Change Your Name on Bank Accounts & Credit Cards (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

Changing your name on bank accounts and credit cards is a critical step after marriage, divorce, or a court-ordered legal name change. Keeping your financial accounts updated ensures paychecks, deposits, and payments are processed correctly—and helps you avoid identity mismatches or account disruptions. This step-by-step guide explains:

1. The documents you need
2. The best order to update your name
3. How major U.S. banks and credit card issuers handle name changes
4. Practical tips to save time and avoid delays

For guidance on updating your name with the IRS, see our related tax-update guide here.

Documents Checklist: What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these documents:

• Certified name-change document, such as:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court-ordered name change
• Updated Social Security card showing your new legal name
• Updated government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Passport

The Best Order to Update Your Name

1. Social Security Administration (SSA): Update your name first so it matches federal records. See our SSA name-change guide for marriage or divorce.
2. Driver’s License or State ID: Your photo ID must reflect your new legal name. See our DMV name-change guide for marriage or divorce.
3. Passport: In most cases, this can be updated before or after your driver’s license. See our passport name-change guide for marriage or divorce.
4. Bank Accounts: Checking, savings, debit cards, and checks.
5. Credit Cards: Issuer-specific or bank-issued cards.

How to Change Your Name at Major Banks?

Chase

• Complete the name-change form online here.
• Select the reason for your name change, enter your new name, and provide an updated signature.
• Prepare copies of:
  • Your official name-change document
  • Your updated photo ID
• Submit the form online, by fax, or by mail.
• Some account types may require in-person submission at your local branch. To make an appointment, click here.

Wells Fargo

• Typically requires an in-person branch visit.
• Schedule an appointment through your online account here.
• Bring:
  • Your official name-change document
  • Your updated photo ID New debit and credit cards generally arrive within 1–2 weeks.

Bank of America

• Commonly in person (or by mail if located far from a branch) at a branch
• 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

• Requires a branch appointment.
• Schedule online by navigating to account support and selecting an in-branch meeting here.
• Bring:
  • Your official name-change document
  • Your updated photo ID
• New debit or ATM cards typically arrive 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

• Log in to your account here.
• Navigate to Account Services → Profile → Change Name.
• Upload:
  • Your official name-change document
  • Your updated photo ID
• Replacement cards usually arrive within 1–2 weeks.

Discover

• Call the number on the back of your card or customer service.
• Inform the representative you are requesting a legal name change.
• Provide:
  • Your official name-change document
  • Your updated photo 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

1. Batch updates: Update all products at one bank in a single visit.
2. Call ahead: Requirements vary by branch—confirm what documents are needed.
3. Keep records: Save confirmation emails and note expected delivery dates for new cards.
4. Travel planning: If you have upcoming travel booked under your former name, keep one card temporarily until travel is complete.
5. Autopay check: Update direct deposit and recurring payments after your profile is changed.

Start Your Name Change the Easy Way

HitchSwitch simplifies the entire name-change process—from government agencies to financial institutions—so nothing falls through the cracks. Get started at HitchSwitch.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need my updated Social Security card before going to the bank? Yes. Most banks require your SSA record to be updated first so your name matches federal databases.
2. Can I upload or mail documents instead of visiting a branch? Sometimes. Policies vary by bank and account type. Check your online portal or call ahead.
3. Will my account numbers change? Varies. Only your profile name and the name printed on cards or checks are updated.
4. How long does it take to receive new cards? Most banks ship replacement cards within 7–10 business days. Expedited shipping may be available.
5. What about joint accounts? Your co-account holder does not need to change their name. Only your individual profile is updated.