Subscription services are everywhere — streaming, software, memberships, meal kits, news services, and more. When someone dies, these subscriptions keep charging unless someone actively cancels them. Families often don't discover ongoing charges until weeks or months later, by which point significant money has been wasted.
The Scope of the Problem
The average American has 12 or more active subscriptions. Some are obvious — Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime. Others are easy to forget: software licenses, cloud storage, subscription boxes, premium app tiers, professional memberships. Without documentation, tracking all of these down after someone's death requires significant effort.
How to Prioritize
Focus first on subscriptions that cost the most per month or have automatic renewal dates approaching. Lower-priority items can be addressed over the following weeks. Credit card statements from the past 2–3 months are the most effective tool for identifying recurring charges.
The General Process for Canceling Subscriptions
- Identify all subscriptions by reviewing bank and credit card statements for recurring charges
- Gather what you'll need: a certified copy of the death certificate, account login credentials if available, the account holder's name and email address
- Contact each service: Most subscriptions can be canceled online through the account portal; some require a phone call or email
- Request a refund for unused periods if appropriate — many services will refund the current billing period upon a death notice
- Get confirmation in writing (email or letter) for any account with a significant balance or recurring charge
When You Don't Have Login Credentials
If you can't access the account, contact the service's support team with a death certificate and explanation. Most companies have a process for closing deceased users' accounts. If the service was charged to a credit card, you can also cancel the card or dispute ongoing charges after death — the card issuer will typically block further charges.
Company-Specific Notes
Streaming Services (Netflix, Spotify, Apple TV+, Disney+)
These can typically be canceled online through the account settings. Contact customer support if you can't access the account — they will cancel upon receipt of a death certificate.
Amazon Prime
Cancel through account settings or Amazon's customer service. The account may also contain stored payment methods, gift card balances, and an order history worth reviewing. See our guide on online shopping accounts after death.
Software Subscriptions (Adobe, Microsoft 365, Dropbox)
These may also involve stored files or data worth preserving before cancellation. See our guide to digital assets for preserving important files.
Gym and Club Memberships
Many gyms and clubs require written notice of cancellation. Contact the facility directly with a death certificate — most will cancel without requiring notice periods or cancellation fees upon proof of death.
Preventing the Problem: Documentation
The easiest way to help your executor is to maintain a list of all your active subscriptions — service name, monthly cost, email address used, and how to cancel. This list, updated annually, can save your family hours of work. Include it in your accounts and subscriptions inventory.
For the broader picture of managing accounts after a death, see our complete guide to accounts and subscriptions.