How to Handle American Express Accounts After a Death: 2026 Guide

Overview

American Express is a global financial services company best known for its credit cards, charge cards, and traveler's cheques, but it also operates American Express National Bank, which offers high-yield savings accounts (HYSA) and certificates of deposit (CDs). When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify American Express to freeze credit lines and transfer or close banking accounts.

This guide covers American Express's estate services department, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Because American Express operates nationally, state-specific probate requirements will affect your process, particularly for banking assets.

Note: American Express has separate processing centers for their Credit Card division and their National Bank (Savings/CDs) division. While the initial notification number is the same, the mailing addresses for documents differ.

This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with American Express and consider consulting a qualified attorney.

Notification Process

How to Notify American Express of a Death

Step 1: Gather Initial Information

Before contacting American Express, have the following ready:

• Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
• Date of death
• Social Security number
• Account numbers (Card numbers or Savings account numbers)
• Your name and relationship to the decedent
• Executor/Administrator contact info (if applicable)

Step 2: Call the Estate Services Department

Contact American Express's estate services team. This single number handles initial notification for both credit cards and bank accounts.

• Phone: (800) 266-7064
• Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM ET
• Corporate Cards: Call (888) 297-3947 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM ET)

When you reach an agent, they will:

1. Verify the decedent's identity.
2. Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes credit lines and restricts online access.
3. Discuss options for the account (closure vs. taking over the account for eligible family members).
4. Provide a case number or reference number.
5. Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s).

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

Mail the required documents to the specific department. Do not send original documents unless explicitly requested, as they may not be returned.

{Reference the requiredDocuments section}

For Savings & CD Accounts (American Express National Bank):

American Express National Bank

PO Box 30384

Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0384

Fax: 1-800-542-0779

For Credit & Charge Cards:

American Express

P.O. Box 981535

El Paso, TX 79998-1535

(Confirm this address with the agent during your call, as it can vary by card type.)

Step 4: Wait for Processing

After American Express receives your documents, expect:

• Acknowledgment letter: 7–10 business days
• Document review completion: 2–4 weeks
• Follow-up if additional documents needed: 2–3 weeks

Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets

Once all documents are approved:

• Credit Cards: The account is closed. If there is a balance, the estate is responsible. If there are rewards points, the executor may request a one-time redemption.
• Bank Accounts: Funds are distributed via check to the beneficiary or the estate.

Required Documents

Documents American Express Requires

The exact documents depend on account type, account value, and whether the estate is going through probate.

Always Required

If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)

Note: American Express National Bank explicitly states they do not accept a copy of the Will itself as proof of authority. You must provide court-issued Letters Testamentary.

If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)

Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)

Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts (Savings/CDs)

Trust Accounts

Account Types

How American Express Handles Different Account Types

Credit and Charge Cards

Upon notification, the card is immediately frozen to prevent new charges. Authorized user cards are also typically cancelled.

• Balance: The estate is responsible for paying off the balance. Family members are generally not personally liable unless they were a joint account holder (not just an authorized user).
• Rewards: Membership Rewards points are not automatically transferable. The executor must request a one-time redemption (e.g., for statement credit) before the account is fully closed.
• Timeline: Account closed immediately; final settlement depends on estate payment.

High Yield Savings (HYSA) & CDs - Joint Accounts

If one owner survives, the account automatically transitions to the survivor.

• Process: Submit death certificate and "Letter of Instruction" to remove the decedent's name.
• Timeline: 5–10 business days.

POD (Payable on Death) Beneficiary Accounts

Named beneficiaries claim funds directly without probate.

• Process: Submit death certificate, "Letter of Instruction," and "Affidavit of Identity."
• Timeline: 10–15 business days.

Individual Bank Accounts (Probate Required)

Accounts with no beneficiary designation require court appointment documents.

• Process: Executor submits Letters Testamentary/Administration. Funds are issued to "The Estate of [Name]."
• Timeline: 3–6+ months depending on probate court speed.

Trust Accounts

The successor trustee manages the account.

• Process: Submit Trust Certificate and death certificate.
• Timeline: 10–20 business days.

State Considerations

How Your State Affects the American Express Process

American Express operates nationally, but probate is governed by state law. Your state determines:

• Whether probate is required and how long it takes
• Small estate thresholds — estates below certain values can skip formal probate
• Community property rules — in states like AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, and WI, a surviving spouse may have rights to accounts even without being named.
• Creditor claim periods — how long American Express has to file a claim against the estate for credit card debt.

Key State Variations

For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.

Timelines

How Long American Express Takes to Release Funds

Note: Timelines start after American Express receives all correct documents.

Tips & Pitfalls

Common Pitfalls and Tips

Don't Lose Your Membership Rewards Points

Points are not automatically transferred. The executor must explicitly request a one-time redemption (usually for statement credit) when closing the account. If the account is closed without this request, points may be forfeited.

Authorized Users vs. Joint Owners

Most additional cardholders on Amex accounts are Authorized Users, not Joint Owners.

• Authorized Users: Card is cancelled upon the primary owner's death. They are not responsible for the debt.
• Joint Owners: Retain access to the account and are responsible for the debt.

Stop Automatic Payments

Once the "deceased flag" is placed, all automatic payments (Netflix, utilities, insurance) linked to the card will be declined. Update these accounts immediately with a new payment method.

Do Not Send Original Wills

American Express National Bank explicitly states they do not accept Wills as proof of authority. Sending your original Will can result in it being lost. Always send court-certified copies of Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.

Keep the Case Number

When you first call (800) 266-7064, write down the Case Number. You will need this for all future correspondence and to track the status of your documents.