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What to Cancel After Someone Dies

Some things should be canceled quickly. Others you should wait on. Here's how to tell the difference.

Do NOT cancel immediately

  • —Bank accounts — needed to receive final payments and pay final bills
  • —Health insurance — may cover final medical bills still being processed
  • —Utilities at the home — until the property is transferred or sold
  • —Internet service — household members may still need it
  • —Vehicle insurance — until title is transferred or vehicle is sold

Do cancel soon

  • —Credit cards in the deceased's name only — after settling any balances
  • —Streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, etc.)
  • —Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
  • —Gym and club memberships
  • —Email and social media accounts (or memorialize them)
  • —Cell phone plan — after transferring or porting numbers if needed
  • —Online shopping accounts (Amazon, etc.) — after any pending orders arrive
  • —Automatic bill payments tied to accounts being closed

Handle carefully

  • —Joint credit cards — the surviving account holder may need to open a new individual account
  • —Mortgage — contact the lender but do not stop payments without guidance
  • —Social Security — overpayments must be returned; contact SSA before acting
  • —Pension or annuity payments — notify the provider before taking any action
This is general information, not legal advice. Circumstances vary. Consult an estate attorney if you are unsure about any account or obligation.

Related Guides

Documents After a Death

What documents and paperwork you may need — and what can wait

Who to Notify After a Death

A calm order for who to tell, and when

Checklist

Expanded checklist: practical planning and support for the days ahead.

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