What happens to credit card debt after death?

What happens to credit card debt after death depends on many factors. Was the card yours and yours only? Were you a co-signer? What state are you in? etc.

If the credit card was only on your name, and yours only the credit card debt is yours too. After death your estate would have to sort out paying the balance on the credit card. The debt may be paid through probate or if the estate is insolvent the credit card company doesn't get paid. If the card was only yours nobody else has to pay for your debt.

If you have a joint credit card account it may be that the other party: spouse, partner etc. would have to pay the balance on the credit card. If the card is your but you have another authorized user on it, they may not have to pay for the balance on the credit card.

There are differences for who is responsible and how the debt is considered depending on which state you are in. Community property states can be more complicated in dealing with debt after death. And not all community property states apply the same rules. Check with your state to be sure what the laws are governing your state.

If spouses have separate account and one passes away it may be that the surviving spouse would be responsible for the debt.

In any case it is important to notify the creditors of the death of the account holder. You will have to send a certified death certificate to each creditor.