PokerStars does not let you change your username after you create your account

Once you pick a username when you sign up for PokerStars, that name is permanent. PokerStars does not offer a username change feature in your account settings, and customer support cannot change it for you either. This applies to both the poker client and the casino app — they share the same username.

If you chose a username you no longer want, your only option is to create a new account with a different name. This means starting fresh: your new account will have no history, no funds, and no rewards tied to it. Any money in your current account stays there unless you withdraw it first.

Key Takeaways

  • PokerStars usernames cannot be changed once created, and customer support will not make exceptions.
  • Creating a new account with a different username means you lose access to your play history, account balance, and any rewards or bonuses tied to your old account.
  • You should withdraw any money from your current account before abandoning it, since funds do not transfer between accounts.
  • PokerStars allows multiple accounts per person, but each account must use a different email address and payment method.
  • Inactive accounts are not deleted automatically, so your old username remains reserved to your original account indefinitely.

What happens to your money and rewards if you start over

Your account balance, tournament history, and loyalty rewards are all tied to your username. If you create a new account, none of that transfers. You will need to withdraw any cash balance from your old account through your payment method — this usually takes three to five business days depending on your bank.

Rewards points, tournament tickets, and bonuses sitting in your old account cannot be moved to a new one. If you have pending bonuses you have not yet cleared, you lose them. This is why you should think carefully before abandoning an account with a balance or unclaimed rewards.

How to set up a new account with a different username

Go to the PokerStars sign-up page and enter your chosen username, email address, and password. PokerStars will check whether the username is already taken — if it is, you will see that message when ready and can try another name. Usernames are case-insensitive and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores, but cannot contain spaces.

You must use a different email address for your new account than the one linked to your old account. PokerStars ties each email to one account only. You will also need to use a different payment method (a different credit card, bank account, or e-wallet) when you make your first deposit, since the system flags accounts that share payment methods.

Once your new account is created and verified, you can log in and start playing. You will not have access to any funds or history from your old account, so deposit money separately if you want to play.

Why PokerStars does not allow username changes

Usernames are how other players identify you in games and tournaments. Changing a username mid-account would let someone hide their play history and reputation, which would be unfair to other players trying to assess skill level or remember past games. It would also make tournament records and leaderboards confusing if the same person could appear under multiple names.

From a security standpoint, a permanent username also helps PokerStars prevent fraud. If usernames could be changed, someone who gained access to an account could hide their tracks by renaming it. A fixed username makes it easier to spot unauthorized access and protect your account.

Whether you should create a new account

Before you abandon your current account, make sure the username is actually the problem. If you are unhappy with your play history or win rate, a new account will not change your skill — you will face the same stakes and opponents. If you are trying to escape a bad reputation at your stakes, moving to a new account might feel like a fresh start, but your play patterns will likely be similar.

The real cost of a new account is losing your balance and rewards. If you have built up a bankroll or earned loyalty points, starting over means giving that up. If your username is just embarrassing or you have grown out of it, that might be worth the cost. If you are chasing a different outcome at the tables, a new username will not deliver it.

What to do with your old account

Once you have withdrawn your balance and decided not to use the account anymore, you can straightforward stop logging in. PokerStars does not delete inactive accounts, so your username will remain reserved to that account forever. You cannot reclaim the username by deleting the account, because account deletion is not a feature PokerStars offers.

If you want to keep the old account but just use the new one, that is allowed. PokerStars permits multiple accounts per person as long as each one has its own email address and payment method. You can log into either account whenever you want, but you cannot play at the same table under two different usernames at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PokerStars support change my username for me?

No. PokerStars customer support does not have the ability to change usernames, and they will not make exceptions. This is a permanent design choice, not a technical limitation. If you contact them about it, they will direct you to create a new account if you want a different name.

What if my username is offensive or violates PokerStars rules?

PokerStars will suspend or close an account that violates their username policy, but they still will not change the name. You would need to create a new account. If your account was closed for this reason, contact support to understand what happened before you sign up again, so you do not repeat the violation.

Can I use the same email address for my new account?

No. Each PokerStars account requires its own email address. You must use a different email for your new account. If you do not have a second email, you can create a free one through Gmail, Outlook, or another provider in minutes.

Will my new account have the same welcome bonus as my first one?

PokerStars typically limits welcome bonuses to one per person. If you already claimed a bonus on your first account, you may not be able to claim it again on a new account under the same name or payment method. Check PokerStars' current bonus terms before you sign up.

How long does it take to withdraw money from my old account?

Withdrawal time depends on your payment method. Credit and debit cards usually take three to five business days. E-wallets like PayPal or Skrill can be faster, sometimes one to two business days. Bank transfers vary by your bank but typically take five to seven business days.