Estate Planning 101

Notifying Capital One After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

Need some help?

Snug partners with Marble Law, an online law firm built for your peace of mind. Marble lawyers have extensive experience in all matters of estate planning, including the important task of funding a trust.
Get started right away

Are you an executor or trustee?

Snug can help you get organized by providing one place to store and analyze Wills, Trusts, and other essential documents. You can inventory finances, personal property, digital assets, insurance, and more.
Get started for free

Want to get organized?

Snug can help you organize all of life's details by providing one place to store and analyze Wills, Trusts, and other essential documents. You can inventory finances, personal property, digital assets, insurance, and more.
Get started for free

Want to offer estate planning?

Snug is a complete estate planning solution built for Financial Advisors who want to save time and offer their clients more. Whether you have an UHNW client who needs their documents analyzed or a mass affluent client getting their first Trust, we can help.
Get started for free

Need a Will or Trust?

Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
Get started for free

Need a Will or Trust?

Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
Get started for free

Need a Will or Trust?

Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
Get started for free

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time, and dealing with their financial affairs can be daunting. Nevertheless, it's essential to notify relevant financial entities, such as credit card companies like Capital One, to settle any outstanding balances and close accounts. This step is crucial to prevent identity theft and avoid accruing unnecessary charges.

Who Should Be Notified

Capital One should be notified if the deceased had a credit card or any other financial product with them. This includes checking or savings accounts, auto loans, or home loans.

When to Notify

It's advisable to notify Capital One as soon as possible after your loved one's passing. This helps prevent any additional charges from accruing on the account and protects against potential fraud.

How to Notify

You can notify Capital One of a customer's death by calling their customer service line. Be prepared to provide the deceased's name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Additionally, you may need to provide a copy of the death certificate.

What to Expect After Notification

Once notified, Capital One will close the deceased's accounts or, in the case of joint accounts, remove the deceased's name. Regarding credit card accounts, they will guide you through the process of settling any outstanding balances. If the deceased had Credit Card Insurance or a Balance Protection product, this may cover some or all the remaining balance.

Tips for Notification

Make sure to keep a record of all communications with Capital One, including dates, times, and the names of any representatives you speak with. This will be helpful if there are any discrepancies or issues later on.

Conclusion

While it can be challenging to navigate financial matters after a loved one's passing, notifying credit card companies like Capital One is a crucial step. It ensures the smooth resolution of the deceased's financial affairs and safeguards against potential fraud or unnecessary charges.

FAQ

Q: What if I can't find my loved one's credit card or account information?
A: If you don't have the necessary information, Capital One may still be able to locate the deceased's accounts using their name and date of birth.

Q: What happens to the rewards or miles on the deceased's Capital One card?
A: This can vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of the card. It's best to ask Capital One directly during your conversation.

Q: What happens if the deceased had a balance on their credit card?
A: If there's an outstanding balance, it will typically need to be paid by the estate. However, if the deceased had Credit Card Insurance or a Balance Protection product, they may cover some or all the remaining balance.