Changing account name

[Stew_86]

Hi,

So I'm able to change my name in the app and in everything else except for the name of the account? I've been with Fido for 21 years on this one phone plan and number (the account goes back to 1998) and I'm told the only way to change the name is to close the account and open a new account for $75 which will also reset my entire profile saying I'm a brand new customer. When I first got this phone I was still in highschool and it was added on under my parents account. They haven't been with Fido for several years now which leaves me as the only person on this Fido account, yet my account name can't be changed. 

If I'm going to lose all my 21 years history just to change a first name I can't see any reason as to why I would/should stay with Fido as other providers offer better plans & support. 

Is it really that hard to change a name? When someone gets married/divorced they can change their name... how hard can it be to simply have the name reflect the only member of this one account??

Any way possible to change the first name only without losing all your history and starting out as a brand new member?

[KAPABLE-K]

Hello @Stew_86,

It sounds like the account is under your parents' name as you were just a user and they are the account holder, what you are looking to do is a transfer of responsibility, both you and the account holder would need to go to a Fido branded store with ID's and you can complete the transfer as this would be the fastest way to get it done since Fido no longer provides live customer support.

You should also note that if your line is currently financing a device because the account is in your parents' name, you will have to pay out the remaining device balance before the transfer can take place, as the finance agreement is between Fido and your parents and can not be transferred.

[Stew_86]

Correct, the account was under my parents name. Before they left Fido they called in to authorize the transfer of ownership but nothing ever came of it. 

Phone is completely paid off so there's only a monthly bill with just the plan on it. But like I had said, if I'm losing 21 years of having my personal phone accounts history and having to start back at 0 as a new member, I might as well just be a new member elsewhere.

Surely there must be an easier way. 

[Cawtau]

Hello Stew_86,

Welcome to the community!

  You should note these forums are community-driven and not intended as a venue for customer services. We would not have access to customers' accounts nor would we know what may have been done previously.

  As Kapable-K mentioned, when your parents left Fido, it should have been a Transfer of Responsibility (ToR) of your line. That process does involve you having to open a new account and transfering your old line that that new account. A ToR would generally not mean you lose your history as a Fido customer. It would still be your old line, but on a new account. 

  As mentioned, we would not know the details of what may have already been done. I understand you wish to change the name on the account. However, is the account still under your parents' names or a name you previously went under? I'm not sure how the account can still be under your parents' names if they no longer have Fido services.

  That said, if the account is somehow still under your parents' name, you may need them to authorise the ToR. In that case, it is not just a change in name. It would also be a change in responsibilty of the account. I understand you may have already taken responsibility for the line, However, they would not be able to alter the details (ie name) of another account holder. 

  Only customer service would be able to assist you with a ToR. Generally, your parents would first need to contact customer service and notify them of your intent to transfer the responsibility of your line. You would also need to contact customer service and notify them of your intent to take responsibility for the line and open the account. Your parents would then need to contact them to complete the transfer. Alternatively, as Kapable-K has also mentioned, you might consider going to a Fido store with your parents to perform the ToR.

  Yes, when people marry or get divorced, they do often change their name. However, that is a legal matter and would need proper documentation of said marriage or divorce in order to get the name officially changed on the account. If you legally changed your name, you would need to provide that documentation to Fido.

Hope this helps 😀

Cheers