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Credit Advice
Topics addressed on May 25, 2011:
Changing your name on your credit report
Dear Experian,
I have changed my name through naturalization. How can I change my name in my credit report?
- SLY
Dear SLY,
All you have to do is have your lenders change the name on your existing accounts. Your new name will be updated automatically when the account information is next reported, usually at the end of the billing cycle.
Opening a new account will also cause your new name to be added to your credit history when it is reported by the new lender.
Your previous name will continue to be reported with your credit history, but your new name will become the primary name on the report. Experian lists all names and name variations associated with your identifying information so that you have a complete record of what has been reported. Doing so enables you to identify potential fraud, but also gives you a complete and accurate record of what your lenders are providing.
Thanks for asking.
- The "Ask Experian" team