Consumer complaint received 2017-06-07
Product: Checking or savings account — Other banking product or service
Issue: Closing an account — Can't close your account
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. (OR)

XX/XX/XXXX I went to Chase as a return customer to open an account with them. I decided to go with the Liquid card they offer. I deposit 3 checks into the account. They cleared the first two checks, ( which were Chase checks ), after I was told to call their XXXX number first. The third check was from XXXX XXXX. I expect that the check may take a couple days to clear, but the following morning I check my account online and it says that the balance of all three checks is available. I proceed to the atm to draw money out. The atm tells me that my card has been deactivated. I go inside to speak with the teller. She say 's the funds are available but not really. They tell me to call their XXXX number to speak with someone about my account. I call that number and they say they require a contact number for the check writer of the 3rd check ( His address and number is on the check ). I give them his number and they say they can not call it. They must have his number listed with name on the phone account? One of the reps asked me why this check is so old and why have n't I cashed it until now! Unknowingly unaware that I am not required to give him an answer, I tell him I 'm in the process of registering a business account, and was trying to wait off until I receive my EIN number. At this point, they tell me they wo n't be able to do anything with my account. They are unable to contact the check writer. I go back to the bank and ask to close this account. The bank rep calls her people and they tell her nothing can be done. I ca n't close the account, or withdraw any money from the account, ( even the unrelated funds ), due to the 3rd check they refuse to clear. The teller then informs me that the account will be close in ten days 'anyway '. I ask what she means by that. She says that since the check wo n't clear, the account will close in 10 days and any funds that HAVE been cleared, will be sent to me by mail. I tell her that I 'm wondering if I should have the check writer just cancel the check. She also told me that they require the check writer to psychically go to a CHASE bank and show his ID. I walk out completed frustrated and disgusted with the situation.
The following morning I check the account online, and see that NONE of the checks show their status as " Pending '', any longer. I go to the bank and ask to close my account, figuring that all checks have been finalized and that I can now close this account. Teller calls her people and try 's to figure out how she can help me. They tell her the account is still restricted and that I can have no access to account. I still can not withdraw ANY money, and I ca n't close the account. All due to a check that they refuse to clear.
Upon entering the bank at this time, one of the tellers made mention of the word " altered ''. I took this by surprise but made sure to let them all know that the check is valid. Which it is.
At this point, I have no access to the account, and I have bills due today!
If they close my account in ten days, what becomes of that final check they refuse to clear? Where does my money go? The check would then be rendered useless. I have to take a XXXX dollar loss? That is in no way moral. I literally have to tell the writer to cancel the check. Then MAYBE my account will be unrestricted. I just want to close the account. Give me all my money. Including the check you ASSUME is fraudulent. ( It is n't ) It is immoral to deactivate my entire account, due to 1 check that you refuse to clear. I ca n't have my own money? This is exactly the case, and it 's wrong. What you 've done is WRONG.
I will tell everyone what has happened. This is a terrible situation that you 've put me in.