Change Your Name on Bank Accounts & Credit Cards (Guide)

Changing your name on bank accounts and credit cards is a key step after marriage or divorce. Updating financial accounts keeps paychecks, deposits, and payments running smoothly and prevents ID mismatches. This guide shows the documents you’ll need, the order to tackle updates, how major banks handle name changes, and tips to save time. For a look at how to change your taxes, click here.

Documents Checklist: What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these documents: Certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your new legal name Updated Social Security card (with your new name) Updated government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or state ID) Pro Tip: Order 2–3 certified copies of your name-change document. This allows you to update multiple institutions at once.

The Best Order to Update Your Name

1. Social Security Administration (SSA) → get your updated SS card. For more information, please visit our blog here.
2. Driver’s license / state ID → so your photo ID matches your new name.  For more information, please visit our blog here.
3. Passport (you can update before or after your driver’s license in most states).  For more information, please  visit our blog here
4. Bank accounts (checking, savings, debit cards, checks)
5. Credit cards (issuer or bank)

How to Change Your Name at Major Banks?

Most banks require in-person verification with your updated ID and legal name-change document. Some offer mail-in or online options depending on account type and location.

Chase

• Please review and complete the name change form here.
• Complete the form, select the reason for the name change, input your new name(s), and your new signature in the required fields.
• Prepare digital or photocopies of:
  • Your Official Name Change Document (Marriage Certificate,
    Divorce Decree, or Name Change Order)
  • Your New Photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID).
• Submit online, fax, or by mail.
• Some account types may require in-person submission at your local branch. To make an appointment, click here.

Wells Fargo

• Commonly in person at a branch
• To initiate the name update process at Wells Fargo please log in to your account here to schedule an in-person appointment.
• Bring the following documents:
  • Your Official Name Change Document (Marriage Certificate,
    Divorce Decree, or Name Change Order)
  • Your New Photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID).
• Your name will be updated, and you can expect to receive a new credit card, debit card, etc., within 1-2 weeks.

Bank of America

• Commonly in person (or by mail if located far from a branch) at a branch
• To initiate the name update process at BOA, please log in to your account here. Select “Personal” then “Update a Name on the Account.”
• Bring the following documents:
  • Your Official Name Change Document (Marriage Certificate,
    Divorce Decree, or Name Change Order)
  • Your New Photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID).
• Your name will be updated, and a BOA representative will order new credit or debit cards.

Citi

• In order to update your name on your Citibank account, please visit your local branch.
• Please click here to make an appointment.
• Please follow the on-screen prompts. Choose “Yes,” sign in to your account, and follow the online prompts. In the section labeled “Let’s talk about…” click “Help with my accounts or something else,” click “account updates and questions,” click “meet at a branch,” and schedule your appointment.
• Bring the following documents:
  • Your Official Name Change Document (Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Name Change Order).
  • Your New Photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID).
• Your name will be updated, and you can expect to receive a new debit or atm card within 1-2 weeks.

Tip: If you hold a bank account and credit card with the same bank (e.g., Chase checking + Chase Sapphire), ask to update all accounts in one shot.

How to Change Your Name On Major Credit Cards?

American Express

• In order to update your name on any of your Amex accounts, please log in to your account with your personal credentials, which can be accessed by clicking here.
• Click Account Services, Profile, and “Change Name.”
• Input the required fields and upload the following documents:
  • Your Official Name Change Document (Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Name Change Order).
  • Your New Photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID).
• Your name will be updated, and you can expect to receive a credit card within 1-2 weeks.

Discover

• Please call the number on the back of your credit card or dial 1-800-347-2683.
• Notify the representative that you need to update your account name due to a legal
  name change (e.g., marriage, divorce, or court order).
• Provide proof:
  • Your Official Name Change Document (Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Name Change Order).
  • Your New Photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID).

Visa / Mastercard (Bank-Issued)

• Follow your issuing bank’s process (e.g., Chase, Citi, Bank of America)
• The name on your card changes when the bank updates your profile

Time-Saving Tips

• Batch updates: If one bank handles multiple products for you, update all at once.
• Call ahead: Requirements vary by branch; confirm what to bring.
• Keep records: Save confirmation emails/letters and note when new cards are expected.
• Keep one card in your former name (temporarily) if you have near-term travel booked in that name.
• Update direct deposit & autopay after your profile is changed to avoid payment hiccups.

 

Start your name change the easy way at HitchSwitch.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my updated Social Security card before going to the bank?

• Yes. Most banks want your SSA record and card updated first so your profile matches government records.

Can I mail or upload documents instead of visiting a branch?

• Sometimes. Policies vary by bank and account type. Call your branch or check your online portal.

Will my account numbers change?

• Usually, no—just your profile name and the name printed on cards/checks.

How long does it take to get new cards?

• Many banks ship within 7–10 business days (expedited shipping may be available).

What about joint accounts?

• Your co-owner doesn’t need to change their name; only your profile is updated.