Problem with Citi Credit Card, deceased cardmember?

Question

My 22 year old brother passed away, a few days after, my mom called Citi to cancel his credit card and the lady she talked to said that Citi will write-off the balance (approx $950 in which he normally paid off balance monthly). The Citi lady just asked the for the date and county he died in to check the facts.

Now, a month later, the bill was received anyway and now Citi is saying that that is not their policy and the balance is due and they are not putting the $400+ in cash rewards toward it.

All they are doing is making this difficult time even worse. Does anybody know what is going on and what is their real policy?

Answer 1

I'm so sorry about your brother. *big hugs*

Depends. If his account had some sort of protection on it that he paid on either yearly or monthly (like Repayment Protection Insurance), then the debt will probably be dissolved by Citibank. If not, they will keep the debt in their system.

I guess I'm wondering how they will collect on the debt. If he had a co-signer, they will want the money from the co-signer. If not, then there's no way they can collect except by taking something from the estate through the courts. Depending on the balance of the account, it might be more costly to go that route than to simply let the debt dissolve.

Best to contact a lawyer and get the skinny on the particular laws of your state. I know in mine, if the payments are missed, the credit card companies are allowed to charge the maximum % rate which, in my state, is 29.99%. (experience taught me this the hard way). The interest will continue to build until it's absolutely impossible to pay it back.

Also, anything you get from Citibank as far as an agreement, always always always get it in writing. Never take the word of a customer service rep as they are only doing the job they were taught and not concerned with the laws of your state.

Hope this helps and my prayers are with you and your family.

Answer 2

Did your brother have an estate? The debts should be paid by the estate. If he didn't have any assets, send the credit card company a letter saying that he died and left no estate. Enclose a photocopy of your brother's death certificate.

You may get a few more statements but that should take care of it. If collectors call trying to get money, don't talk to them. Some credit cards are notorious for trying to convince relatives they are responsible for the debt.

In the letter, you may point out that the $400 cash reward is the only "asset" and ask them to apply that to the balance.

Answer 3

I'm sorry for your loss. That's a tough situation.

If they choose not to write it off, then they have the right to claim against your brother's estate as a creditor. (I am assuming there was no other names on the account.) That's all they can do. They can't make anyone else responsible for payment. If there are assets in his estate to pay them, they have the right to be paid if they file the right paperwork.

The next time they send a bill, write "Deceased - return to sender" on the envelope and throw it back in the mailbox. Perhaps that will trigger someone on their end to handle the account differently.

I have a feeling that whether they choose to pursue a claim against an estate is based on how big the balance owed is. It would not surprise me if they decide to forget chasing after $950 considering how much hassle it will be for them.

Answer 4

They record all the calls so they should be able to find this one that gave bad information. The bill becomes part of his estate's debts unless he had a co signer.

I am not sure but my guess would be that the interest stops at time of death. Send them a copy of the death certificate with a letter. Any way you slice it, it will come out of your brother's estate. If he didn't leave any money, it gets closed as part of the probate process. If someone co signed, they are on the hook for the money.

Answer 5

Did you notify the TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian,
that he is deceased. It should be on the credit report, send a copy of the death certificate.

As far as Citibank, Write them a letter saying you are writing
to inform them of (Your brothers name) has deceased and
attached is a copy of his death certificate. Legally, my family is not responsible for the $950.00 as the debt was his
name and only signed by him and as you see he was not
a minor. If you feel that the 950.00 is legally bound for his
debt then please send a letter, as you'll need to consult
an attorney. Will be waiting for a reply.

DO NOT TAKE
THEIR PHONE CALLS OR SPEAK ON PHONE
LETTERS ONLY. Keep a copy for yourself.

Answer 6

Get on the phone with one of the supervisors. Sounds goofy.

Answer 7

my citicard are lost