Credit-card accounts · United States
American Express account process
American Express provides a deceased-cardmember process. Authorized-user cards should no longer be used after the primary cardmember dies, and estate liability should not be confused with an authorized user's personal liability.
Independent educational guide. BeforeHand is not affiliated with American Express. Confirm current requirements through the official source.
Applies toCardmember notification and account resolution after death
Support levelAssisted
Typical timingAmerican Express does not publish one fixed completion period.
What to prepare
- Cardmember's name and account information
- Date of death
- Death certificate if requested
- Estate representative's contact and authority documents
- List of authorized users and recurring charges
Step-by-step process
- Stop use of cards associated with the deceased primary cardmember.
- Review recurring charges and preserve statements needed for estate records.
- Notify American Express through its deceased-cardmember channel.
- Ask what documentation applies and whether an eligible person wants to request account takeover subject to credit approval.
- Obtain confirmation of balances, account status, and final resolution.
What to arrange in advance
Keep recurring-payment and authorized-user information current, review beneficiary or estate arrangements for rewards where applicable, and ensure the responsible person knows the issuer relationship exists.
Official source
Provider processes change. Use the official page below for current forms, channels, and documentation requirements.
American Express — Deceased Cardmembers →