Credit card for LGBTQIA+ community introduced in Europe

Users choose what name they want to show on the card without having to legally make a change

Spotted: Following a successful rollout in the United States, Mastercard’s new True Name credit card is being introduced across Europe. Launched in June 2019 to coincide with Pride Month, the first cards became available in December 2019 in the United States. Users of the True Name card choose what name they want to be printed on the front of their credit card. Anyone can use the service and if questioned by a vendor, the issuing banks will confirm the card user’s identity.

The legal name on the account remains the same, thereby eliminating the time, health and financial costs associated with having to navigate the complicated administrative processes usually required to make name changes. The campaign introducing the card features a number of LGBTQIA+ people talking about how difficult it is to be constantly questioned about their identity, particularly when it’s doing something as simple as paying.

Two North American banks have begun issuing the card: BMO Harris in Chicago and Superbia Credit Union in New York City. Mastercard’s team hopes that many other banks will follow suit, either using the True Name card or introducing their own initiatives and policies that make life easier and more inclusive for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

A number of innovations previously spotted by Springwise focus on helping to make public spaces and services safer for women and members of the trans community, such as healthcare and business support. Now, with many recent applications of technology focused on pandemic-proofing activities and venues, social campaigners are seeing an increased need for aid towards vulnerable communities and are asking supporters and entrepreneurs to continue their invaluable work on behalf of those people.

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