Contact your card issuer to request a name change
The fastest way to change the name on your credit card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card and a government-issued ID ready. Tell the representative you need to update the cardholder name, and they will walk you through their process — most take five to ten minutes on the phone.
Some card issuers also let you request a name change through their mobile app or website. Log in to your account, look for "Account Settings" or "Profile," and search for a name change or personal information update option. The online method usually takes one to three business days to process, while phone requests are often when ready.
A few issuers will mail you a form to sign and return. Ask the representative whether your card issuer requires a form, and request it be sent to you when ready if they do. Keep a record of the date you called and the representative's name in case you need to follow up.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your card with your ID ready; most issuers process name changes in minutes over the phone.
- Many card issuers now offer name changes through their app or website, which typically takes one to three business days.
- You will receive a new physical card with your updated name in the mail within one to two weeks.
- Your account number and credit history stay the same when you change your name — only the cardholder name updates.
- Some issuers charge a small fee for a replacement card, though most waive it for name changes.
What happens after you request the change
Once you request a name change, the issuer updates your account when ready. Your new card will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. Until it arrives, you can still use your old card — the account number does not change, so your existing card remains active.
When your new card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the issuer's app. Destroy the old card by cutting it in half or shredding it. Some issuers ask you to return the old card, but most do not.
Situations where a name change takes longer
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, some issuers may ask for proof. Have a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change ready when you call. The issuer will tell you whether they need to see it before processing your request.
If you are changing your name on a joint account, both cardholders may need to approve the change. Call the issuer to find out their policy — some require both signatures on a form, while others allow one cardholder to make the change for both.
Updating other accounts linked to your card
After your new card arrives, update any automatic payments or recurring subscriptions that charge to this card. Log into each service — streaming apps, utilities, insurance, gym memberships — and enter your new card number and expiration date. This prevents declined charges when your old card stops working.
If you have set up your card in a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, the wallet will usually update automatically once your new card is activated. If it does not, remove the old card from the wallet and add the new one manually.
When you need to change the name on a business credit card
Business credit cards follow the same process as personal cards, but the account owner or an authorized representative must make the request. Call the business card customer service line and have your business tax ID or EIN ready. Some business card issuers require the account owner to sign a form before processing a name change.
If your business name changed, you may also need to update your business registration with the card issuer. Ask the representative whether they need a copy of your updated business license or DBA certificate.
Troubleshooting a delayed name change
If your new card does not arrive within two weeks, call customer service and provide the date you requested the change and the representative's name. Ask them to confirm the mailing address on file — if it is wrong, they can reissue the card to the correct address at no charge.
If you see charges on your account under your old name after the change is complete, this is normal for a few days while the system updates across all the issuer's systems. If the old name appears on statements more than a week after your new card arrives, contact customer service to confirm the change went through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my name on my credit card affect my credit score?
No. Your account number stays the same, so your credit history and score are not affected. The change is purely cosmetic — it updates only the name printed on the card and shown on your statements.
Do I have to pay a fee to change my name on my credit card?
Most issuers do not charge a fee for a name change. Some charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) for the replacement card itself, but many waive this fee when the change is due to marriage or a legal name change. Ask the representative before you confirm the request.
Can I change the name on my credit card if I am not the primary cardholder?
If you are an authorized user on someone else's card, you cannot change the primary cardholder's name. Only the primary cardholder or account owner can request this change. If you need your own card with your name on it, ask the primary cardholder to add you as a primary cardholder instead.
How long does it take to get a new card after requesting a name change?
Most issuers mail your new card within one to two weeks of your request. If you need the card sooner, ask the representative whether they offer expedited shipping — some charge a fee (usually $15 to $30) to deliver it in three to five business days.
What if my card issuer does not offer online name changes?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card. All major card issuers process name changes by phone, and it takes only a few minutes. If the issuer requires a form, ask them to email or mail it to you when ready so you can return it quickly.