Name change - What steps to take (regarding credit cards, credit bureaus)?
Apr 28, 2019, 4:01 pm
#1
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Join Date: Jul 2009
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Name change - What steps to take (regarding credit cards, credit bureaus)?
I am trying to help a U.S. relative who has just had a name change (via marriage). I'm sure many others have gone through the same scenario, so I'm wondering if anyone can offer guidance on what steps to take.
She changed her name legally last week. And then she applied for a new social security card reflecting that name change. She will be getting a new or updated U.S. passport in the near future.
As far as credit cards and credit history, should she first call each bank (Chase, Amex, etc.) where she has had cards and then later contact the 3 credit bureaus; is this the correct order? Will she be required to send in any sort of documentation to the banks or credit bureaus, or can this be handled over the phone?
She wants to apply for a Chase credit card, and also a card from Barclays, soon (using her new legal name). Will that likely be do-able, or would there be some sort of lapse of time until the credit bureaus connect up her new name to her former name and its credit history?
Thank you for any help you can offer.
She changed her name legally last week. And then she applied for a new social security card reflecting that name change. She will be getting a new or updated U.S. passport in the near future.
As far as credit cards and credit history, should she first call each bank (Chase, Amex, etc.) where she has had cards and then later contact the 3 credit bureaus; is this the correct order? Will she be required to send in any sort of documentation to the banks or credit bureaus, or can this be handled over the phone?
She wants to apply for a Chase credit card, and also a card from Barclays, soon (using her new legal name). Will that likely be do-able, or would there be some sort of lapse of time until the credit bureaus connect up her new name to her former name and its credit history?
Thank you for any help you can offer.
Apr 29, 2019, 8:31 pm
#2
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We'll try this out in the Credit Card forum for now.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
Apr 30, 2019, 8:41 am
#3
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I think she will need a drivers license or passport with her new name before she can make the change elsewhere. This is a routine matter for the drivers license offices in any state.
Login to americanexpress.com > Account Services > Personal Details > Edit Name:
Login to americanexpress.com > Account Services > Personal Details > Edit Name:
You will need to upload documentation reflecting your new name (copy of a state-issued I.D., driver's license, or U.S. Passport as a .PDF, .DOC, .DOCX, .TIF, .JPEG, .BMP, or .GIF).
May 2, 2019, 7:21 am
#4
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 583
No need to contact the credit bureaus from my experience. Once you update one of your accounts, the new name gets automatically reported to the credit bureau reports.
Name changes via marriage is routine. As mia pointed out, some banks you can do it online. Others you call and they may ask you to email/fax/mail a copy of your marriage certificate to confirm the changes.
In my case I find it easiest to type up a letter along the lines of : 'RE/ Account # xxxx ; Please update the legal name recorded on my account to as followings : FIRST NAME: XXX LAST NAME: YYY. Please reissue all cards or other credentials to my mailing address on file.'
Pull a copy of your credit report and it has all the account numbers and the contact address. Postal mail those letters and copies of the name change document to each bank, and other organizations as needed.
This is not the fastest per se but I find it easier than calling everyone and having to send in a copy of the documentation one way or the other way anyway.
Name changes via marriage is routine. As mia pointed out, some banks you can do it online. Others you call and they may ask you to email/fax/mail a copy of your marriage certificate to confirm the changes.
In my case I find it easiest to type up a letter along the lines of : 'RE/ Account # xxxx ; Please update the legal name recorded on my account to as followings : FIRST NAME: XXX LAST NAME: YYY. Please reissue all cards or other credentials to my mailing address on file.'
Pull a copy of your credit report and it has all the account numbers and the contact address. Postal mail those letters and copies of the name change document to each bank, and other organizations as needed.
This is not the fastest per se but I find it easier than calling everyone and having to send in a copy of the documentation one way or the other way anyway.
