Bank Accounts and Financial Institutions
Can I use their debit card to pay for funeral expenses?
Short answer
No. Using a deceased person's debit or credit card — even for legitimate expenses like a funeral — is technically unauthorized use and can be considered fraud. Pay funeral costs from your own funds first, then file a claim for reimbursement from…
What this usually means
No. Using a deceased person's debit or credit card — even for legitimate expenses like a funeral — is technically unauthorized use and can be considered fraud. Pay funeral costs from your own funds first, then file a claim for reimbursement from the estate.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.