CC in Deceased Father's Name

[pak511]

I don't know if this is the appropriate forum but I thought someone might have some knowledge of the subject.

My father passed away in Nov. 2007. He had 2 credit cards, Sears Master Card and Home Depot. I believe both are issued through Citi. My mom is an authorized user on both of these cards. After his death she continued to use the cards. She has balances on both (HomeDepot $900 and almost $9000 on the Mastercard). She has always made the minimum payments on time and there has never been any problems with the available credit. Until this week, she tried to use the Mastercard and the charge was denied. My first thought was that they did an evaluation of her credit and lowered her limit, but when I checked online the credit limit is still the same only the available amount for purchases is $0. Same thing for the HomeDepot. When I tried to inquire about the denied charge via the online access I received a reply requesting that we call them.

I can't call them because I'm not associated with the accounts, I only have online access because I manage my mother's bills and pay online. She is not computer literate. She said that she would get around to calling them. I don't think she will do this anytime soon unless I am physically there with her.

Do you think that since the account is in my deceased father's name (my mother only being an authorized user, not a joint account holder) that they finally got an update to the account and put a hold on additional charges because he is deceased?

Does anyone have any knowledge about deceased account holders with authorized users?

Thanks

[cupcake]

Do you think that since the account is in my deceased father's name (my mother only being an authorized user, not a joint account holder) that they finally got an update to the account and put a hold on additional charges because he is deceased?

Yes, that is exactly what happened. She is incurring debt in the name of someone who is deceased and who, obviously, cannot pay back the debt. Sure, she continued to pay the minimum balances while she incurred the debt but, if she stopped paying, they can not legally go after her for payment, only your deceased's father's estate.

[pak511]

Thanks for your reply.

I assumed that was probably the case. I always thought she was a joint account holder since the accounts stayed open after his death, until I started paying the bills online for her and noticed that her name wasn't on the account, just under the authorized users. I doubt she even knew she was only an authorized user. Just odd that it took them almost 2 years to flag the account.