charge might be for expedited shipping of your new card.
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