Question 1

How to notify Discover when a cardmember has died

Accepted Answer

Our Deceased Account Services Specialists will work with you to finalize the account. You can reach them directly at 1-800-347-5519. These specialists handle the process of closing an account upon notification that one of our valued customers has passed away. We're committed to managing the process with the utmost sensitivity and care and are here to assist you with your questions and needs. We understand this may be a difficult time for you. We want you to know that our priority is to assist you in any way we can.

Question 2

Do you need to send Discover a death certificate?

Accepted Answer

No. Upon notification, Discover will verify the information. If the cardmember had a death benefit, the life insurance claim processor may require the death certificate to process the claim.

Question 3

What should you do with the deceased's credit card?

Accepted Answer

The card is no longer active. Shred or cut up the card and properly dispose of it.

Question 4

How do you stop new credit card charges?

Accepted Answer

Upon notification, the card is no longer active. This prevents most new credit card charges. If there were previous recurring charges, contact the merchant to stop them. You can find the merchant's contact information on an itemized credit card statement. Otherwise, you can dispute any charges on the account once they've posted on the Account Center. You can also call one of our customer service agents.

Question 5

As the administrator or executor of the estate, how do you make a payment on a Discover account?

Accepted Answer

If you're the administrator or executor of the estate, you can make a payment to Discover by: Calling a Deceased Account Services representative at 1-800-347-5519. Sending the payment stub included with the statement in the enclosed envelope. Please remember to include the account number. We seek payment only from the assets in the deceased cardmember's estate. You're not required to use individual or jointly owned assets to pay this debt.

What Happens to Credit Card Debt When You Die?

Key Takeaways

Did you know?

What Does Derogatory Credit Mean?

What's a Debt Management Plan?

What is Debt-to-Income Ratio, and How Do You Calculate It?

Guide to Credit Card Consolidation