Are joint credit card account holders accountable for debts after death of main account holder?

Question

My grandmother has 3 credit cards with me on them jointly. (I have a card with my name on them is what I mean.) But the accounts were opened in her name, and she added me to them.

She is in poor health now, and I am unsure if I will be accountable for the debt on these cc's if she passes on. Meaning that, will the credit card companies be sending me a bill after her death and will I actually owe them money?

Sorry for the poor wording, this is difficult to describe. Hope it made sense to someone...

I never signed anything for these cards. I am not a cosigner.

Does this shed any light on the issue?

Answer 1

Like some of the other posters mentioned, if you are only an authorized user and not a joint user then you are not responsible.
If you are a joint user than you are responsible.

But

If you are a joint user, after she passes you may be able to petition her estate for payment on the charges she had made. (as long as you can prove the charges were made by her and not by you)

I'm sorry that your grandmother is in poor health.

Answer 2

Get a copy of your credit report and find the accounts in question.

Look in the left hand side under the lenders name, there will either be a C for co-sign, a J for joint or a A for authorized user.

If you see either a C or J, you are responsible for the debt, if however you see a A then you are not responsible for the debt.

Like Echo said, even if you are a joint signer, if you can prove that your Grandma made the charges and not you, you can petition her estate to pay the debts.

Good luck and sorry to here about your Grandma.

Answer 3

Yes, if she dies all persons attached to that card will held accountable and responsible for payments/debt on that card.

You will have to call the credit card company to verify if you are a user or a holder or whatever. If they say that you are accountable for the card, I would ask grandma to take you off the cards ASAP.

Answer 4

Check to be sure your not just an authorized user. If yes, then you are responsible for the balance, but if are indeed a cosignor then yes you would responsible. Also be sure your grandmother has put "credit life" insurance on them so balance paid in case of death, or see if she can remove your name. Hope your grandmother will feel better.

Answer 5

I would call your particular credit card company as different companies will surely have different policies. You might want to even check up your state laws regarding this. However, I would beware because after all, you did spend money (in the credit card company's eyes) against that particular card, meaning you owe them something. I'm sure it's all in the fine tiny tiny print.

Answer 6

The credit card companies would bill the relatives regardless of whether your name was on the account or not, but even more so in this instance since your name is on it. This is why you need insurance because credit card companies do not forgive debt because of death.

Answer 7

if you did not sign a credit application with the bank u are not responsible.
if she add u as an authorized user of said account u are not responsible for any charges . no matter what the bankers try to scare u into. did u sign an application as 'joint' or are u an authorized user.

Answer 8

Yes, joint account holders are equally responsible for debts on the account. You will be expected, and are legally obligated to pay.

Answer 9

Yes you are unless there is credit life insurance with the credit cards. You will be liable for all debt after she dies.

Sorry about your grandma.

Answer 10

You probaby would have to open a whole new account to have joint account holders.