The Next Checklist

Cancel Accounts and Subscriptions After a Death

Introduction

After a death there is a long tail of accounts, subscriptions, and services to close — but the order matters. Cancel some things too early and you lose access you still need; leave others open and you risk charges or identity theft. This page helps you close things down safely.

This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Authority to close accounts can depend on your role in the estate, so confirm anything significant before acting.

Start here

10 Minute Version

  • Make a list of accounts before canceling anything, working from mail, email, and statements.
  • Keep email, phone, and two-factor devices active until you have found and secured other accounts.
  • Cancel recurring subscriptions and automatic payments to stop charges.
  • Protect against identity theft: notify Social Security, the credit bureaus, and stop marketing mail.
  • Do not close accounts you may need for the estate, and keep records of what you close and when.

First, find the accounts

  • Collect recent mail, email, and paper statements to build a list of accounts and services.
  • Check for recurring charges on bank and credit card statements.
  • Look for a password manager or a written list of accounts.
  • Keep the person's phone, email, and two-factor devices working until you have located what you need — many accounts can only be reached through them.

What to keep open for now

  • Email and phone service, until other accounts and two-factor logins are handled.
  • At least one bank account, until estate payments, deposits, and automatic transactions settle.
  • Home, auto, and property insurance, until the property is transferred or no longer needs coverage.
  • Utilities for a home that is still occupied or being maintained.

What to cancel or transfer

  • Streaming, memberships, apps, and other recurring subscriptions.
  • Automatic payments and donations tied to the person's cards or bank.
  • Credit cards, once balances and authorized users are handled (notify the issuer of the death).
  • Utilities and services for a home that is being closed up, once it is safe to do so.
  • Social media and online accounts — many platforms have memorialization or closure processes.
  • Driver's license and voter registration, through the relevant state agencies.

Protect against fraud

Guarding against identity theft

Identity thieves target people who have recently died. A few steps sharply reduce the risk:

  • Report the death to Social Security, which helps flag the record.
  • Notify the three national credit bureaus and ask them to place a deceased alert on the credit file.
  • Request a credit report to see open accounts, and watch for new activity.
  • Reduce marketing mail and cold contacts that expose personal details.
  • Avoid publishing sensitive details, such as full birth date and address, in an obituary.
  • Shred documents with account numbers, and limit how widely you share the death certificate.

Common Mistakes

  • Closing email or phone first, then being locked out of other accounts.
  • Canceling insurance on a home or car that still needs coverage.
  • Forgetting recurring charges that quietly continue.
  • Not placing a deceased alert with the credit bureaus.
  • Sharing the death certificate or personal details more widely than needed.

Last Reviewed

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

This page is reviewed periodically. Company and agency procedures may change.

Sources And Further Help