- 1). Review the cardholder's previous billing statements to determine if a balance is owed. Decide if you want the responsibility of paying that balance in full, or if you would prefer a clean start by applying for a new account.
- 2). Contact the credit card company, both in writing and by phone. Notify the lender of the primary cardholder's death and be willing to supply a copy of the death certificate as proof upon request.
- 3). Request that the account be transferred to you as the primary account holder rather than closed or charged off. You will likely have to agree to continue making payments on the previous balance along with any new charges made in the future. Be willing to supply your personal information; the lender will probably want to check your credit score to determine your credit risk before approving the request.
- 4). Sign a credit contract with the credit card issuer making you the new owner of the account. Review the next billing statement to verify that the deceased's name has been removed and you are now listed as the primary account holder.
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