How can my family access my Amazon account after I die?

The process typically involves contacting Amazon with a death certificate and proof of relationship. Our step-by-step guide walks you through the exact procedure.

🛒 Shopping

What Happens to Your Amazon Account When You Die

Gift Card Balance = AssetCancel Prime

Your Kindle library, Audible books, and digital purchases are licensed — they cannot be transferred. Physical gift card balances are estate assets.

Quick Facts

Deadline

Cancel Prime ASAP

Difficulty

Moderate

Key Info

Kindle library is licensed, not owned

Step-by-Step Guide

Note gift card balance

Check Settings → Gift Cards for any balance. This is an estate asset.

Estimated time: 5 min

List all subscriptions

Go to Account → Memberships & Subscriptions. List everything: Prime, Audible, Subscribe & Save, Kindle Unlimited, etc.

Estimated time: 10 min

Go to page

Note pending orders

Check for any pending orders or returns that need handling.

Estimated time: 5 min

Executor contacts Amazon

Contact Amazon customer service with Death Certificate to close the account and claim any gift card balance.

Go to page Official docs

Document Now Checklist

Amazon account email
Gift card balance
All active subscriptions
Pending orders

Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Amazon. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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