How to notify credit bureaus of a death

Why the deceased flag matters

Obituaries are public records. They contain names, dates, and often family information—enough for someone to open a credit card or loan in the deceased's name. The credit bureaus know this happens, and they've built a 'deceased' flag into their systems that stops new credit from being issued under that person's Social Security number.

When you notify a bureau, you're not just preventing fraud. You're creating an official record that protects the estate and simplifies your work later. Creditors who try to collect from the deceased's account will see the flag and know to contact you instead.

The deceased flag is identity-theft armor—and it's free.

Getting the credit reports first

Before you notify the bureaus, pull the deceased's credit reports from all three. This is detective work: the reports list every account in their name, including debts you may not know about. You'll see credit cards, loans, mortgages, and sometimes accounts that were opened fraudulently years ago.

You can request reports directly from each bureau by mail, or use the bureaus' online portals. Some allow you to request a report as an executor using a death certificate and a copy of your letters testamentary or court order (if probate is open). Rules vary by bureau and state, so you may need to call and ask. Start with Equifax.com, Experian.com, and TransUnion.com to see current options.

• Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each maintain separate credit files—pull from all three.
• The reports are free when you request them as executor; you don't pay to dispute or flag.
• Keep copies for your records; you'll reference them when notifying creditors and settling debts.

The mail-in notification process

Each bureau has a mail-in procedure for notifying them of a death. You'll send a letter (or use their online form, if available) along with a copy of the death certificate and proof that you're the executor. The proof is usually your letters testamentary, a court order, or a power of attorney document signed by the deceased before they died.

The bureaus don't all use the same process, which is why calling first is worth the time. Ask what documents they need, what address to send them to, and how long the deceased flag takes to apply. Write down the date you called, the name of the person you spoke with, and what they told you. This log is your proof that you notified them.

• Include a copy of the death certificate (not the original).
• Include proof of your authority to act (letters testamentary, court order, or power of attorney).
• Include your contact information and the deceased's full name and Social Security number.
• Keep a copy of everything you send.

Documentation is not busywork—it's your record of diligence.

What happens after you notify them

Once the deceased flag is in place, the bureaus will not issue new credit in that person's name. If someone tries, the application will be flagged and likely denied. The bureaus will also add a note to the file that directs inquiries to you, the executor.

The flag typically stays in place for seven years, though you can renew it if needed. You don't have to do anything else once it's set—it's automatic. If you discover fraudulent accounts on the credit report later, you can dispute them with the bureaus and provide proof of the fraud.

Logging your notifications

Keep a simple record: the date you called or sent mail to each bureau, the name of the person you spoke with (if by phone), and what they confirmed. Write down when they said the flag would be active. This log is not required by law, but it's invaluable if a creditor later claims they didn't know the person was deceased, or if a fraudulent account pops up.

Many executors use a simple spreadsheet or a notebook. The point is not perfection—it's proof that you took reasonable steps to protect the estate. If you're working with an attorney or a CPA, they may have a template for this.

• Date of contact
• Bureau name and contact method (phone/mail)
• Name of representative (if applicable)
• What was confirmed (deceased flag applied, timeline, contact info updated)

Next steps: notifying creditors and closing accounts

Once the credit bureaus are flagged, you'll use those reports to contact individual creditors. You'll notify each one of the death, provide a copy of the death certificate, and ask about the balance and whether the debt is secured (backed by collateral like a house or car) or unsecured. This is where the credit report becomes your checklist.

The three major bureaus are the first step, but they're not the only notification point. You'll also contact the Social Security Administration, the deceased's bank, insurance companies, and any creditors listed on the credit report. The process is methodical, not urgent—there is no deadline for most of these notifications, and professionals like your CPA or attorney can guide you through the order that makes sense for the estate's situation.