Huge name change issues with Experian! Please help if you have knowledge/experience

wesley1414

I’ve recently changed my surname by deed poll ( back to my original name, my mother had it changed for me when I was younger). I have managed to change it with pretty much everyone (bank accounts, mortgage, passport etc.)

However, I am having massive issues with Experian. I haven’t even attempted the other credit reference agencies through fear that they would be the same. Also, Experian is the only one I actually have an active membership with.

My surname change (only changed the surname) took place early September.

VERY long story as short as possible:
- Changed my name on the ‘change your details’ part online – Get the confirmation email, but next time I log in it’s reverted back to my previous name. I have done this 13 (yes, thirteen) times in 3 months.

- Emailed Experian directly, with a change of details form I found online, explained the issues with my name reverting back online. Only suggested ‘changing it online’ as apparently they can’t…. This has now become a complaint, and has currently lasted a little over 2 months.

- I’ve changed my name on the electoral register – however the new name has not yet been reflected in my report on the Experian site.

- All of my financial accounts are reporting to Experian with my NEW NAME, these are being attributed to my report that is still appearing in my old name.

I’ve read a few things online, but nothing really gives me anything solid to go on. However a number of sites are suggesting to leave it, and that I will be updated automatically in time. My only issue with this is that I have also seen a few horror stories where some people’s reports are never updated.

So, my questions regarding this, for anyone that may hopefully have some insight:

1 Should I be stressing about this (and I kind of am) or should I be patient and let it sort itself out? My issue is that it’s been 3 months, all my financial accounts are reporting my new name, but nothing is changing.

2 How long should it take the name shown on the electoral register section of my credit report. My name was changed on the register late September – do they report updated details less frequently than once a month (as financial updates do)?

3 Does it ultimately matter what name is on the front of the report, if both my names are linked to the same report? It feels like it really should matter. Interestingly, my new name isn’t even listed as an alias yet, but updates are still going to the same report.

4 For what reason would Experian be reluctant to change my name, considering that everyone is reporting my new name and the payment card they are happily using each month is in my new name too!

5 Should I change my name with the other credit reference agencies? Or should I let them update naturally? Is updating naturally on their own even a thing?!

Any help would be appreciated. I’m pretty OCD with this kind of thing, which I don’t think is a bad thing really, but it is kind of annoying me and freaking me out now!

Thanks in advance.