Change of surname on bank account

[Net14]

My surname has changed following divorce.  I have updated my 02 account to my new surname of Thomas however I need to amend the name on the bank account for the DD (the account and sort code all remain the same).

[pgn]

@Net14 - give O2’s customer service team a call on 202 or 0344 809 0202 (or specific Payment management number - 0800 902 0217 ) Good luck!

[MI5]

@Net14 

The name on the bank account is irrelevant.

Only the Account number and sort code is required.

[pgn]

I can think of at least 2 reasons why one should try to keep account names in order:

1. In this case, given circumstances, the name change may be more than a matter of aesthetics, and
2. changes to banking rules started in 2020 increasingly mean that the name and surname are becoming part of the checks, to reduce chances of mistakes and/or fraud:

"SO HOW DO BANK PAYMENTS WORK NOW? 

Transfers need to cite exactly who money is being sent to. 

If the name entered matches the one registered for that account number and sort code, the payment will go through. 

Spelling mistakes or typos will flag up an alert. This includes abbreviations when it was thought the correct details had been provided. 

For example, paying someone known as Dan Smith whose full bank account name is Daniel Smith may not work. "

With VMO2 moving all users to System 360, who knows what way the developers have interpreted the guidance?

That said, @Net14 - in O2's case, the name may make no odds, as @MI5 indicates above.

[Oxonian]

@Net14 

I agree with the comments of @pgn. A search for "Confirmation of Payee" leads to articles such as this one for every major UK bank :-  

Confirmation of Payee explained | Nationwide

This could clearly be relevant to other accounts you might have, in addition to that with O2. 

[MI5]

In this case where a direct debit is already established, it matters not and will change nothing.

Not once did I say it was applicable to any other situation.

I wish people would read what's written first before adding pointless comments.

[jonsie]

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@MI5 wrote:

In this case where a direct debit is already established, it matters not and will change nothing.

Not once did I say it was applicable to any other situation.

I wish people would read what's written first before adding pointless comments.

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Totally agree

It matters not

Bank account and sort code is all that matters

Makes me wonder if people actually read the original answer or whether a comment is designed to further confuse the OP

[SarahR2908]

How did you change your name on the account after divorce? I am trying to do this and bein told i need to change it by deed poll (which costs) although no one else has asked for this and i already have passport and driving license in my maiden name. O2 seem to be refusing to change my name back at the moment

[gmarkj]

This is from o2 @SarahR2908 

We’ve made it easier for you to change your name on your account. Now you can upload your documents in My O2 so that we can verify the name changes.

Get started by signing into My O2 and select ‘Manage details’ – we’ll send you a one-time access code to your device so you can view and edit your details.

To change your name, select ‘Edit your name’, then enter your new name and upload one of the following documents directly into your My O2 account:

• Marriage certificate
• Certificate of civil partnership
• Deed poll
• Reissued birth certificate showing your old and new name (only in Scotland)

You can then submit the change, and we’ll check your documentation. If everything’s correct, your name will be updated. If you have any issues with requesting a name change, please get in touch.

https://www.o2.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/changing-personal-details 

[MI5]

@SarahR2908 

A copy of your decree absolute is all that is needed.

https://www.o2.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/changing-personal-details