Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 5
    Life Transitions
    Beginner

    Digital Aspects of Power of Attorney: Managing Online Accounts When You Cannot

    Why your power of attorney agent needs access to your online accounts and passwords, and how to prepare a digital access plan before it is needed.

    4 min read 5 stepsApril 20, 2026Verified April 2026
    1

    Create a digital inventory

    ~24s
    Write down every significant online account: email, online banking, investment accounts, Social Security account (ssa.gov), utility payment accounts, and any subscription services that auto-pay from your bank. For each, note the website address, your username/email, and password.

    Warning

    Store this document securely — not on your phone or laptop, and not in your email. A printed copy in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box is a good option. Never send this list over email or text.

    2

    Consider a password manager with emergency access

    ~16s
    Password managers like Bitwarden (bitwarden.com, free) and 1Password (1password.com) offer an "emergency access" feature. You designate a trusted person who can request access after a waiting period you control (e.g., 7 days). This is more secure than a paper list and always stays current.
    3

    Check that your power of attorney covers digital assets

    ~20s
    Ask your attorney or review your power of attorney document to see if it includes language about digital assets and online accounts. If it does not, ask your attorney to add it. A general power of attorney that says "all financial accounts" may or may not be accepted by individual financial institutions for online account access.
    4

    Notify your agent of what you have prepared

    ~20s
    Tell your agent that you have created a digital access document and where it is stored. Walk them through the basics — where your accounts are, how your bills are paid, and who to call at each institution. Knowledge shared in a calm moment is far more useful than a frantic search during a crisis.
    5

    Review and update annually

    ~15s
    Passwords and accounts change. Review your digital inventory at least once a year — at the same time you review your estate documents — and update anything that has changed. Even one outdated password can block access to a critical account.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: Digital Aspects of Power of Attorney: Managing Online Accounts When You Cannot

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    A traditional power of attorney document gives someone legal authority to manage your financial and legal affairs. But in today's world, most of those affairs live online — bank accounts, investment accounts, Social Security accounts, email, bill payment services, and more.

    The problem: a power of attorney document alone may not be enough to access online accounts. Many financial institutions have specific requirements for digital access, and some platforms have no clear policy at all. This is a gap that most people do not realize exists until a crisis is already underway.

    Why this matters

    If you become incapacitated — whether from illness, injury, or cognitive decline — your agent needs to be able to: pay your bills online, access your bank and investment accounts, respond to important emails, and manage subscriptions and automatic payments. Without advance preparation, even a legitimate agent with a valid power of attorney may face weeks of delays navigating financial institutions' bureaucracies.

    What to prepare

    The most practical step is creating a "digital access document" — a secure, written record that includes: your email addresses and passwords, your online banking and investment logins, any automatic bill payments and their accounts, and the PIN or passcode for your phone and computer. This document should be stored securely (not on your computer) and shared only with your agent.

    Password managers like Bitwarden, LastPass, and 1Password allow you to designate an emergency contact who can request access under specific conditions — this is a secure alternative to writing down passwords.

    Legal recognition

    The Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA) has been adopted by most states. It allows your fiduciary (agent, executor, or trustee) to access digital assets with proper legal authority. Your power of attorney document should explicitly state that digital asset access is authorized.

    Quick Tip: Talk to your estate planning attorney about adding specific digital asset language to your power of attorney document.

    Was this guide helpful?

    Your feedback helps us make TekSure better for everyone.

    Want to rate with stars?

    Still have questions?

    Ask TekBrain a follow-up question about this guide. It’s free, no sign-up needed, and the answer will be in plain English.

    Ask TekBrain a follow-upBrowse common questions
    power of attorney
    digital accounts
    online accounts
    estate planning
    passwords
    digital legacy

    Official Resources

    AARP Life ChangesSenior PlanetGCFGlobal — Digital Skills

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    Senior Property Tax Exemptions and Income Tax Breaks You May Not Know About

    Next →

    What Happens to Facebook, Instagram, and Email Accounts When Someone Passes Away

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    Our verified technicians can fix this issue for you — remotely or in person.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Related Guides

    More from Life Transitions

    How to Set Up a Brand New iPhone (Complete Guide)

    Unbox and set up your new iPhone from scratch — Apple ID, WiFi, apps, and transferring data from your old phone.

    3 min read

    How to Set Up a Brand New Android Phone

    Set up your new Android phone step by step — Google account, WiFi, apps, and transferring data from your old phone.

    3 min read

    How to Switch from iPhone to Android

    Move your contacts, photos, messages, and apps from iPhone to a new Android phone — without losing anything.

    3 min read

    Digital Aspects of Power of Attorney: Managing Online Accounts When You Cannot — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure