What are the laws regarding using a credit card that is in a deceased spouse's name?

Answer by  Brandon55 (1719)

Using money on someone else's account is a crime unless you are an authorized user. Even then, if the card is not in your name and the person whose name is on the account is deceased, it would be a form of fraud.

Answer by  Brittney (1095)

If the credit card does not have your name on it too then you can not use it. Once a person dies all their credit cards have to be canceled. If you use the credit card it can be considered identity theft due to the fact that it is not him authorizing the transactions.

Answer by  mammakat (11147)

If you are a co-holder, and co-signer on the account, you may, but I say that with a pause. You have to inform the company that the co-holder is dead, and have it changed. If you are not on the account, NO!!! That is fraud, and may be a felony.

Answer by  mdjames26 (533)

If the credit card has not already been revoked, and it was issued in the deceased person's name then the bill passes to the next of kin. Any charges that are made on the card after the person has passed are the responsibility of the spouse or next of kin. If it is used fraudulantly, than that person is responsible.