Law Offices of Juliet Cohen, P.C.

Elder Law, Trusts and Estates, Probate & Administration

What Happens to Your Digital Subscriptions and Loyalty Points After You Die?

Estate Planning / by

digital assets estate planning

Today’s estate planning isn’t just about homes, bank accounts, or investments. It’s also about what happens to your digital assets, including your subscriptions, airline miles, credit card rewards, and even streaming services. While these may seem minor, they can add up to significant value—or unnecessary stress for your loved ones if not addressed properly.

Here’s what you need to know.

Do Digital Subscriptions Automatically Cancel When You Die?

No, most subscriptions do not cancel automatically. Services like Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime, and news outlets will continue billing your credit card until someone actively cancels them. If your credit card or bank account remains open, these charges can continue indefinitely.

Tip: Make a list of your digital subscriptions and include it in your estate documents. Your executor can use it to quickly cancel accounts and stop automatic payments.

Can Streaming Accounts Be Transferred?

Streaming accounts are usually non-transferable. They are tied to your personal information and license agreement. While your family might continue using them temporarily, technically these accounts should be closed.

Some streaming services may allow household members to take over an account if they were already sharing access. But don’t count on this being a long-term solution.

What About Airline Miles and Hotel Points?

This depends on the rewards program. Some companies allow transfers upon death, while others do not.

  • Delta SkyMiles: No transfers allowed after death. Points are forfeited.
  • American Airlines AAdvantage: Points can be transferred at the company’s discretion.
  • United MileagePlus: Points can be transferred, but fees may apply.
  • Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors: Typically allow transfers upon death, with documentation.

If you want someone to inherit your points, you’ll need to check the terms of each program. Some allow you to name a beneficiary or designate a transfer in your estate plan.

Can Credit Card Rewards Be Inherited?

Credit card rewards are often forfeited upon death, but this varies by issuer. Some companies will allow a spouse or joint account holder to redeem or transfer points, especially on cards with co-owners.

Tip: Call your credit card issuer or check their terms online. If rewards can’t be inherited, you might consider redeeming them in your lifetime or transferring points to a household member if allowed.

What Happens to Digital Wallets (e.g., PayPal, Venmo, Cash App)?

These accounts hold actual funds and need to be included in your estate planning like a bank account. Your executor will need access to the account and instructions on what to do with the balance.

Make sure you:

  • Include login details in a secure password manager or estate document
  • Name a digital executor (if allowed in your state)
  • List digital wallets in your net worth statement

How Should You Plan for These Digital Assets?

Here’s how to keep things organized and make life easier for your loved ones:

  1. Create a digital inventory
     Include all accounts with login details stored securely in a password manager or encrypted file. Don’t write them directly into your will, which becomes public.
  2. Designate a digital executor
     New York does not currently recognize a digital executor by default, but you can name one in your will and give them access to your online accounts.
  3. Use a letter of instruction
     This non-binding document can outline which subscriptions to cancel, how to handle your rewards points, and who should get any digital credits or balances.
  4. Review terms of service
     Go through each rewards program and note whether you can name a beneficiary or how to authorize transfers after death.

What About Accounts Tied to Your Business?

If you run a business with online subscriptions or reward accounts, those need to be planned for separately. Business email accounts, web hosting services, design platforms, and cloud storage can impact operations if not properly transferred or shut down.

Can These Items Go Through Probate?

Some digital assets, like reward points or digital wallets, may need to be addressed in probate if not otherwise transferred. That can delay access or result in lost value.

The best strategy is to plan ahead to avoid probate where possible, particularly for digital wallets or business-critical accounts.

Speak to an Attorney

Digital assets are easy to overlook, but they can cause confusion and conflict if left unaddressed. The Law Offices of Juliet Cohen, P.C. can help you create an estate plan that includes your streaming accounts, loyalty programs, and digital finances. Let us help you protect the full picture of your legacy, online and off.

Juliet Cohen
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