Domain investors with valuable domain name assets need to have a solid business continuity plan. Simply having domain names on auto renew connected to an active credit card with a far out expiration date doesn’t solve the issue of domain name renewals in the short term.
In order for a credit card to continue functioning, monthly payments need to be made. Monthly credit card payments can be set to auto-pay, so domain names continue to be renewed and the credit card is automatically paid each month. However, in order or all of that to work, there needs to be enough cash in the connected bank account to cover the bill each month.
At some point, without someone managing cashflow into payment accounts, the credit card will stop being paid and domain names won’t get renewed.
For people with valuable domain names, it would be wise to connect with an attorney that is knowledgeable about domain names to discuss specifics about operating a domain investment business. This information should be tied in with discussions had with an Estate Planning attorney to ensure personal and business estate plans are aligned.
I think it is important for domain investors to have some sort of business continuity plan in place. Whether that means telling a spouse or family member how to keep the credit card paid or something far more extensive, it is something to consider while it can still be considered.
Or just use a registrar which allows prepaid balance, like Dynadot, and keep some balance there with auto-renewals enabled for everything important.