Citi is the first big bank to provide cardholders the chance to choose the name listed on their credit card, more than a year after Mastercard unveiled the “True Name” initiative.
In a news statement, Carla Hassan, Citi’s CMO, said, “We’re incredibly proud to launch the True Name feature, through our relationship with Mastercard, because we strongly believe that our customers should have the opportunity to be called by the name that represents who they really are.”
True Name intends to assist members of the LGBTQ+ community, notably trans and non-binary persons, by allowing them to use their self-identified first name on financial goods. This new function may help alleviate the discrimination that many trans and non-binary communities confront when using a credit card to make purchases.
According to the National Center for Transgender Equality research, nearly a third (32%) of people who showed IDs with a name or gender that did not match their appearance had bad experiences, such as being harassed, denied services, and/or attacked.
Cheryl Guerin, EVP of marketing and communications at Mastercard, said, “Since introducing the True Name feature, we’ve received incredible feedback from our partners and allies within the transgender and non-binary communities on how the capability has eased a major pain point in their lives.”
True Name will be available on qualifying Citi credit cards in the United States and Citi’s servicing channels. The Citi® Double Cash Card, Citi Rewards+® Card, and Citi Costco Anywhere Visa® Card are all eligible.
Existing Citi cardholders eligible can request a replacement card by visiting citi.com/updatemyname, which is available now. Cardholders will be able to submit requests to Citi customer service personnel through phone, internet, or mobile.
