Does Name Change Affect Credit?

JoeyGrey

I recently got married and we are looking to buy a house imminently. I was told that if I started changing my name on my bank accounts, driving licence etc, this could affect my credit score/rating and could have a knock on effect on getting the better deals for mortgages.


As we had a house in mind I was happy to wait for a little while but unfortunately we were outbid, and there's nothing of interest out there at the moment, so I'm not sure how long it is likely to be before we are applying.


I've been told separately (by the PO) that I could be in trouble for not changing my driving licence name straight away, so I'm getting a little bit worried about just waiting. (Not sure if that can be right though as some people don't bother changing their name when they get married, so why would it matter to the DVLA?)


Any advice please? Thanks for reading

solentsusie

There is no law to state that when you get married you have to change your surname, so I am not sure why you have been told that as it is rubbish. It is completely up to you if you wish to take your partners name.

makes-sense

If you've changed your name you should update all your accounts and ID etc, so they are accurate.

It may take a couple of months for the changes to filter through onto your credit files, as each bank/lender will update them separately. Whilst this is happening it could cause lenders to have concerns or ask questions (due to you appearing to have two names). But if you apply for a mortgage through a broker they can help prevent this (as they can explain to the lender that you recently got married and changed your name).

If it's going to be a few months before you look to buy it's probably worth updating everything now. Just have a blitz and get it all done as quickly as possible.

I use Noddle to see my CallCredit credit file for free, so you could use this to keep an eye on when everything is updated (Noddle updates for you to see your file once per month).

stclair

You can add your married name as an alias to your credit reports.

That can be done quicker than waiting for the changes to filter through.