Credit Sesame explains what happens to your credit score and credit report after death, and how to protect loved ones from identity theft and unresolved debts.
When someone passes away, their financial footprint does not vanish overnight. In fact, credit reports may remain active for years unless the proper steps are taken. Understanding what happens to credit scores, reports, and outstanding debts after death can help surviving family members avoid unnecessary stress, fraud, and delays in estate settlement.
Credit reports do not close automatically
A person’s credit report is not erased the moment they pass away. Instead, once a credit bureau, Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion, receives official notice of the death, it flags the report as “deceased.” This status prevents new credit from being issued and acts as a safeguard against identity theft.
The flagged credit report is eventually deleted, typically seven years after being marked as deceased. Until then, it remains in the credit bureau’s system but is not accessible to lenders or used in credit scoring.
How to notify the credit bureaus of a death
Credit bureaus may receive death notifications from various sources, but the most reliable and timely method is a direct report from someone with legal authority.
Who can notify the bureaus?
Only a legally authorized individual, typically a surviving spouse, court-appointed executor, or estate administrator, can file a direct death notice with the credit bureaus. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and creditors may report the death eventually, but those updates can be delayed.
To notify the bureaus directly, the authorized person will need to provide:
- The deceased’s full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- Documentation proving legal authority to act on behalf of the deceased (such as executor papers or court appointment)
- Their own contact information for follow-up
How to submit the documents
You only need to contact one of the three nationwide credit bureaus. Once notified, that bureau will share the information with the other two. Submissions can typically be sent by certified mail or uploaded online.
Here’s where to send the information:
- Equifax. Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105139, Atlanta, GA 30348-5139
- Experian. Experian Consumer Assistance Center, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013
- TransUnion. Submission instructions available on the website.
It is a good idea to use certified mail or another trackable method and to keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
Once the credit report is flagged as “deceased,” it will be sealed and protected from future credit activity, helping prevent fraud and identity theft.
Review credit reports to identify active accounts
After reporting the death, the estate’s executor or court-appointed administrator should request the deceased’s credit reports from all three major bureaus. Not all creditors report to every bureau, so reviewing all three ensures a more complete picture of any outstanding accounts or obligations.
To obtain the reports, the requester must provide a certified death certificate and legal documentation showing their authority to act on behalf of the estate.
This review can reveal:
- Active credit accounts
- Joint or cosigned accounts
- Potential signs of identity theft
- Contact details for creditors who should be notified
Even accounts with zero balances should be closed unless another person is still listed as a joint account holder.
What happens to the deceased’s credit score?
Once a report is flagged as deceased, the individual’s credit score is no longer updated or used. However, the report’s historical content may still be referenced for estate settlement. For example, a creditor may verify existing debts before approving claim payouts or releasing certain assets.
Scores become irrelevant as soon as the credit file is sealed, though the underlying credit report may remain available to authorized individuals for several years.
Who is responsible for debt after death?
In most cases, debt is paid from the deceased’s estate, and not by surviving family members. The executor uses estate funds to pay off valid claims before distributing remaining assets.
Exceptions may apply if:
- You co-signed a loan or credit card.
- You shared a joint account with the deceased.
- You live in a community property state, where marital debts are shared.
- State law assigns certain debts, such as medical bills, to surviving spouses.
Community property states include Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Optional agreements may apply in Alaska and Oklahoma.
It is a good idea to consult a qualified estate attorney to determine responsibilities based on your location and relationship to the deceased.
Are any debts forgiven after death?
Some debts may be canceled when a person dies:
- Federal student loans are automatically discharged. Parent PLUS loans are also forgiven if the parent or the student passes away.
- Private student loans may be forgiven, depending on the lender’s policy.
- Unsecured debts (like credit card balances) may be written off if the estate lacks the assets to pay them.
State laws may influence how remaining estate funds are prioritized between creditors and surviving dependents.
Protecting against identity theft
Even after death, an individual’s personal information can be used to commit fraud. Thieves may use publicly available details, such as those in obituaries, to apply for credit in the deceased’s name.
To help prevent this:
- Report the death to a credit bureau quickly.
- Review the deceased’s credit reports for unusual activity.
- Notify lenders and close unnecessary accounts.
- Avoid sharing sensitive personal information publicly.
These steps can prevent further loss during a difficult time.
The final countdown
Understanding what happens to a credit score and credit report after death helps families avoid identity theft, resolve loose financial ends, and settle estates with less confusion. Notifying credit bureaus and reviewing reports quickly can prevent serious issues during an already difficult time. It is one of the last (but most important) things you can do to protect a loved one’s financial legacy.
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Disclaimer: The article and information provided here are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
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