How to Cancel Commonly Used Loyalty Cards in Canada After a Death

Losing a loved one is undoubtedly a challenging and emotional time, and amidst the grieving process, there are many practical matters that need to be addressed. One important task is cancelling the loyalty cards of the deceased. Cancelling these cards is crucial to prevent any unauthorized use of the accounts and to ensure the deceased's affairs are handled appropriately.

In this blog post, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to cancel some of the most commonly used loyalty cards in Canada after a death.

Why Cancel Loyalty Cards?

Cancelling loyalty cards after the death of an account holder serves several crucial purposes:

Preventing Unauthorized Use: Cancelling the cards helps prevent any unauthorized use of the accounts or benefits.

Settling the Deceased's Affairs: It's an important step in settling the affairs of the deceased and ensuring their accounts are handled appropriately.

Steps to Cancel Commonly Used Loyalty Cards After a Death

1. Gather Necessary Documents

Before initiating the cancellation process, gather the following documents:

Proof of Death: This may include a death certificate or other official documentation issued by the relevant authorities.

Account Information: Have the loyalty card numbers and any relevant account details available.

2. Contact Customer Service for Each Loyalty Program

Reach out to the customer service of each loyalty program to inform them of the account holder's passing and to request the cancellation of the account. You can typically do this through one of the following methods:

Phone: Call the customer service number provided on the back of the loyalty card and speak to a representative directly.

Email: Send an email to the customer service email address provided by the loyalty program, explaining the situation and attaching any required documentation.

Online Form: Some loyalty programs may have an online form specifically for handling account cancellations due to the death of the account holder.

3. Provide Required Documentation

Each loyalty program may require different documentation to process the cancellation request. This could include:

Proof of Death: A copy of the death certificate or other official documentation.

Account Information: Details such as the loyalty card number and any additional verification information.

4. Follow Up

After submitting the cancellation request, follow up with each loyalty program to ensure that the account has been closed and any associated benefits or rewards have been appropriately handled.

Additional Considerations

Unused Benefits or Points: Inquire about the options for transferring or redeeming any unused benefits or points in the account.

Joint Accounts: If the loyalty card account was jointly held with another individual, discuss the options for transferring or maintaining the account.

Account Closure Fees: Be aware of any potential fees associated with closing the account, and inquire about waiver options in the event of the account holder's death.

Cancelling loyalty cards after the death of an account holder is a necessary step to protect the accounts and settle the deceased's affairs. By following the steps outlined in this guide and providing the necessary documentation to each loyalty program's customer service, you can ensure that the accounts are closed properly and any remaining benefits or rewards are handled according to the program's policies. If you have any questions or require assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to the customer service of each loyalty program for guidance and support.