Congratulations on your marriage! It’s an exciting time, but you might be wondering about the practicalities of changing your name, especially with your modern banking apps. Digital banks like Monzo, Starling, and Revolut have revolutionised how we manage our money, but how straightforward is it to update your new married name with them?
Unlike traditional high street banks, digital banks often have a slightly different process. But rest assured, it’s usually quite efficient. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to smoothly change your name with these popular digital banking providers in the UK, ensuring your finances reflect your new identity.
What Documents Do You Need?
Before you contact your digital bank, make sure you have the right documents to hand. The most important document will be your UK marriage certificate. This is the primary proof of your name change. For UK citizens, this certificate is issued by the General Register Office (GRO) or local register office where you married.
Some banks might also ask for photo identification that has already been updated with your new name, such as your passport or driving licence. While you don't necessarily need these updated first, having them ready can sometimes speed up the process or satisfy additional security checks.
Changing Your Name with Monzo
Monzo prides itself on its user-friendly app and customer service. To change your name, you’ll typically need to get in touch with their support team through the app's chat function. They will guide you through the specific steps, which usually involve uploading a clear photo of your marriage certificate.
- Open your Monzo app.
- Go to 'Help' in the menu.
- Tap 'Chat with us' and explain you need to change your name due to marriage.
- Follow their instructions to securely upload a photo of your UK marriage certificate.
- They may ask for a photo of you holding your ID or your marriage certificate for verification.
Once Monzo has verified your documents, they will update your account name and order a new card with your married name. This process generally takes a few working days.
Updating Your Name with Starling Bank
Starling Bank, another popular digital challenger, also makes name changes relatively straightforward. Their process is quite similar to Monzo's, focusing on secure in-app communication.
You'll initiate the name change through their in-app support chat. Be prepared to provide a clear image of your marriage certificate. It's a good idea to have your passport or driving licence updated with your new name before contacting Starling, as they may require this for enhanced security verification.
Name Change with Revolut
Revolut operates a little differently from Monzo and Starling in some aspects, particularly as it has a broader international focus. For a name change, you will need to contact their in-app support team. They will require proof of your new name, which for marriage, will be your marriage certificate.
Due to Revolut's compliance requirements, they often ask for a government-issued ID (like your passport or driving licence) that already reflects your new married name. So, it's highly recommended to update your passport or driving licence *first* before attempting to change your name with Revolut to avoid delays.
General Tips for Digital Bank Name Changes
Keep an eye on your in-app notifications and email for updates from your bank. Response times can vary, but digital banks are generally quite quick. Remember to order a new card once your name change is confirmed.
While digital banks are convenient, patience is key. Providing clear, legible copies of your documents will help speed things along. Enjoy your newly married life with your finances in order!