blog.backToBlog
2026-02-08 blog.readTime
How to Share Netflix & Banking Passwords Without Being Hacked
The "Bus Factor"
It's a grim thought, but if you were incapacitated today, could your spouse or family access the mortgage account? The electricity bill? Your life insurance?
The Reality: In modern life, losing access to the primary email or password manager can freeze a family's finances for months during probate.
The DO NOT DO List
- Don't Text It: SMS is unencrypted. If you text a password, it lives on your phone, their phone, and the carrier's logs forever.
- Don't Email It: Email is often stored in plain text on servers.
- Don't Post-it Note It: Cleaners, guests, or burglars can see physical notes.
The Right Way: Shared Vaults
Modern password managers (Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane) have "Family" plans that solve this perfectly.
- Create an Organization: This sounds corporate, but it's just a shared space.
- Make a "Shared" Collection: Put Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, and WiFi passwords here.
- Keep "Private" Private: Your personal email and social media stay in your private vault.
When you update the Netflix password, it updates for everyone instantly.
Emergency Access
This is a critical feature. You can designate a trusted contact (spouse, parent) who can request access to your entire vault.
How it works:
- They click "Request Emergency Access".
- You get an email. If you decline, nothing happens.
- If you don't respond for X days (e.g., 7 days), access is automatically granted. This ensures they can get in if you are in a coma or passed away, but keeps them out while you are alive.