1. What To Do After a Cardholder’s Death
Here is what you need to do after the primary cardholder’s death.
- Stop Using the Card. - Make a List of the Outstanding Credit Card Accounts. - Notify the Creditors and the Credit Bureaus. - Clear the Outstanding Credit Card Debt.
2. How the Creditors Are Paid Back
After your death, your assets are used to repay your credit card debt. Then, the remaining assets are distributed to your heirs. The executor of your estate takes care of all these things.
3. What If You Owe More Than the Sum of Your Assets?
If you have a joint account holder, they may have to bear the credit card debt burden and repay it. When you apply jointly for a credit card, both of you agree to indemnify the outstanding credit card balance.
Though assets are used to repay the deceased person’s credit card, there are some restrictions. Credit card debt is considered the lowest priority over other obligations, like secured loans backed by collateral.
5. FAQs:
i. What Debts Are Forgiven When You Die? As mentioned, after a person dies, the assets and liabilities pass into their estate. The penalties are paid before the proceeds are given to the heirs.
ii. What Happens to Credit Card Debt When You Die With No Assets?
After someone’s death, the remaining debts are paid from the assets the person left behind. When the person has no support, or more specifically, no sufficient assets to cover the credit card debt, the heirs may have to repay the outstanding debt.
iii. Is the Wife Responsible for the Deceased Husband's Credit Card Debt?
If you live in a community property state or your husband opens a credit card account after your marriage, it is automatically a joint account. Therefore, you will be responsible for paying off the debt amount.
One of the suitable options to get credit card debt relief is to opt for settlement when your debt amount is high. You can also consolidate your credit card debt if your primary concern is to manage multiple accounts, but you can repay debts in full.