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Members of the transgender and non-binary communities now have the ability to use their true name on consumer credit cards and small business debit and credit cards

CHICAGO, June 8, 2020 /CNW/ - BMO Harris Bank today expanded their commitment to offer customers, including members of the transgender and non-binary communities, the ability to use their true name on payment cards. Beginning today, Mastercard's True Name feature – which enables cardholders to use their true first name on their cards without the requirement of a legal name change – is now also available on BMO Harris Bank consumer credit cards and small business debit and credit cards.

In December 2019, BMO Harris Bank became the first issuer to implement True Name on the bank's personal Debit Mastercard cards and ATM cards.

Mastercard developed the True Name initiative in 2019 in response to the need for banking cards to reflect the true identities and alleviate misrepresentation and discrimination for the transgender and non-binary communities. Research from the National Center for Transgender Equality shows that individuals who have shown IDs with a name or gender that did not match their presentation experience 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. "That is why we are proud to work alongside Mastercard to expand the availability of True Name to BMO Harris consumer credit and business debit and credit customers, enabling them to feel at ease when using their cards that reflect their true names. It is an absolute privilege to create products that make a difference in the everyday lives of our customers."  

"At Mastercard, we strive to foster acceptance both within and outside of the LGBTQIA+ community. That is why we continue to work closely with our partners and the industry to create financial products that reflect cardholders' true identity," said Cheryl Guerin, executive vice president of North America Marketing and Communications for Mastercard. "Together with BMO Harris and the expansion of the True Name feature, we are proud to empower even more individuals in the trans and non-binary communities to embrace their identity and be the realest version of themselves."

Current and new cardholders across the U.S. can request a True Name card by calling 1-888-340-2265. Current and new debit cardholders and current credit cardholders can also obtain a card by visiting one of our branch locations.

BMO has recently been recognized for its efforts to create a culture of inclusion for its employees and customers by Bloomberg and Forbes. The bank's North American employees are also committed to grassroots change and transformation through their BMO Pride enterprise resource group which strives to educate and support internal and external groups on LGBTQIA+ topics.

Learn more about BMO's support for banking with zero barriers to inclusion. Information on BMO's True Name for personal and business credit, debit and ATM cards can be found at BMOHarris.com/TrueName. For more information on Mastercard's True Name feature, click here.

About BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through more than 500 branches and fee-free access to over 40,000 ATMs across the United States. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the United States. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, visit the company fact sheet. Accounts are subject to approval. BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a highly diversified financial services provider with total assets of CDN$987 billion as of April 30, 2020.

SOURCE BMO Harris Bank