Oh, I could go in to a branch and ask to be "downgraded" to the lower-fee account, except:

1. I want a new account number as well, so I can be sure that I've shut off a potential fraud about which I've not written here and don't plan on writing.

2. The only way to get free checking (as opposed to lower-fee) is to open the account online.

So I'm jumping through the electronic hoops to save some money.