Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I am sure plenty have faced this dilemma, you are out shopping and find something you really want, not enough cash, don't want to use a debit card, plenty of credit cards all in a name that doesn't  match your presentation by a country mile. About 99% of the time I am hardly asked for an ID. On occasion, some stores suddenly will. With my luck, I know exactly when the policy will change, when I have that gorgeous dress on my arm  :o

Do you roll the dice? Bite the bullet if called on the name & ID? Apply for a second card in your alternate name but still no ID for it? Or, use the fear of exposure as a means of not blowing the budget?  >:-)

I remember this issue. My solution was to jump through the hoops and legally change my name. Problem solved.

I changed my credit cards to just initials for first and middle names.. only my credit card company knows my real first name so i am actually more protected legally from identity theft

Quote from: Gretchen on March 25, 2012, 07:12:59 AM
I remember this issue. My solution was to jump through the hoops and legally change my name. Problem solved.

The simple answer, if I was full time or planning on it soon. However that is not the case with me. Transitioning to full-time is not in the cards right now, if ever.

When I was passing but had cards in my old name it was generally assumed that I was using my mom's or girlfriend's card. If I got called on it I'd produce my ID and just deal with the laughs or glares or whatever, and if the person was confused I'd bluntly and briefly mention that I'm trans.

I also avoided paying with plastic whenever possible.

Almost everything here in Oz requires plastic - I am considering asking my bank to put my initials on my card and remove like Amazon D suggested.

I had just posted on this topic in another area.

I just got my credit card in my male name 2 days ago. Got it by a simple request for another "authorized user." Have yet to use it except for an online purchase. (That in itself will be nice, just to order stuff and have it delivered in the correct name.)

I never get ID'd in general, but you are correct, I do run that risk!

My plan if that happens is to suck it up, fumble around and pull out the one with my legal name and say "Here, let's use this one." Not a very good plan, I admit!

Like when Austin Powers is getting lowered into the pool of piranhas (or whatever) with the agonizingly-slow-dipping-mechanism, and Girl says, "Austin, come up with a plan!" And he says, "My plan is to soil myself, regroup, and then come up with another plan!"

Heh.... i went out en femme for the first time recently and and bought dinner for everyone and just produced "his" card without a second thought..... I didn't have any issues, but i'd better think that scenario through a little better next time.

Normally I buy my stuff on the internet - im lazy and despise shopping regardless - but on the seldom occassions that I do go to the shops and pay by plastic, I made sure that my latest card (and debit card) just has my first initial and surname.

I took the plunge a few weeks ago and started using my Debit Card that has my male name on it cause up to then I was going the cash route too. Wasn't a big deal but it helps that I don't pass so it's not like using it outs me.  If it did out me, well, I'd be talking about a whole other story I imagine.

Before and even after we were married by wife had no problems just using my card. I think once she got called on it and she simply said it's my husband or boyfriends. That was it. Normally I wouldn't be worried since 99.999% of the time nobody looks at anything. As long as the great god of the electron says OK, it's a sale. 

During the past few years a store will suddenly have signatures looked at or ask for an ID. Initials are a nice way to go on the card, generally speaking. It just won't work for a drivers license where the full legal name appears. A name which might not always match ones presentation.

Debit / Check cards I haven't experienced anyone checking on them. Probably the additional layer of security from the PIN.

I have begun to really worry about this lately. My presentation and my appearance is so radically different than my ids and my debit card (which also has my picture on it). My first order of business when I get back to my home state is to see about at least getting new pictures taken, so it wont be quite so bad. Will still have old name listed, but at least I will look more like the person on the card.

Heh, I usually just use my card and if they asked for my ID, I would show it to them. If they give me a funny look I just give them one back. Personally I think it's pretty hilarious to make cashiers horribly uncomfortable. I'm probably a weirdo.

...Of course nobody has ever asked to look at my ID when I buy anything.

Well I did something different.  You know all the credit card mailings you get?  I filled two out and low and behold both gave me a credit card.  Then I went to Macy's and with one of the others I applied for a Macy's card now I have that too.  I have been using them for over 4 years.

I also (just in case they card me) carry my home made drivers licence with my Vicky photo in it. Was not hard to do with photo shop and I bought a laminator and have a very realistic Drivers License.  I always carry my male drivers licensee in my wallet just in case I get pulled over. 

So over all the transactions the last four years (200+ times?) with my credit cards or Macy's I have been asked for my licence a total of......two times!  Both times I proudly open my wallet and showed the SA my DL and no big deal.

I highly recomend it.