Subscriptions and Memberships
Canceling or Redirecting Subscriptions and Memberships
After someone passes away, their subscriptions usually do not stop on their own. Streaming services, magazines, digital tools, and monthly product boxes can continue to arrive and charge the estate as if nothing had happened. These recurring charges may seem minor at first, but they can add up quickly and cause confusion or even drain money that should be used to settle the estate.
Stopping or redirecting these services is a key part of managing someone’s affairs. It helps prevent waste, avoids billing problems, and protects the estate’s assets.
What you need to watch for:
Subscriptions Are Easy to Miss
Most people have multiple subscriptions linked to their credit cards, bank accounts, or email accounts. These may include:
- Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify
- Print or digital magazine and newspaper subscriptions
- Monthly meal kits or curated product boxes
- Cloud storage, antivirus software, or business tools
- Memberships to gyms, clubs, or professional associations
Unless someone is actively monitoring the deceased person’s mail and financial records, these services can continue charging for months or years.
Identify Active Subscriptions
Mail forwarding through the USPS can help identify which services are still being delivered to the deceased person’s address. Look for physical deliveries, such as magazines, meal kits, or membership mailings. If you have access to their email account, check for confirmation emails, renewal notices, or account updates.
Bank and credit card statements are another helpful resource. Review at least two to three months of statements and make a list of all recurring charges.
Cancel or Transfer Services
Some subscriptions can be canceled easily online if you can log into the account. If not, contact the company directly. Most will ask for:
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- Your name and relationship to the deceased
- Proof that you are the legal representative of the estate (such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration)
- A valid photo ID
In some cases, subscriptions tied to family or shared accounts can be transferred to another user. Contact the service provider for options.
Do Not Overlook Small Charges
Even a ten-dollar monthly fee adds up over time. These charges will continue unless they are canceled. Do not assume companies will stop billing once they are aware of the death. Many will continue unless you take action.
If charges continue after death, call the bank or credit card company to dispute the payments and request a refund. For help with fraud or unauthorized transactions, contact the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section at 1-800-351-4889 or the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Response Center at 1-877-382-4357.
Protecting the estate means paying attention to the details, including the digital and subscription services that can quietly drain resources.
