Last verified 2026-08-17; facts checked against the primary sources below
How to close an American Express account after someone dies
Last verified: August 17, 2026
The short answer: Anyone may notify American Express that a cardmember died, but an executor or other authorized person should call 1-800-266-7064 to finalize a U.S. consumer or small-business card account. Have the date of death, executor or attorney contact details, your relationship, and your contact information ready. Family members and third parties are not personally liable merely for handling the notice.
American Express deceased cards at a glance
| Question | Current American Express instruction |
|---|---|
| Consumer and small-business cards | 1-800-266-7064, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern |
| Corporate Cards | 1-888-297-3947, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Eastern |
| Who can give notice | Anyone |
| Who can finalize or request cancellation | Executor or another person authorized to handle the account |
| Personal liability | Family or third party is not personally responsible merely for handling the decedent's affairs |
How do you notify American Express of a cardmember's death?
Call American Express at 1-800-266-7064 during its published deceased-account hours. Prepare:
- The cardmember's date of death.
- Contact information for the executor, trustee, or attorney.
- Your relationship to the cardmember.
- Your own contact information.
American Express says anyone may give the initial notice. If you were appointed under a will or court order, or are otherwise handling the affairs, you can ask to cancel the account or determine whether an eligible account can be taken over.
For a Corporate Card, use the separate Corporate Card number or contact the company's program administrator.
Is a spouse or family member responsible for the Amex balance?
American Express states that a family member or third party handling the affairs is not personally responsible for the debt. It identifies the estate or, for an applicable business account, the business as ultimately responsible.
That does not resolve every case. A joint borrower, guarantor, business owner, or person liable under state law can have a separate obligation. An authorized user is not automatically the same as a joint debtor. Ask American Express for the account agreement and an itemized final statement before paying.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also cautions that survivors generally are not responsible for a deceased person's debts unless a legal exception applies.
Can someone take over a deceased cardmember's account?
Possibly, but no one is required to do so. American Express says an eligible person may apply to become the new Basic Card Member if:
- The card is eligible for transfer.
- The account has not been closed for more than one year.
- The account is not 30 days or more past due.
- The applicant passes a credit review.
The new Basic Card Member accepts responsibility for the existing balance and future charges. For a small-business account, American Express says only an officer of the business may assume liability. If more than one person is eligible, requests are handled first come, first served.
Do not agree to takeover merely to preserve points or account history without reviewing the balance, credit implications, and alternatives.
What happens to Membership Rewards points?
Ask the deceased-account specialist to identify the current options before the account is cancelled. American Express's public deceased-cardmember page focuses on notification, cancellation, takeover, and payment; it does not promise a universal points-transfer outcome for every account.
Account type, eligible linked products, a qualifying takeover, and timing can affect the result. Record the points balance and obtain written instructions before authorizing closure.
What payment options does American Express offer the estate?
American Express says it can provide instructions for interest-free monthly payments for up to 24 months on most personal and small-business accounts. That is an option to discuss, not a reason for a family member to assume personal liability.
Before committing estate funds, classify the claim, confirm available cash, and follow applicable creditor-priority rules. California representatives can use the estate debt-priority guide as a starting point.
What about an American Express Savings account?
American Express Savings has a separate deceased-account process and may require documents based on the account title and state law, including estate or small-estate authority. Do not assume that notifying the card department closes or transfers a savings account.
Use the American Express Savings deceased-account guidance and open a separate case for the banking product.
Should recurring charges be moved before cancellation?
Inventory legitimate subscriptions and household services charged to the card. Move services that the estate or survivor needs, and cancel those that should end. Do not keep using the deceased person's card after notice.
See the subscription cancellation checklist for a controlled process.
Related account guides
- Close deceased credit cards
- PayPal accounts after death
- Cancel subscriptions after death
- California estate debt priority
Card agreements, business liability, community-property rules, and estate law can change the outcome. Confirm the account-specific instructions with American Express before paying or assuming liability.