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The Daily Insight Hub

Who is responsible for unpaid credit card debt after death?

Author

Daniel Santos

Updated on February 19, 2026

As a rule, a person’s debts do not go away when they die. Those debts are owed by and paid from the deceased person’s estate. By law, family members do not usually have to pay the debts of a deceased relative from their own money. If there isn’t enough money in the estate to cover the debt, it usually goes unpaid.

Are heirs responsible for debt?

Generally, the deceased person’s estate is responsible for paying any unpaid debts. That person pays any debts from the money in the estate, not from their own money. Generally, no one else is legally obligated to repay the debt of a person who has died, but there are exceptions to this rule.

What does it mean to be a cosigner on a credit card?

This means cosigners will be held responsible for repaying any credit card debt that the primary account holder is unable (or unwilling) to pay off. Moreover, issuers understand that cardholders who need cosigners to apply are likely underqualified for a particular card.

What happens if a co signer defaults on a loan?

A co-signer on a loan is legally responsible for the debt if the primary borrower defaults. Co-signing a loan will show up on your credit report and can impact your credit score if the primary borrower pays late or defaults. Co-signers may sign for student loans, personal loans, credit cards, and even mortgages.

Who is responsible for the debt of a cosigner?

A cosigner on a loan is legally responsible for the debt if the primary borrower defaults.

What’s the difference between an authorized user and a co signer?

Co-signing a credit card might sound similar to adding an authorized user to your existing account. These two are sometimes confused, and it’s important to understand the differences. An authorized user is someone who is added to a credit card account. That person gets his or her own credit card and is authorized to make purchases.