conversation: User (penguinpenguins): "I have a Chase Total Checking account with a few hundred dollars in it that I decided I no longer need.\n\nI've called up Chase to close the account, however they refuse to do so as they require me to provide both the account number and SIN on file in order to verify me.\n\nHowever, Chase does NOT have my SIN on file, so even when I provide it, they are unable to verify me, and therefore unable to close my account and give me my money.\n\nI still have ALL the paperwork and receipts from when I opened the account, as well as receipts from EVERY transaction I've ever done on that account (I'm rather detail-oriented).\n\nI can provide and verify with them ALL other information they have on file, such as\n\n* account number\n* date account was opened\n* location account was opened\n* initial deposit when account was opened (still have the receipt)\n* most recent account activity\n* my birthdate\n* mother's maiden name\n* address on file\n\nI can even verify what SIN number they have on record for me: NONE.\n\nHowever, they are unable to help me since according to their rules "Nothing" doesn't match "Nothing". Should I be posting this to /r/math ?\n\nI've offered to scan/fax/send in my ID, a picture of me holding my ID, and even a picture of me holding my ID with a recent newspaper as a proof-of-life, but that's apparently outside of their policies.\n\nThey suggested that I try writing them a letter, as that may have a "chance" that a written letter requires a different level of verification, but they weren't sure.\n\nAt this point, the only option left is to drive to the nearest Chase branch, over 400 miles away.\n\nI've already filed a BBB complaint, but I know that doesn't carry any real weight.\n\nDoes anyone have any suggestions on how I can close my account and get my money without driving 13 hours?\n\nThank you all in advance\n\nUPDATE: I've since file a case with the OCC, and called their executive office. They've given me a case number and promised me an update within 2 business days. I will let everyone know what happens for sure. \n\nThanks for all the awesome advice."
  Self: "If there's not a minimum balance requirement, write a check to yourself for the entire balance less $25 or so and deposit it into your new bank account.   Then, let the Chase account go dormant.  Call them up again in the few months of no activity and try again. "
  User (penguinpenguins): "Unfortunately, unless I keep at least $1,500 in there, there's a $12.00 monthly fee (which I'm currently paying!), and that would just draw the account down to 0, and then go negative, and then I would owe *them* money and it would start affecting my credit."
  Buckhum (Buckhum): "Holy shit that is so unbelieveably fucked up. I never knew Chase could put you on a debt leash like that.... I just assumed that once your balance runs out your account will just get terminated in a few months."
  HighFiveOhYeah (HighFiveOhYeah): "Bank of America tried that bs on me by charging me a monthly maintenance fee because my savings account didn't have a certain minimum balance, even though my checking account has way more than enough. \n\nI ended up having to move the minimum required balance from my checking to savings so they can stop keep charging me a fee every month.  BoA can go suck a fat dick.\n\nI would so move to a credit union if they have branches close to where I live.  "
  Tigerzombie (Tigerzombie): "I have a CU the closest branch is 4 hours away. I did open an account with M&amp;T so I have to deposit cash near by. As long as I make 1 transactions a month I don't have to pay a fee. I do most of my banking with the CU."
  