You think you own it because you paid for it, right? Not so fast. In today’s world, “mine” comes with fine print and expiration dates. That shiny thing you saved up for might slip through your fingers when you least expect it. Let’s decode what ownership really means.
Airline Miles Aren’t Transferable
Say you’ve collected 250,000 miles and you imagine your family booking a trip someday. However, the moment your passing is recorded, most programs shut down that account. Some allow transfers, but they’ll ask for a death certificate, along with a processing fee, and yet reserve the right to say no.
Leased Cars Can’t Be Inherited
A leased vehicle can’t be passed down like a watch or a house, as it’s tied to a contract, not your estate. If the lease ends with your death, your family may still owe early termination costs. And unless the agreement allows it, they won’t be able to transfer the lease, or avoid the penalties that follow.
Safe Deposit Box Access Restricted
Even if someone’s name is in your will, that doesn’t guarantee they’ll get into your safe deposit box. Most banks don’t allow access right away. They may freeze the box until the estate goes through probate or ask for a court order. If no one steps in, the contents can be held indefinitely or eventually claimed by the state.
Subscriptions End With You
Most streaming accounts die with their user; despite you paying months in advance, your access doesn’t carry over. Platforms like Spotify, Netflix, Prime, or Adobe don’t let anyone take over your account — not even family. Often, the only way in is to start from scratch and pay again.
You Don’t Own Cemetery Land
Buying a burial plot feels permanent, but the land isn’t yours since it’s more like a long-term lease. Some cemeteries reclaim unused plots after a certain time, while others limit how or when a plot can be transferred. If your family doesn’t handle the paperwork, that small patch of ground might not stay in the family.
Club Memberships Stop At Death
Memberships at exclusive clubs or gyms usually end the moment a member dies. Even if dues were paid ahead, most contracts block inheritance. Some places require board approval to transfer them, and waitlists stretch for years. Whatever perks or status you earned, they likely disappear without a trace once your account closes.
Crypto Assets Need Private Keys
Most platforms offer no recovery tools, and there’s no support team to help heirs log in. It doesn’t matter what your will says — if no one knows your private crypto keys, the assets are gone. Billions of digital assets have vanished into inaccessible wallets. NFTs can be trickier, with some platforms limiting or blocking transfers entirely.
Season Tickets Are Licenses Only
That front-row seat you’ve renewed every year? It’s not technically yours. Teams treat season tickets as licenses, not personal property. Some allow transfers within families; however, approval is required, and often at a cost. If the franchise decides to revoke the seat or block the handover, there’s little anyone can do about it.
E-Books Aren’t Inheritable
Buying a digital book or app doesn’t mean you own it forever. Most of these are licensed to one account, and the license ends when the account holder does. Some platforms erase the files after closure. That digital library you’ve built over the years? No one else can legally inherit it.
Hotel Points Expire At Death
Hotel reward programs don’t treat points like property. In most cases, they expire when the account holder dies, even if thousands are still unused. Some chains offer limited transfers, but only after quick action and proof. If your family doesn’t know the account exists, those points are permanently erased, with no refund or recovery.
