What to Do When a Credit Card Holder Passes Away

When a close friend or family member passes away, the last thing you may want to think about is financial matters. Managing the finances of someone who has passed away may seem overwhelming, but it's important to start relatively quickly to minimize the risk of fraud or identity theft.

Fortunately, representatives at banks and credit card companies understand this and will help make the process as easy as possible. Here's a step-by-step look at what to do when a credit card holder passes away.

Step 1: Notify the three major credit bureaus

Credit reporting companies regularly receive notifications from the Social Security Administration about individuals who have passed away, but it's better to also notify them on your own to ensure no one applies for credit in the deceased's name in the meantime.

Send letters to each of the major credit bureaus — Experian,1 Equifax,2 and TransUnion3— and include the deceased's legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, date of death, and your full name and mailing address. You will need to provide a certified copy of the death certificate, a copy of your identification, and proof of your authority over the estate (e.g., a marriage certificate for a spouse or a Letter of Testamentary or court order naming you as the executor).

When you write to the three big credit bureaus, it's a good idea to also request a copy of your loved one's credit report. This will ensure you know about all open accounts that need to be closed. While you may find credit cards in a wallet or statements in a desk drawer, the only way to know for sure that you're canceling every single account in the deceased's name is to order a copy of their credit report.

Spouses and executors of the estate can make this request when they write to each of the credit bureaus to let them know of the person's passing. Just be sure to include the deceased's last known address in your letter.