Q: Both of my parents have passed away. I ran a credit report on them and several credit cards came up. I haven't found the actual cards, and I don't know the account numbers. How can I cancel these cards?
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Find Best Credit Card Rates & More ... |
| Row 1 - Cell 0 | In Search of the Perfect Credit Score |
| Row 2 - Cell 0 | Marriage and Your Credit Score |
Your parents' credit report should provide a phone number for each credit card listed. Call the number and explain your problem. The issuer should be able to locate and close the account if you supply some basic information, including the name, Social Security number and address of the cardholder. You may be asked whether the estate is in probate, and the issuer may request a certified copy of the death certificate.
If the credit card has a balance, you will likely be asked to pay it from the estate. "The general rule," explains Martin Shenkman, an estate-planning attorney in Teaneck, N.J., "is that the debt is of the estate and the estate must pay." If the estate does not have adequate cash to clear the outstanding balance, you may have to sell some assets.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If that is still insufficient to cover the amount owed, you and any other heirs are not liable. Your parents' debt is not passed on to you, and the credit-card issuer will write off the amount as uncollectible. However, paying off credit-card debt does take precedence over distributing bequests that are specified in a will. "If the bequests are made first and the debt cannot be paid, the executor of the estate is personally liable," says Shenkman.
Find More Credit Advice
-
Dow Adds 646 Points, Hits New Highs: Stock Market TodayIt was "boom" for the Dow but "bust" for the Nasdaq following a December Fed meeting that was less hawkish than expected.
-
5 Types of Gifts the IRS Won’t Tax: Even If They’re BigGift Tax Several categories of gifts don’t count toward annual gift tax limits. Here's what you need to know.
-
The 'Scrooge' Strategy: How to Turn Your Old Junk Into a Tax DeductionTax Deductions We break down the IRS rules for non-cash charitable contributions. Plus, here's a handy checklist before you donate to charity this year.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Does Amazon Prime Day End in October? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Samsonite, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale ends soon. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals members can shop before it's over.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
