Last updated on July 27th, 2020
The Mastercard True Name program has been around for a while, but not every bank has allowed transgender and non-binary cardholders to use their chosen name on their products. Recently, BMO Harris Bank became the latest financial institution to partner with the True Name program. Here’s what you need to know:
BMO Harris Partners with True Name
According to a press release, BMO Harris is making it easier for transgender and non-binary customers to use their chosen name, rather than their legal name, on their own credit cards.
BMO Harris was the first national bank to offer this option to banking customers. The bank began accepting changes to debit and ATM cards in December 2019. However, it is now extending this option to other accounts – including BMO Harris credit cards.
What Is Mastercard True Name?
The Mastercard True Name program launched in the summer of 2019. The program and feature seek to address concerns of misrepresentation for those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Mastercard states that its commitment to inclusion is etched in the very fabric of the company. The True Name feature is simply the newest effort to demonstrate their celebration of acceptance and identity.
The process allows transgender and non-binary individuals to alter the name on their bank cards without the need for a legally binding change. BMO Harris has been one of the most progressive of the larger corporations in embracing the LGBTQ community – a positive trend which has seen support for LGBTQ-owned businesses grow exponentially in recent years.
“Breaking Down Barriers…to Serve the Needs of Our Customers”
Mastercard and BMO Harris view the program as easing a significant point of pain for many in the LGBTQIA+ community. According to research from the National Center for Transgender Equality, an identification card that doesn’t match its owner’s representation may cause them to experience higher levels of discrimination and harassment.
“Breaking down barriers to inclusion and supporting our customers requires a commitment to creating products that not only represent our BMO values but also serve the needs of our customers,” said Denise Press, head of retail and small business payments for BMO Harris Bank.
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