How to Cancel a Credit Card Upon the Death of a Card Holder

When a loved one passes away, there are many details the family members that are left behind have to deal with on behalf of the deceased. One of the major areas of concern is getting the financial situation of the deceased handled, including closing out any debt accounts such as credit cards.

Things You'll Need

• Credit card issuer contact information
• Copy of the death certificate
• Power of attorney (trustee status)

Instructions

1. Call the credit card issuer. Contact the customer service number of the credit card issuer and let them know that the cardholder has passed away. Determine what paperwork needs to be completed and what supplementary documents you need to supply the credit card company with to close the account.

2. Obtain balance information. A credit card issuer may close the account so that no new charges can be made, but the estate of the deceased is still responsible for paying off any outstanding balance on the card. Obtain the outstanding balance amount so you can make payment arrangements.

3. Obtain a certified copy of the death certificate. Proof of death is typically required before any type of debt account such as a credit card can officially be closed. Fax or mail a copy of the death certificate to the company that issued the credit card as proof that the cardholder has passed away.

4. Pay the outstanding balance. Make payment arrangements to have any outstanding balance paid by the estate of the deceased cardholder. If you are a spouse, you may have direct access to the funds. Otherwise, the estate trustee must pay the balance out of the remaining assets of the deceased person.

5. Obtain a letter of confirmation. Once the balance is paid in full and the credit card account is closed, be sure to obtain and retain a letter of confirmation from the credit card issuer. The letter should verify that the outstanding balance on the credit card is zero and that the account is closed.

Tips & Warnings

• Not only should you notify creditors of a death, but you should also notify each of the three credit agencies (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian). Each agency puts a death notice on the deceased's credit file to avoid identity theft or fraud issues. To place a death notice on a credit file, mail a copy of the death certificate to each of the credit agencies:

• Equifax

• P.O. Box 105069

• Atlanta, GA 30348

• Experian

• P.O. Box 9530

• Allen, TX 75013

• TransUnion

• P.O. Box 6790

• Fullerton, CA 92634

References

• Credit Bloggers: How to Notify the Credit Bureaus When Someone Dies
• Consolidated Credit Counseling Services: Death of a Spouse
• Consolidated Credit Counseling Services: Death of a Spouse Learning Center

Resources

• TIAA CREF: After a Loved One Passes Away