Quote from: Bev on June 07, 2007, 07:50:39 PM
Cash is always good, and I use most of what I earn 
However, in a restuarant, or other passing-successfully situation, nothing says I'm Beverly Michelle like a credit card in that name.
SO true Bev!!! And sometimes, it might even be more than a point of convenience...! I've changed several of my credit cards to simply carrying my first name as the initial S - which is the same as my birth name. Because they're the same, the credit card companies/banks don't have a problem with it.
I frequent a small neighborhood bar that could most generously be described as 'biker trash'. As that reflects my own background and roots, I'm totally comfortable there. I used to go there several years ago for cheap but good dinner with my wife, and we always did just fine.
However, given my more 'masculenized' appearance now, and going there by myself for an after work drink or game, I feel much better knowing that when I give the bartender my credit card, all they see is S. XXXXXX, rather than an obvious woman's name.
I'm not quite yet in the position where I can change my name legally yet, but by simply having my credit cards changed to a first initial, it solves many issues, or at least leaves them safely ambiguous.
It's an easy change to make, without needing a SSN or SIN, (don't know what the UK equivalent is, sorry...), and doesn't require the legal name change, if you haven't done that yet. If the company
should ask why, if a female name, just say it's for personal protection. If a male name, you can always claim protection against identidy theft. Either way, you can always politely but firmly inform them that the reason is personal. Most cc companies will send you a letter to return to request the change, but that's no biggie - just a security measure.
And yes, I could just pay cash,

but as I live by my darn plastic everywhere else, why should I have to 'closet' myself with them, OR have them "out" me when I don't want it?
Scott
Mallard500