How to Report a Death to Credit Agencies

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By Doug Hewitt
eHow Contributing Writer

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Report a Death to Credit Agencies

Reporting a death to credit agencies is important to close out credit reporting and to stop the use of any credit accounts that are in the name of the deceased. There are three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. While these credit agencies maintain a list of deceased credit holders through the Social Security Administration (SSA), it can take a few months for the agencies to update their lists with information from the SSA. By contacting the credit agencies directly, you can report a death and have more confidence that the information will be used immediately.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Obtain copies of the death certificate. You will want to send a copy along with your correspondence to each of the three main credit reporting agencies.
Step 2

Write the text for a cover letter explaining why you are writing. Explain that you're reporting the death of a credit holder and will include a copy of the death certificate.
Step 3

Take your cover letter text and address the letter to each of the three main credit reporting agencies, as follows: To Whom It May Concern. Address the letters to Equifax at P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374; Experian at P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013; and TransUnion LLC at P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022.
Step 4

Put your letters in appropriately addressed and stamped envelopes and send them. Follow up in a week with a telephone call to make sure each agency received your letter.
Step 5

Call the SSA to report the death. Although this is not a credit agency, the credit agencies get some of their information from the SSA.

Tips & Warnings

Check to make sure the copies of the death certificate are clearly legible.
People can feel guilty when tying up business matters of deceased loved ones, even though they are necessary.

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