Topic: Has anyone had problems with Citibank "True Name" Initiative?

[TXSara]

Hi everyone --

I normally don't use credit cards, but I decided to get a Citibank Mastercard recently for the sole purpose of being able to use "True Name" to get my name changed on that card prior to getting my name / gender marker changed legally in the state of TX.

Right now, I avoid using my debit card when I go out for obvious reasons, and I end up having to use cash all the time.  I hate that.

The website said I couldn't change the name WHEN I opened the account, but that I would be able to do it as soon as I received the card.  OK, well I received the card, and I talk to customer service and it's like "crickets chirping."  With as much fanfare as Citibank added this policy, you would think that this would not be an "off the wall" request.

Has anyone else had problems?  I have been on the phone with these people for nearly an hour.

~Sara

[Devlyn]

https://online.citi.com/US/JRS/portal/template.do?ID=update-my-name

Does this help? People aren't nearly as cooperative as online systems. Immigration officers give me endless grief entering the UK, but the E-gates let me right in.

[Iztaccihuatl]

Have you tried to ask for a ‘spouse’ card? I don’t think there is any credit check since the number will be the same and who cares if the bank thinks you are your own spouse?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TXSara]

https://online.citi.com/US/JRS/portal/template.do?ID=update-my-name

Does this help? People aren't nearly as cooperative as online systems. Immigration officers give me endless grief entering the UK, but the E-gates let me right in.

You would think it would be that easy, right?  The options they "say" should be available are actually not there.  I ended up having to talk to a customer service rep, and that has been a complete goat rope (not sure if that's just a Texas saying  ).

I finally talked to the supervisor, who also didn't know, but at least she tried to call me back.  Of course, I didn't hear it because the phone was on vibrate, so I get to go through the whole thing all over again.  Joy.

~Sara

[Iztaccihuatl]

I do have a Citibank credit card and the option is there (in the profile under contact information) to enter a preferred name with a checkbox to request a new card in your preferred name.

Heidemarie

[TXSara]

I do have a Citibank credit card and the option is there (in the profile under contact information) to enter a preferred name with a checkbox to request a new card in your preferred name.

Hmmm... I have no such option.  I wonder if it is because this is a "new" card vs. one that was previously issued?  I'd like to understand the rules. 

At least it's nice to know that the option DOES exist -- I guess it just doesn't exist for my card.  Weird.  I'll have to talk to them yet again, but I have the tired head right now.  I'll have to do this all over again on Monday.

~Sara

[TXSara]

OK, an update...

I decided to go ahead and try to slog through calling back and getting sent around from representative to representative.  I got lucky, and was eventually sent back to the original supervisor who I had previously worked with.

She said that there was something wrong with the system and she had filed a complaint about it.  In the meantime, she found another way of getting that information updated, so we went ahead and did that.  I should be getting my "Sara" card in 4-7 business days.  Finally!

Hopefully this helps someone else, but it seems like it is more of a glitch than anything else.  It will likely get fixed soon, and none of you guys will have the problem.

~Sara

[Jessica_Rose]

Yea! A small victory, but still a victory. I know some people who just use their initials, of course that only works if your preferred name uses the same initials as your legal name. Once you get a legal name change, don't forget to contact the credit bureaus. I'm still struggling with Equifax, and I changed my name over four years ago.

Love always -- Jessica Rose