In order to change your name with the credit bureaus, you must first file any legal name change forms that your state requires and update your Social Security card. Then, update your name with your creditors. The new information will appear on your reports.
When you change your name, youll want to make sure all the businesses you work with have your new information. If you’ve changed your name, you should let all of your creditors know so that the change shows up on your credit report. Also, ask them if there are any forms or paperwork you need to fill out so that their records are up to date.
Though changing your name wont impact your credit, you should know what to look out for and take all the proper steps to ensure youre able to use your new name without issue.
Changing your name is a major milestone in life, whether it’s due to marriage, divorce, or just wanting a fresh start But what happens to your credit history when you change your name? Can you erase bad credit by changing your name? Here’s what you need to know.
Your Credit Reports Go By More Than Just Your Name
When you change your name, your credit reports don’t just magically reset. Credit reporting agencies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion use more than just your name to identify you. The key identifier is your Social Security number, which stays the same even after a name change.
So while your name might change the accounts tied to your Social Security number remain the same. A name change does not clear your credit history.
How Credit Bureaus Handle a Name Change
When you legally change your name, you need to report it to creditors like your credit card company, student loan provider, mortgage lender, etc. They will then report your new name to the credit bureaus.
They will add your new name to your credit report, but they won’t get rid of any accounts that are linked to your old name. So both your old name(s) and your new name will show up on your credit reports.
You won’t get a new credit report just because you change your name. Any past due bills, collections, or bankruptcies that happened under your old name will still be used to figure out your new name credit score.
Steps to Report a Name Change
Follow these steps to make sure your name change is properly reported:
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File the legal name change paperwork in your state. Contact the courthouse for specifics.
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Get an updated Social Security card showing your new name.
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Change your name on IDs like your driver’s license, passport, etc.
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Contact all creditors and financial accounts to update them with your new name. Provide any documentation they require.
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Check your credit reports a few months later to verify your new name is listed. Dispute any errors.
When a New Credit File Could Be Created
When you change your name, your credit report might be made over and your old credit history might not be included. This could happen if:
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You change your name but don’t properly update creditors and the credit bureaus. They may think you are a different person.
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You change your gender along with your name. If not updated properly, a new file could be created.
Talk to creditors and credit bureaus a lot during the name change process so that your new credit file doesn’t look very good or not at all. Do not just close or delete your accounts; make sure they are updated.
Impact on Your Credit Score
A name change alone will not directly affect your credit score either positively or negatively. But if you don’t manage the name change process carefully, it could result in errors or a new thin credit file that hurts your credit.
To keep your score intact, be proactive in reporting your name change and checking for errors afterwards. Also continue practicing good credit habits like paying bills on time under your new name.
When a Name Change Is Reported on Your Credit Reports
Even when done properly, your credit reports will still show your previous name(s) and any accounts tied to them. Accounts you open after the name change will start being reported under the new name.
For example, let’s say your credit report includes:
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Credit card from 2015 opened under name “Jane Doe”
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Student loan from 2017 under name “Jane Doe”
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Mortgage from 2022 under new name “Jane Smith”
This shows the transition from your old name to new name on your credit reports. While inconvenient, it’s important to have your full credit history accessible under your new identity.
Tips for Managing Credit During a Name Change
To make the name change process as smooth as possible:
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Legally change your name first and update IDs.
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Notify creditors second and submit any required docs.
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Check credit reports a few months later to verify updates.
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Consider waiting to apply for new credit right after changing your name. Lenders may get confused by the recent updates.
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If you have no credit history under new name, ask lenders to review history under old name too.
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Continue practicing good credit habits like paying bills on time to keep score intact.
Special Case: Name Changes Due to Marriage
When you change your name due to marriage, the process is fairly straightforward:
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Update your name on financial accounts using your marriage certificate.
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Joint accounts can be updated to new shared marital name.
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Your individual accounts can retain maiden name or change. Up to you!
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Check credit reports after 3 months to ensure proper updates.
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Your credit score will not be affected by a marital name change.
The Takeaway: Your Credit History Stays With You
While our names can change, our financial histories cannot be easily erased. A name change does not automatically clear your credit reports and credit score. Those are tied to your SSN rather than your name.
So if your goal is improving your credit, the name change itself accomplishes little. The hard work comes from consistently paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, monitoring your credit reports, and practicing other healthy credit habits.
Your credit belongs to you, no matter what name you go by!
Update Your Social Security Card
When you apply for a new Social Security card, the Social Security Administration will need proof that your name has changed. Documents that prove a legal name change include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, certificate of naturalization or court order for a name change.
Update Financial and Company Accounts
Once youve followed all the steps to legally change your name and update your identification, inform any companies you have accounts with of the change. You should get in touch with all of them, from Amazon to your doctor’s office to your bank. But the most important ones are the ones that have to do with money.
Keep in mind that although the steps outlined above are usually required to legally change your name, you may not have to go that far if, for instance, you just want to start using your nickname on certain documents. You could change your name or adopt a nickname to use with other people, but you would still need to keep your legal name on important documents.
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FAQ
Does changing your name reset your credit?
Even though changing your name won’t change your credit score, you should report the name change after it’s been officially changed to your financial institutions, like your credit card issuer, student loan provider or mortgage lender.
Does changing name clear debt?
Being married or getting divorced are just two of the many reasons you might want to change your name. However, some people may see changing their name as a way out of problem debt. This is not the case.
Will I get a new credit report if I change my name?
Will changing my name affect my credit rating? No — not if you tell all record holders about your new name. If someone needs to check your credit, they should ask you for all the names you’ve had in the last 6 years.
Can you erase your credit history?
Usually not. Companies that promise to repair your credit can’t remove true information. But negative information does go away over time.