tried closing account

Have you spoken with the branch manager? No one else will do, you MUST speak directly with the branch manager. Write a formal letter with a list of pdl companies that you want to revoke their rights to debit your account, date it, have the branch manager initial it and keep a copy for yourself, then hand deliver it directly to the to the branch manager. You need it in writing, this way if they still continue to refuse to honor your request you will have PROOF that they did not comply with the EFTA law.

If they can't close it at this time due to a negative balance, would it be possible to at least put it on "deposit only" status? I agree with Shazzers, talk directly to the branch manager about this and explain in detail what's going on. Odd are very good they've had to deal with similiar situations in the past.

I speak from experience - nothing less than your bank's branch manager will do. You may have been previously talking to some of the brightest financial minds at your branch before but none of them have the authority to do anything unless they are the branch manager. I highly doubt your bank wants anything to do with cash advances, legal or not. Putting your accounts on deposit only or closing them creates a firewall over your finances and allows you to recover more quickly than without that support.

You'll pay less fees (overdrafts) and if the bank does a good job it is their hope that you'll continue to do business with them in the future. It's a win-win for them if they help you.

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Yes. Tell your spouse, then close the account. If you can't do that, you'll need to put your account on deposit only, which is just as likely your spouse would find out.