How to Change Your Name on Your Credit Report

• 

  websterp on 24/10/2022 - 14:11

  +4

  I called Equifax to see if there's a way to change the old name to my current legal name, but was told that that isn't possible, and the only way to change the name is to request my credit providers to perform a credit check using my current legal name.

  You have already answered your own question….

• 

  bobbieb on 24/10/2022 - 14:29

  For example, if I were to sign up for a new credit card online, how am I supposed to do this? It seems as though that due to certain personal details matching up, such as my family name and date of birth, the credit providers are just performing a credit check using my old details.

  The credit bureaus are smart enough to detect this sort of thing and handle it correctly. You've already changed your name on your existing accounts, right? If so, the data that the Banks send them regularly should have updated your file.

  If you really wanna test your luck, don't declare one of your current credit cards/loans on your next application & see whether they catch you out.

  • 

    nottodaysunshine on 24/10/2022 - 14:57

    So if someone changed their name they could apply for fresh credit on a new slate?

    I'm asking for a friend (Obviously:))

    • 

      wcm8382 on 24/10/2022 - 15:15

      It most likely won't work in this scenario because there's enough systems in place to detect that it's the same person. The issue I'm facing is that my credit report has not updated my name for over 15 years, despite having used this name for this period when applying for credit.

      • 

        backpaqer on 25/10/2022 - 14:31

        There's lots of matching done behind the scenes…they know who you are, who you were, who you will be. Big brother loves you.

    • 

      bobbieb on 24/10/2022 - 16:13

      Hahaha… easier said than done. You'd have to seriously cut & run. Update your address at your bank, and the credit file will link back up.

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  wcm8382 on 24/10/2022 - 15:02

  Thanks for your suggestion. You're right, the bank's data should have updated my credit file, but it hasn't. Not for over 15 years. I might have to omit some info on my next credit application to see if this changes things.

  • 

    nottodaysunshine on 24/10/2022 - 15:10

    Do you have 2 files, 1 for each name? Also, how many banks are you with?

    I'm hope you fix it!

    • 

      wcm8382 on 24/10/2022 - 15:18

      I only have one file and I'm with several different banks. Based on my limited research, the current name should have replaced the old one without creating a completely new file, while still showing the old name beneath the new one.

      • 

        nottodaysunshine on 24/10/2022 - 15:19

        Ah, I see. It's odd that none of the banks have triggered the name to be changed. Not your fault of course, just odd. I'm intrigued on how this system works, it's all news to me!

        • 

          wcm8382 on 24/10/2022 - 15:31

          @nottodaysunshine: I'm intrigued just as much as you are. What I've gathered so far is that the bank's are relying on certain data to match you to a certain credit file, and it works flawlessly for the vast majority of the time. For me, even though the name is different, there's enough data parameters for the banks to positively identify that it's still the same person, and that's why they continue to approve my credit applications. I just haven't figured out why name hasn't automatically been amended.

          • 

            bobbieb on 24/10/2022 - 16:02

            @wcm8382: It seems to be working out in your favor… Do you have reason to believe that your applications should be rejected? (Credit card assessments tend to be relatively simple. IE. How much do you owe including credit limits vs how much do your earn.)

            If you do find yourself rejected, or having other issues, this is when you can assert your rights under the credit acts. The finance provider is obliged to provide you with a report of the data that was used to decision your application and facilitate any corrections to the data that they were given by the credit bureaus.

            • 

              wcm8382 on 24/10/2022 - 17:20

              @bobbieb: As you say, it does seem like the system has been working mostly in my favor, in that I've rarely had any credit applications rejected, and based on my credit history, I don't have any reasons to believe that my applications should be rejected.

              On the rare occasion when my application did get rejected, I did ask myself if it could have been due to the credit provider performing a credit check using my current name, and not my old name. If this was the case, I can understand why my application was rejected as there is no separate credit history to my new name.

              Regardless of what the actual reason was, I have a right for the credit report to have my correct name on file.

              • 

                bobbieb on 24/10/2022 - 18:02

                @wcm8382:

                Regardless of what the actual reason was, I have a right for the credit report to have my correct name on file.

                As I mentioned, if you have been rejected, that is the best opportunity to see the details & request that it be corrected.

                As you have found, the government has dumped most of the responsibly for this on the financial institutions - the credit bureaus aren't well equipped to deal with these requests from the public, since this isn't the prescribed process.

• 

  mskeggs on 24/10/2022 - 16:07

  What is the actual concern here?
  The credit agencies don't care what your name is, your primary key in their database is unique and continues to identify your applications.

  I agree it would be annoying to see an old name on a credit report website, but apart from that it doesn't seem to be impacting you negatively - just don't look at the credit report sites? But if you want it changed, your wishes should be respected.

  If it were me, I would ask them to confirm in writing they intend to make no effort to comply with APP13.
  https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principle…

  You might have to direct this to their privacy officer to get some action, but they should take it seriously.
  If not, lodge a complaint with the OIAC.

  • 

    wcm8382 on 24/10/2022 - 17:34

    Thank you for sharing those excellent suggestions. I'll explore all of them further.

    My main concern is that due to my name not being updated on my credit file, it may have a negative effect on me when the credit provider actually attempts to perform a credit check using my current name, which has no credit history tied to it. My only wish is for the credit agencies to update my name on my current credit file, in order to minimise any chance of rejection issues arising. So far, I've had minimal issues in regards to rejections, but like you said, the agencies should respect my wishes for this to be corrected.

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  brad1-8tsi on 24/10/2022 - 17:59

  Credit report means SFA.

  I have an 850+ rating and I can't get a credit card due to a perceived inability to service the loan. I'm retired and living off my "emergency fund" while the markets are a bit low.

  It's all about cashflow.

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  88mph on 24/10/2022 - 22:39

  Op, don't worry, similar boat as you. Migrated here with a long traditional name, a week after citizenship, shortened first name by half and got rid of middle names - this was a really long time ago, and all banks & gov agencies updated. Yet, at every refinance cashback deal, new bank asks very politely to explain "two me's on my credit file" - provide them a copy of my name change certificate, and things move on smoothly. Credit card churning has never hit a snag, yet, though I only churn twice a year or so - not like the pros here.

  Live with it, I have for a really long time, doesn't seem to hinder daily life.

  • 

    wcm8382 on 25/10/2022 - 00:12

    Thanks for sharing your personal experience. A bit annoying but it's something I can live with.

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  miwahni on 24/10/2022 - 23:21

  The system is working the way it is designed to work. Your new name should show as a cross reference on your report, so that all enquiries done under your new name will be reflected. The report will show the data that was used to cross reference the two files eg date of birth, licence number, current / previous address, gender etc. It should not affect your ability to borrow. Not sure if this information shows on the report that consumers can obtain but it definitely shows on the reports sent to financial institutions.

  The next time you apply for something, ask the bank if they are able to lodge a data amendment request, although if the reports are cross matched as mentioned it's unlikely to be actioned.

  • 

    wcm8382 on 25/10/2022 - 00:15

    Thank you for your explanation in regards to the system's mechanism. It makes more sense to me now.