Congratulations on your marriage! While you’re likely focused on updating your passport, driving licence, and bank accounts, it’s easy to overlook the myriad of smaller accounts that carry your maiden name. From your favourite streaming platforms to your daily coffee loyalty card, these often-forgotten subscriptions and rewards programmes can cause unexpected hiccups if not updated. Getting these sorted after your official documents are changed ensures a smoother transition into your new married name. Let’s walk through what you need to remember.
Why Update Your Subscriptions and Rewards?
It might seem like a minor detail, but keeping your name consistent across all your accounts is a good habit. For loyalty programmes, mismatched names could complicate point redemptions or even lead to issues with linked payment cards. For subscription services, while less critical, having your current name on file can help with account recovery, customer service interactions, and ensure any physical deliveries (like magazine subscriptions) reach you without issue. It also tidies up your digital footprint.
The key is to tackle these after you’ve updated your core identification documents like your passport or driving licence. Many services will accept a photo of your marriage certificate as proof of name change, but having your primary ID in your new name makes things even simpler.
Loyalty Cards and Reward Programmes
These are probably the most common types of accounts to forget, and they’re often linked to your shopping habits. Updating them means you won't miss out on points or struggle to redeem vouchers. Most can be changed online or with a quick call to customer service.
- Supermarket Loyalty Cards (Tesco Clubcard, Nectar Card, Sainsbury's Nectar, Waitrose MyRewards, M&S Sparks)
- Pharmacy Loyalty Schemes (Boots Advantage Card, Superdrug Health & Beautycard)
- Travel Loyalty Programmes (airline frequent flyer miles, hotel rewards, train loyalty schemes like Railcard discounts)
- Coffee Shop Rewards (Starbucks Rewards, Costa Coffee Club)
- Retailer Specific Cards (Waterstones Plus, IKEA Family, John Lewis Partnership Card)
- Petrol Station Rewards (BPme Rewards, Shell Go+, Esso Nectar)
Streaming Services, Digital Subscriptions, and Apps
While often less critical than financial accounts, updating your name on these services contributes to a consistent digital identity. Most of these can be updated directly within your account settings online or via the app, usually under 'Profile' or 'Account Information'.
- Streaming (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, NOW TV)
- Music (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music)
- Fitness Apps (Strava, Peloton, MyFitnessPal)
- News & Magazine Subscriptions (digital and physical)
- Software Subscriptions (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, antivirus software)
- Online Gaming Platforms (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Steam)
Other Subscriptions to Consider
Think about any regular deliveries or services you pay for. Even if they don't seem like 'accounts' in the traditional sense, having your correct name can prevent issues. This is especially true if you ever need to contact customer support or if your payment method is linked to the name on the account.
- Subscription Boxes (beauty, food, pet supplies, books)
- Public Transport Accounts (Oyster card, contactless payment accounts)
- Online Delivery Services (Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats, supermarket delivery accounts)
- Gym Memberships and Health Clubs
- Cloud Storage Services (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Professional Memberships and Industry Associations
Updating your name on these less obvious accounts might feel like a minor task, but it contributes to a smoother, more unified transition into your married name. Take it one step at a time, perhaps tackling a few each week after you've sorted the big ones. You'll soon have everything perfectly aligned with your new identity.