Consumer complaint received 2022-09-30
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
State: KY
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Opening an account
Sub-issue: Unable to open an account

Complaint:
I opened a personal checking account on chase.com for an amount almost {$5000.00} on XX/XX/XXXX. I didnt have a checking account so I trusted that Chase was a reputable company. These are proceeds from my fathers XXXXXXXX XXXX he had started in XXXX. The XXXX  became final and myself, as well as my XXXX siblings, received our final distributions. 

The mobile app restricted me with a maximum deposit of {$5000.00}. I went to my local branch at XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX KY  on XX/XX/XXXX to deposit the remainder of the proceeds which would total around {$9500.00}. The teller at the window in the lobby explained the account was restricted and that the assistant manager or manager would need to review. It was explained to me it was restricted due to the check appearing to be made out to an estate. It was not in fact. In fact, it was solely made out to me and no one else. 
I was told I needed an appointment and the branch manager refused to see me due to his busy schedule. The teller asked if he had 5 minutes to just open an account and review and to his disgust he said no, then I have lunch. Once I was able to see a lady, I assume the assistant manager, later that day I was told they needed my fathers death certificate, letterhead from the attorneys office proving it was not part of an estate, copies of my ID, veterans card, and checks stubs from the settlement. I provided all these documents immediately except for my fathers death certificate which I ordered and had by the following Wednesday. I was assured they sent to the legal department and would be rectified immediately. I went back Tuesday XX/XX/XXXX to follow up and find out when my money would be released to me. I even asked her to reach out the attorneys office that sent the checks and she said the number she called was a fake number and no good. She refused to help any further. I felt as if I was a burden and a nuisance to be in their branch. 
The money was fully available without hold on XX/XX/XXXX with account fully restricted and told I could not have any access to my money. 
Once I provided all documents the second time and within a few days ; I learned from the loss prevention department that they still needed all these documents and they hadnt received anything. At this point I still didnt have access to any of my money. I finally had to go to a different branch on XXXX XXXX in XXXX KY the second full week of XXXX with an appointment to discuss. I once again took all documents as requested by the legal department and assistant manager XXXX reviewed and handed back to me without making copies. He told me all was okay and that it wasnt necessary to send them. I learned later on it was necessary and went back a few days and he finally made copies saying he would send into the legal department. I learned on XX/XX/XXXX that the legal department still hadnt received anything and I still didnt have access to my money. I called Again on Monday the XXXX and was told they still hadnt received the documents. I finally had to have my attorneys office contact the legal department to expedite and receive attention to get issues rectified. 
Bottomline, Chase Bank has been negligent in a timely resolution of this issue. I was given multiple stories from each person on what documents were needed and when they got them. My money was available within 2 business days but they immediately froze my account because of the accusation my check was part of an estate. I was refused access to my money even though I have the appropriate legal documents. They removed the money from the account and told I wouldnt get anything. I finally had to have my attorneys to get involved proving this money is from a reputable attorneys office and not an estate. At this point on Thursday, XX/XX/XXXX, I still dont have access to my money and told its still under investigation. The proceeds from XXXX XXXX have been deposited for years in all 50 states by thousands of recipients at various banks including Chase but they suddenly have an issue with me. 
I wouldnt recommend Chase Bank to anyone. I wander if they would hold someones payroll checks and demand proof from their employer they actually work there. 
I doubt very seriously the legality of holding my money for now at 30 days without me having any access to it. Im being made to feel as if Im a criminal wanting access to my own funds.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation