Financial and Business Digital Accounts
What happens to cryptocurrency after death?
Short answer
Cryptocurrency held in a wallet is accessible only through the private key or seed phrase — without it, the cryptocurrency is permanently inaccessible. There is no recovery process. If the deceased left the private key or seed phrase in a will, safe…
What this usually means
Cryptocurrency held in a wallet is accessible only through the private key or seed phrase — without it, the cryptocurrency is permanently inaccessible. There is no recovery process. If the deceased left the private key or seed phrase in a will, safe, password manager, or other secure location, the estate can access the funds. If not, the cryptocurrency is lost forever. This is why documenting cryptocurrency holdings and access is critical estate planning.
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.