Cancel Memberships and Subscriptions

Review the last 3-6 months of bank and credit card statements for recurring charges—this is the most reliable method. Check their email for subscription confirmations and renewal notices. Look in their phone's app store for active subscriptions (iPhone: Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions; Android: Play Store > Payments & Subscriptions). Check their Amazon, PayPal, and Venmo accounts for recurring payments. Services like Trim or Rocket Money can scan accounts for subscriptions if you have access.

Many services will issue prorated refunds when canceling due to death, especially annual subscriptions. Always mention the circumstances when calling—most companies have compassionate cancellation policies. Apple, Google, Netflix, and Amazon typically refund recent charges upon request with a death certificate. Gym memberships with contracts often have death clauses that void early termination fees. Ask specifically: "What is your policy for cancellation due to the account holder's passing?"

Gym contracts (Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, etc.) typically include a provision allowing cancellation due to death without early termination fees. You will need a death certificate and a written cancellation request. Some gyms require cancellation by certified mail. If the gym refuses to waive fees, escalate to corporate and reference the death clause in the membership agreement. State consumer protection laws in most states prohibit enforcing gym contracts against a deceased person's estate for future payments.

Airline miles and hotel points policies vary. Some programs (Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus) allow transfer to a beneficiary or estate with a death certificate. Others (some hotel programs) forfeit points upon death. Credit card rewards points are generally forfeited when the account is closed. Act quickly—some programs have time limits. Check each program's terms or call their customer service to ask about their deceased member policy before closing any accounts.