What Happens to Your American Express Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Deadline
Cancel promptly
Difficulty
Easy
Key Info
Rewards may be forfeited
Step-by-Step Guide
List all AmEx cards
Document each card number (last 4), type (Gold, Platinum, etc.), and annual fee.
Estimated time: 5 min
Note rewards balance
Record your Membership Rewards points balance. These may be forfeited on closure.
Warning: Points are typically forfeited when the primary cardholder passes.
Estimated time: 5 min
List recurring charges
Document all subscriptions and autopay charges on each card.
Estimated time: 10 min
Executor contacts AmEx
Call 1-800-528-4800 with Death Certificate. Outstanding balances become estate debts. Additional cardholders should be notified.
Document Now Checklist
- Card numbers (last 4)
- Card types and annual fees
- Rewards points balance
- Recurring charges on each card
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with American Express. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
PayPal
PayPal balances are estate assets. Recurring payments continue until cancelled by executor.
Venmo
Venmo balance is an estate asset. Family cannot access the social feed or transaction history directly.
Cash App
If you hold Bitcoin in Cash App, document this separately — crypto recovery requires additional steps.
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