How to Change Your Name on Your Credit Card

5 Min Read | Published: October 3, 2024

A person looking at a credit card while making a phone call.

This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.

Learn the steps involved in changing your name on your credit card after a name change, as well as the typical documentation required and the general process.

At-A-Glance

Once you’ve changed your name, you’ll want to update your accounts, including credit card accounts, so that they reflect that change.
When it comes to changing your name on your credit card, you’ll want to check with your credit card issuer to see what their process looks like.
You can typically change the name on your credit card once you have an updated driver’s license and Social Security card.

When you’ve changed your name, you’ll want to update your information with your credit card issuer and request a new card that reflects this change. While each credit card issuer and bank will have its own process for how a name change works, this article will show you the typical steps that are involved.

How to Change Your Name on a Credit Card

How you can go about changing your name on your credit card will vary, depending on your bank or credit card issuer, so be sure to check with your financial institution to see what steps are involved in the process.

Typically, once you’ve legally changed your name and obtained a new Social Security card and driver’s license, you can update your credit cards as well.

The following steps outline the general process for changing your name on a credit card:

Step 1: Applying for a Name Change
Name changes are administered by state governments, so check the local guidelines to ensure you have the proper paperwork. When you apply for a marriage license or an official name change, ask for multiple certified copies of the request. If you have already applied and didn’t get extra copies, go back and ask for them before you proceed.

Once you have a certified copy of your legal documents, you can visit the Social Security Administration’s website and complete Form SS-5. Read the instructions carefully because it’s a multi-purpose form that can also be used to request a replacement Social Security card if you have lost your original. Use this link to find your local Social Security office.

Step 2: Changing Your Name Elsewhere
You can change your driver’s license once you have a new Social Security card, but that’s just the beginning. You may also want to change your name with your employer or unemployment office, healthcare providers, post office, utility companies, insurance, banks, and more. List all the places you use your former name for identification and contact them.

Step 3: Changing Your Name on Your Credit Card
Your final step is to change your name on your credit card. The exact process will vary depending on the card issuer.

Complete the following steps with each of your credit card providers:

Research Their Name Change Process
Most credit card issuers provide online instructions for how to change your name on credit cards. You can use the search function on their website to find these.
Gather the Documentation You Need
This documentation necessary for a credit card name change typically includes a driver’s license or government-issued photo identification (ID). You should also have certified documents from the Social Security Administration confirming that you legally changed your name with them.
Call, Email, or Visit Your Credit Card Company
Some credit card companies make this simple by allowing you to change your name online or via email. Others require a phone call or even a visit to one of their branch offices.
Wait for Your New Credit Card
Your new card will be sent to you in the mail, usually within a few weeks. Mark the date you complete the request and call if you don’t receive your new card in 14 days.
Destroy Your Old Credit Card
Once you’ve received your new card, you’ll want to destroy the old credit card so you don’t attempt to use it by mistake.
The Credit Bureaus Should Update Your Name Automatically
You shouldn’t need to update the credit bureaus that you’ve changed your name, they’ll typically receive this information from your creditors and will update this information accordingly. However, it could take a few months to register your new name. This is also a good time to review your credit reports for erroneous entries and request any corrections that need to be made.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Changing your name does not affect your credit score. That’s because your credit history is linked to your personal information, including Social Security number.²

Adults and minors can seek name changes in all fifty states, but the process varies. Check with your state government to see what the procedure is where you live.³

The Takeaway

Changing the name on your credit card isn’t difficult, but there are a handful of steps that you’ll need to follow. Check with your credit card issuer to see what their name change process looks like and what information you’ll need.

¹ “How to change the name on your credit card,” Bankrate

² “How to report a name change to a credit bureau,” Credit Karma

³ “Name Change Legal Forms: 50-State Survey,” Justia

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Kevin D. Flynn is a financial services provider, business coach, and financial writer. He lives in Leominster, Massachusetts, with his wife Evelyn, two cats, and ten wonderful grandchildren.

All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.

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