You can change your name on a Chase checking account by calling Chase, visiting a branch in person, or using Chase's online banking portal — the method depends on what kind of name change you're making and what documents you have ready.
A legal name change (through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal process) requires different steps than a straightforward correction of a misspelling. Chase will need to see proof of your new legal name before they update your account. The fastest route is usually a phone call to Chase customer service, but some people prefer doing it in person at a branch so they can hand over documents directly and watch the change happen.
This guide walks you through each method, what documents to bring, and what happens to your account during the change. The process typically takes a few days to a week, though some changes are when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Chase requires legal proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or government ID showing your new name — before they will update your account.
- You can start the process by phone (1-800-935-9935), in person at any Chase branch, or through Chase's online message center, and the fastest route depends on whether you have documents ready.
- Your account number, routing number, and debit card will stay the same during a legal name change, but your debit card will be reissued with your new name.
- If you are only fixing a misspelling or typo on your existing name, Chase can often make that change without legal documents, though they may still ask for ID.
- Direct deposits and automatic payments linked to your account will continue working during and after the name change without interruption.
What documents you need to bring
Chase will ask for proof that your name change is legal. The documents that work depend on why your name changed. If you got married, bring your marriage certificate — an original or certified copy. If you got divorced, bring your divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court order (sometimes called a name change petition), bring that court order. If you changed your name through a government process like naturalization, bring your naturalization certificate or updated passport.
You will also need a current government-issued photo ID that shows your new name. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If your ID still shows your old name but you have the legal document proving the change, Chase will usually accept both together. Some branches are stricter than others about this, so calling ahead to ask what they need can save you a trip.
If you are only correcting a misspelling (your name was entered as "Micheal" instead of "Michael," for example), you may not need legal documents — just your current ID. Call Chase first to ask, because some branches will let you fix this over the phone without paperwork.
Changing your name by phone
Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Tell them you need to update your legal name on your checking account. They will ask for your account number and will verify your identity by asking security questions. Have your legal name-change document ready — they may ask you to describe it or may tell you to mail it in or bring it to a branch.
Some Chase representatives can process the change over the phone if you describe your document clearly and they can verify your identity. Others will tell you that you must bring the original document to a branch or mail it to Chase. This varies by representative and by what type of name change you are making. If they tell you to mail it, ask for the address and whether you should send the original or a copy — most branches accept certified copies, which are safer to mail than originals.
The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Wait times are usually shorter on weekday mornings.
Changing your name in person at a Chase branch
Visit any Chase branch with your legal name-change document and a current government-issued photo ID. Tell the teller or banker that you need to update your legal name on your checking account. Bring your debit card if you have it, though it is not required. The banker will make a copy of your documents and enter the change into the system.
Some branches can complete the change on the spot and give you a receipt. Others will tell you it will take a few business days to process. Ask before you leave whether your change is complete or whether you need to check back. If your debit card needs to be reissued with your new name, the banker will order it at this time — it usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days.
Going in person is often the fastest route because the banker can see your documents when ready and answer questions about what happens next. If you are nervous about the process or have an unusual situation, this is the best option.
Changing your name through Chase's online portal
Log into your Chase account online or through the Chase mobile app. Look for "Settings" or "Profile" — the exact location varies depending on which device you are using. Some accounts show a "Contact Information" or "Personal Information" section where you can update your name. Click on your name to edit it.
Chase's online system may let you change your name directly, or it may prompt you to upload a photo of your legal document. If it asks for a document, take a clear photo of both sides of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, and upload it through the app. Chase will review it within a few business days.
Not all Chase accounts have this option available online. If you do not see a way to update your name in the app or online portal, use the phone or branch method instead. You can also send a message to Chase through the online portal asking how to update your name — they will respond within one to two business days.
What happens to your account during the change
Your account number and routing number do not change. Any direct deposits, automatic bill payments, or transfers set up on your account will keep working without interruption. You do not need to contact your employer, your bank, or any company that sends you money — they do not need to know about your name change for the money to keep flowing.
Your debit card will be reissued with your new name printed on it. Your old card will stop working once the new one arrives, usually within 5 to 10 business days. If you need to use your card before the new one arrives, you can still use your old card — it will work until the new one is activated. Chase will send you a new PIN with the new card, though your old PIN will still work for a short time.
Your online banking login and password do not change. You can keep using your account exactly as you have been while the name change processes in the background.
If you are correcting a misspelling or typo
If your name was entered into the system with a typo — "Micheal" instead of "Michael," or "Smyth" instead of "Smith" — you may be able to fix it without legal documents. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and explain that your name was misspelled when the account was opened. They may ask you to bring your ID to a branch to verify, or they may make the change over the phone.
This is different from a legal name change. Chase treats a typo correction as a clerical fix rather than a legal update, so the process is usually faster and requires less paperwork. If you are unsure whether your situation is a typo or a legal name change, describe it to Chase and they will tell you what documents you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposits or automatic payments stop when I change my name?
No. Your account number and routing number stay the same, so all deposits and payments continue without interruption. You do not need to notify your employer, your bank, or any company that pays you or takes payments from your account.
Do I have to change my name on my debit card?
Your debit card will be automatically reissued with your new name once Chase processes the change. You cannot keep the old card with your old name. The new card usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days.
What if I do not have my original marriage certificate or divorce decree?
A certified copy works just as well as the original. You can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married or divorced. It usually costs $10 to $25 and takes a few business days to arrive. Some counties let you order online.
Can I change my name online if I do not want to go to a branch?
Some Chase accounts let you upload your legal document through the app or online portal. Log in and look for "Settings" or "Profile" to see if this option is available. If not, you can mail your document to Chase or call to ask whether they can process it over the phone.
How long does the name change take?
If you do it in person at a branch, it can be when ready or take a few business days depending on the branch. If you do it by phone or mail, it usually takes 3 to 7 business days. Your new debit card arrives separately within 5 to 10 business days.