Using Your Preferred Name on Credit and Debit Cards

Many individuals opt for a preferred or chosen name instead of their legal name or the name listed on their birth certificate. For example, someone named Elizabeth might commonly go by Liz or Beth in everyday situations.

This also encompasses transgender individuals. In the largest study ever conducted on this issue (warning: PDF document), nearly 70% of transgender participants reported lacking ID or banking documents that reflect their preferred name.

Almost one-third of individuals whose documents do not align with their current appearance have faced service denial, requests to leave a business, or even physical assault when attempting to use these outdated documents.

About 25% of individuals reported not knowing how to update their documents with their preferred name or thinking it wasn't an option. However, some banks do permit the use of preferred or chosen names on credit and debit cards, even if they don't match the legal name.

This enables individuals to possess banking documents that align with their everyday identity. The most prominent initiative is Mastercard's True Name program, which launched in 2019 and is accessible in North America and Europe.

Let’s take a closer look at the policies of major banks and credit card companies in the U.S. regarding the use of preferred names, so you can explore your options.

Keep in mind: The bank will still require your legal name.

Before we explore the policies of banks and credit card issuers, it's crucial to know that some require you to open the account first, followed by a request for a new card featuring your preferred name (others may allow this during the account setup).

When applying for any bank or credit account in the U.S., you must provide your legal name. This requirement stems from a provision (Section 326) in the USA Patriot Act, which has been in effect since 2003.

This regulation mandates that banks, credit unions, and credit card issuers implement a customer identification program to adhere to government regulations. This program necessitates your personally identifying information so the bank can confirm your identity, including your legal name.

The next question is: Can you change the name on your credit or debit card to your preferred name instead of your legal name? Let’s examine your options with some of the major banks.

American Express

For many years, American Express has permitted cardholders to choose a preferred name on their credit cards, with only a few exceptions. When applying for an American Express card, applicants can specify the name they wish to see printed on their card.

If you need to change or update your preferred name later, simply call the number found on the back of your card. American Express allows cardmembers to use a preferred name, provided it isn't that of a celebrity or offensive; a representative can assist with this request.

Should your name change be in line with a legal name change, you can submit your request through your online profile. After logging in, select the card you wish to modify in the top right corner, then click "Account Services." A new menu will appear on the left; select "Profile" and find the "Change Name" option next to your name.

On the following page, you'll be prompted to enter your legal name as well as the name you wish to appear on your card.

Once you proceed, you will need to provide documentation to support your request. This online method is most effective for those who have already successfully updated their name on their ID. If the preferred name you seek does not align with your legal name, it's best to make a phone call for assistance.

Bank of America

Bank of America chose not to comment on this story.

Barclays

A representative from Barclays confirmed that currently, it is not possible to use a preferred name on their credit cards. They provided the following statement to TPG:

"We aim to cater to the needs of all our cardholders, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. While this feature is not available at the moment, it is something we have considered and plan to introduce in the future."

BMO Harris

BMO Harris has a nationwide network of fee-free ATMs and branches across eight states. Their True Name initiative enables customers to use their preferred name on credit, debit, or ATM cards, including business cards.

If you are a BMO Harris customer looking to request your preferred name, you can either call 888-340-2265 or visit a local branch (find locations here).

Capital One

A recent policy update now allows Capital One credit card holders to display their preferred names, even if these names do not relate to their legal names. There is no need to provide documentation when requesting this change.

"At Capital One, our customers are our priority, and we're excited to announce that customers can now choose to have their preferred name appear on their credit cards prior to a legal name or gender change," stated a Capital One representative.

"Customers do not need to provide any documentation or explanation for their preferred name to be displayed on their credit card."

To request a change to your preferred name, simply call the number found on the back of your card.

Chase

Currently, Chase requires customers to use their legal names on credit and debit cards. However, this policy may evolve in the future. A spokesperson from Chase indicated in 2022 that the bank is "working towards allowing our cardmembers to choose their preferred name instead."

Citi

For several years, Citi credit card and debit card users have been able to select their preferred first names.

Customers can change their names on debit cards by calling the number on the back of their card or visiting a nearby Citi branch (locations can be found here). Citi credit card holders can either call the number on their card to update multiple accounts at once or make changes online (one account at a time) by logging into their online account and selecting "Profile" at the top.

Next, click on "Contact Information" where you'll find the option to set a preferred first name.

A representative from Citi mentioned that once you update your preferred name, a replacement card will be delivered within four to seven business days. You can check the status of your new card online.

Daylight

As a bank dedicated to the LGTBQIA+ community, all communications utilize the preferred name provided by customers. After you submit your legal name during the application process, all subsequent communications will refer to your preferred name, which will also appear on your debit card.

Discover

Currently, cardholders are not able to use a preferred name on their Discover debit or credit cards. However, a spokesperson indicated that the company is "committed to establishing a process for allowing customers to change their first name on their payment card to their preferred name."

U.S. Bank

Currently, U.S. Bank customers are unable to use a preferred name on their credit or debit cards, according to a bank representative. The spokesperson provided the following statement:

Preferred names are a vital aspect of personal identity, and we honor those preferences. However, due to constraints in our identity verification process, we cannot accept names that do not align with other legal records. We are continually looking for ways to improve our processes to better serve all our customers. Unfortunately, we don’t have any concrete updates to share at this time.

Wells Fargo

While it may have been possible to use a preferred name in the past, this is no longer the case with Wells Fargo. Customers who previously had preferred names on their Wells Fargo credit cards and debit cards have received notices indicating they must present their government-issued ID at a local branch to obtain new cards displaying their legal names.

As a result, only the legal name associated with the account can appear on these cards. However, when questioned about the possibility of using preferred names in 2022, a Wells Fargo spokesperson stated that the bank "continues to investigate this option."

Bottom line

Whether you're aiming to use a preferred name that relates to your legal name or one that doesn't, inclusivity is essential. Everyone deserves to use the name they choose in their everyday lives — including when they next swipe their credit or debit card to make a purchase.

Instead of facing the discomfort and awkwardness of presenting a card that doesn't reflect your true self, choosing to bank with an issuer that permits you to display your preferred name on your card can help you feel acknowledged.

It's worth mentioning that a merchant may still request to see identification for certain transactions, and having a card with a name that doesn’t match your identity documents could lead to complications. Fortunately, the advent of tap-to-pay transactions and mobile wallets should help alleviate this issue.