The bunq and Mastercard’s True Name service launched in Germany and will be available in 30 European countries.
This will allow cardholders to display their desired name on credit and debit cards issued by bunq.
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Especially for LGBTQIA + people, who may feel born in the wrong body or want to redefine their identity, it may cause uncomfortable feelings to see their deadname on bank and credit cards.
This is where Mastercard and bunq want to start – with the “True Name” feature.
The card feature was also launched on the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
“Mastercard has been supporting inclusion for a long time. One of the ways is also payment cards bearing the preferred name of the holder – everyone should be able to use financial products under their truly felt identity. True Name credit cards address one of the major challenges that transgender and non-binary people face and allows everyone to use their true identity securely, easily and with pride. We hope that other companies in the segment will treat everyone equally, ” says Mark Barnett, President of Mastercard Europe.
Commenting on the introduction of the cards, bunq Ali Nikam, CEO of Bunq Bank, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to make history! At bunq, we believe in the strength and power of diversity and all the colors of the rainbow. Issuing True Name cards means a small change with a big impact: we give people the opportunity to be free and live their own lives the way they want.”
Accessibility is vital to the LGBTQIA + community today. Nearly one-third (32%) of those who showed ID cards with a name or gender that did not match their appearance reported negative experiences, such as harassment, denial of service, or assault.
