How can I pay a balance as an authorized user on a deceased USAA account?

General Forum Discussions
1

My grandfather had a USAA credit card and I was an authorized user. He passed away last year and I called to pay off the balance. Recently, I accidentally used the card for a small purchase. I called USAA to pay the bill, but they told me they couldn’t accept the payment from me since I wasn’t the account holder. I explained that I had paid the bill before, but they insisted that must’ve been a mistake. They asked me to send in a death certificate, so I did that and assumed I’d be able to make the payment.

I called again, and the same thing happened. They told me they couldn’t process the payment, and now they said they need a copy of the will naming me as the executor of the estate. But there’s no will, and I told them that! They kept repeating the same thing about the will I don’t have.

At this point, I thought I’d send in a check along with the statement. A few weeks later, I got another statement saying the balance is unpaid. I called again today, and they told me they still can’t take a payment from me, and repeated the whole will thing again.

I checked online, and it says the account is closed, but it still shows a balance. I don’t understand. I’ve been verified by them, so if I’m the person with the balance, why can’t I pay it?

I’m feeling lost. How can I pay this balance? (By the way, the card is being cut up and removed from all my online accounts!)

2

The account should’ve been closed right away by the executor of the estate after your grandfather passed.

3

You can’t pay it. It’s now part of his estate. The estate needs to go through probate.

4

Honestly, I would have them remove you as an authorized user. That way, it’s no longer your responsibility.

5

Natasha12 said:
Honestly, I would have them remove you as an authorized user. That way, it’s no longer your responsibility.

Yeah, that’s what I did when my mom passed away.

6

Once they know he passed, they won’t speak to you without the proper authorization. You should reach out to Survivor Relations at 1 (800) 292-8294. They’ll likely be more helpful than the regular customer service line. Even with a will, they might still need some legal document. Has anyone started the process of settling the estate? If not, the estate planning forum might be useful.

7

It’s because the card is now part of the estate. You were just an authorized user, not the account holder.

8

A small purchase and he passed away last year? You’ve done your part. Just let it go. Cut up the card and move on. Trying to tie things up without being the executor isn’t going to work. If he had no will and no assets, nothing will likely happen. They won’t pursue collections for such a small amount, and the $20 will probably be written off eventually.

9

This might not work, but you could try making a payment through your bank’s online bill pay service.