A cardholder name is the name of the account holder or authorized user, printed or embossed on a debit or credit card. It helps ensure that transactions are linked to the correct account. However, it may not be the same as the individual’s legal name.
While it is typically no longer common for a merchant to verify a cardholder name with a person’s identification, many merchants do reserve the right to refuse a purchase if the name on the card does not match a person’s actual name. Learn more about cardholder names and the role they play in your financial life.
Key Points
• A cardholder name is the name of the account holder or authorized user embossed or printed on a debit or credit card, linking transactions to the correct account.
• It may differ from the legal name due to typos or name variations, but it can be important to have that corrected.
• Merchants can refuse purchases if the cardholder name doesn’t match the ID.
• Cardholder names are crucial for aligning transactions with accounts.
• Name changes or misspellings can be corrected by contacting the bank for a new card.
Definition and Importance of Cardholder Name
When you open a bank account, you will enter your personal information, including your legal name, as part of the account opening process. Depending on the type of account that you open, your bank may send you a credit or debit card to more easily make transactions on your account. In most cases, the name on your account will be embossed or printed on your card — this is referred to as your cardholder name.
While most of the time, your cardholder name is also your full and legal name, that is not always the case.
• You may use a nickname (say, Jon Smith vs. Jonathan F. Smith) or other variation of your name. For instance, people with a hyphenated last name may not use both of those names.
• In some cases, you may change your name after opening the account (often in cases of a marriage or divorce).
• It may be that you made a typo or misspelled your name when you opened the account. (You can typically correct that and have a new corrected card issued to avoid problems.)
In most cases, with bank accounts and credit card accounts, you must use your legal name. This is part of efforts to prevent bank fraud and money laundering. That said, in some instances, you may be able to use, say, a preferred first name vs. your legal first name.
What’s more, merchants do reserve the right to deny a purchase if there’s a mismatch between the name on the card and a person’s name (say, on their ID) when they are using a debit card or a credit card.
For these reasons, it can be a wise move to make sure your cardholder name matches your legal name.
Cardholder names are important because they help align the transactions made with your card and your account, whether that may be your checking account (in the case of a debit card) or your line of credit (with a credit card).
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Where to Find Your Cardholder Name
The most obvious place to find your cardholder name is on the front of your credit or debit card itself. It is often embossed (or raised), but many cards today show the cardholder name with the letters printed vs. being raised.
If you have lost your card or don’t have immediate access to it and want to check your cardholder name, you may also be able to find it in your online banking account.
Common Issues With Cardholder Names
While it’s common for a cardholder’s legal name to be their cardholder name, there are a few times when this might not be the case.
Misspellings and Variations
Occasionally you may apply for a new credit or debit card with a variation of your full legal name. You may also make a typo on your application, causing the bank to send you a card with a misspelling of your name. While technically you may be able to use your debit or credit card with a name that is not your full and legal name, it’s wise to contact your bank or financial institution to get a replacement card with your correct name.
Married Names and Name Changes
Legally changing your name (such as when you get married or divorced) may cause your cardholder name to be different from your new legal name. While it is common for people to contact their financial institution to update the name on their account (and debit or credit card), it may not be required.
It can be a smart idea to have your cardholder name updated to match your new legal name at your earliest convenience. To update the name on your account as well as your cardholder name, contact your bank or credit union (or your credit card issuer). They can usually change the name on your account as well as ship you a new card with your updated name.
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Cardholder Name vs. Authorized User
Many credit card and other financial accounts allow the primary account holder to add authorized users to their account. A fact about debit cards and credit cards is that an authorized user is someone who can use the card to make purchases but ultimately is not responsible for the account or the debt.
Here are some points to know about this arrangement:
• Generally, each authorized user who is added to an account will receive their own card with their own cardholder name.
• In some cases, an authorized user’s card will have the same card number as the primary account holder, while other times each authorized user has a different credit or debit card number.
Regardless, when adding an authorized user to an account, be sure you trust the person to use the card responsibly as it’s your personal finances on the line.
Protecting Your Identity: Best Practices
Identity theft is a real and growing concern, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) receiving more than one million reports of this problem via its website in 2023. It’s smart to take precautions to safeguard your personal details to avoid this scenario and related bank fraud.
One best practice for protecting your identity is to make sure to shield your credit or debit card from unauthorized use. Avoid giving out your debit card’s personal identification number, or PIN, and don’t lend your cards to people.
If you’re a frequent online shopper or place orders by phone, you might look into using what are known as virtual card numbers to further protect your account. Many credit cards offer the ability to generate these virtual card numbers which are good for a one-time use. They are typically created via a browser extension or an app.
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The Takeaway
Most credit and debit cards have the name of the account holder or authorized user embossed or printed on the card, as a way to ensure that only the correct person with privileges uses the card. While often the cardholder name is the full and legal name of the account holder, that is not always the case if, say, you have recently changed your name or you use a variation of your name. In these instances, you may want to update your card so it reflects your legal name.
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FAQ
Can my cardholder name be different from my legal name?
Yes, the name on your card may differ from your full and legal name and you may be able to still use your card to make purchases or withdraw money. However, it can be wise to have your card updated if, say, you changed your name when you got married or if your name was accidentally misspelled. Your bank or card issuer can revise your account information and send you a new card with an updated cardholder name.
What should I do if my cardholder name is incorrect?
While you may be able to make purchases with the card and be legally liable for any purchases made to your account, even if the name is not your full and legal name, it’s wise to update it. You can contact your bank, credit union, or other financial institution. They will be able to send you an updated card, usually at no cost to you.
How does my cardholder name affect online purchases?
When using a debit card or a credit card online, you will usually be asked to enter your cardholder name during checkout. You may also need to enter your name to register as a customer. While in most cases your legal name and your cardholder name match, if not, you’ll want to make sure to type in the name that is actually printed on your credit or debit card when you are entering your payment information. If the name on your card differs from your legal name, you may want to have your cardholder name updated to align with it.
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