How Transgender Clients Can Use Their Chosen Name on Their Credit Cards
Citi now offers True Name credit and debit cards that are designed for transgender and non-binary people, allowing them to use their chosen name in place of their official names. Now that the second largest bank supports the True Name program, more customers can use this feature.
How it works
Transgender and non-binary people can face criticism for using a card that does not reflect their true identity. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, nearly a third of respondents who presented ID cards with a name or gender that did not match their gender were verbally abused, denied service, asked to leave, or were attacked.
There is also a punitive financial aspect. More than a third of transgender people have not legally changed their name because they cannot afford it, as it costs between $ 100 and $ 250, although, according to the survey, sometimes $ 1,000 or more.
Mastercard launched True Name in June 2019 to make it easier for transgender and non-binary people to pay for services without being harassed. When opening an account, the customer will be asked what name should appear on his debit or credit card, even if he has not yet changed his name legally. (Clients are not asked to identify themselves as transgender or non-binary in order to receive a True Name card.)
After registration, a new card will be delivered within the next 4-7 business days. After changing the name, the client will be referred to this name when contacting the bank via the Internet or by phone. If the merchant objects to a credit card that doesn’t match the buyer’s ID, they can call the number on the back of the card to verify your identity.
Not all cards are the same
Unfortunately, marketing for this product does not address the fact that many Citi cards do not meet True Name criteria. According to Business Insider , small business and corporate cards are not accepted with the following co-branded credit cards:
- Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard
- Wayfair Mastercard
- My Best Buy Visa Card
- LLBean Mastercard
- Buy Mastercard Your Way
- Platinum Mastercard Brooks Brothers
- Meijer Mastercard