What happens to credit card debt once you die?

If the account(s) are joint then the other account holder's become responsible for the debt. If the account is held by only one person and that person is unmarried the debt solely belongs to the account holder.

Married couples residing in community property states are accountable for debts equally regardless of which spouse incurred the debt during the marriage. Married couples residing in non-community property states are only responsible for debts that are jointly incurred during the marriage.

Debts belonging to an individual are included in the deceased's estate along with any nonexempt assets. The assets and debts are then handled according to the state probate laws.