Learn Upwork’s name-matching rules for withdrawal accounts and what to do if your bank or verified name doesn’t match, including special cases and documentation.
In this article
- What are the name-matching requirements for withdrawal accounts?
- What do I do if the names don’t match?
What are the name-matching requirements for withdrawal accounts?
- Your verified name must match the name on any bank accounts or withdrawal methods you intend to use, including any middle names, family names, or special characters. If you don’t have a verified name yet, the name you provided for your tax information must match.
- You must be listed as an account holder or authorized signer on the chosen account, or be able to demonstrate that you are authorized by the business to do so.
You can find your verified name on your invoices, in your contract workrooms, and on your Certificate of Earnings.
What do I do if the names don’t match?
The Upwork Identity Verification team actively reviews verified name mismatches. In some cases, they can resolve name discrepancies. Those scenarios are:
- You are using a common name variation — We’ll approve recognized name variations, like Robert/Bob or J.J./John Jacob, within 48 hours. If you use an unrecognized name variation or nickname, we’ll require that you verify your identity
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You are using a joint account — To complete verification you may need to provide personal identification as well as one of the following:
- An original bank statement showing both account holders name
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You are using a company bank account — To complete verification you may need to provide personal identification as well as one of the following:
- An original bank statement showing the company name, as well as your name
- A business license showing your name and the company name
- Articles of Incorporation showing the company name with you as an authorized agent/owner
- You are a transgender or non-binary individual — Upwork will make exceptions for transgender or non-binary individuals that have not been able to obtain a name change due to legal or other barriers. Documentation may be required
If you're experiencing a beneficiary name mismatch, your bank says that the name is mismatched, or any sort of other name mismatch, we can often resolve this issue. If our team finds an issue with your account, we will reach out to you via email within three to four business days with follow-up instructions on how to correct it.
Note: For wire transfers, Upwork will be sending the name you provided in your tax information. If that name does not match the name on your bank account, your wire could be rejected or delayed by the receiving bank.