How do you file a complaint against a bank with the FDIC?

Asked by: Harley Cronin  |  Last update: October 4, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (70 votes)

To file a complaint with the FDIC, first try resolving it with the bank directly; if unsuccessful, use the FDIC's online Information and Support Center at ask.fdic.gov/fdicinformationandsupportcenter/s/ to submit details like your contact info, the bank's details, and a clear description of the problem, or send it by mail to their Consumer Response Unit, remembering to provide all necessary documentation for a quicker resolution.

What happens when you file a complaint with FDIC?

The FDIC Consumer Response Unit will review your correspondence to determine how it should be processed. If your correspondence is regarding a FDIC supervised institution, we will contact the bank and respond to you.

What is the best way to file a bank complaint?

File banking and credit complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Try contacting your bank directly first. If that does not help, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint page to: See which specific banking and credit services and products you can complain about through the CFPB.

How to get an official investigation against an FDIC insured bank?

In order for the FDIC to investigate your concerns, you must submit specific details regarding the incident in writing. You can submit your complaint or inquiry online at the FDIC Information and Support Center at https://ask.fdic.gov/fdicinformationandsupportcenter/s/.

What is the best way to complain about a bank?

If not satisfied write to the Controlling Office. If you still feel aggrieved write to the Nodal Officer for complaints of the concerned bank. If the Nodal Officer cannot redress your complaints and you still feel aggrieved approach Banking Ombudsman for a satisfactory resolution of the matter.

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34 related questions found

What are common reasons to complain about a bank?

10 Most Common Bank Customer Complaints

  • Excessive/hidden fees. “Keep your money, don't get ripped off.” ...
  • Bad customer service. “Worst bank, ever.” ...
  • Checks/funds bouncing. “Horrible bank!” ...
  • Most expensive debits charged first. ...
  • Loyalty means nothing. ...
  • Mortgage/loan issues. ...
  • Huge errors/mistakes. ...
  • Failing to honor their promises.

Who holds banks accountable?

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is an independent bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The OCC charters, regulates, and supervises all national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches and agencies of foreign banks.

Which bank has the most customer complaints?

While Bank of America often leads in total complaint volume to the CFPB, Wells Fargo frequently ranks high for its poor reputation and scandals (like fake accounts) alongside JPMorgan Chase, but some analyses show smaller banks like Capital One, Discover, or TCF National Bank (now part of Huntington) having higher complaint rates relative to deposits, indicating worse customer experience per dollar held. 

What are three things not insured by FDIC?

The FDIC doesn't insure investments like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, nor does it cover life insurance policies, annuities, or the contents of safe deposit boxes, even if purchased at an insured bank. These are considered non-deposit products, with protection often falling under different agencies like SIPC for brokerages or the issuing company. 

What are the three main types of bank complaints?

The top three complaint issues include managing an account, incorrect information or improper use of a report, and problems with a purchase shown on a statement. Collectively, these three issues make up 45% of the complaints against the top 25 banks in 2022.

How to write a powerful complaint letter?

Information To Include in Your Letter

  1. Give the basics.
  2. Tell your story.
  3. Explain how you want to resolve the problem.
  4. Describe your next steps.
  5. Send your complaint letter.
  6. [Your Mailing Address]
  7. [Your City, State, Zip Code]
  8. [Your email address]

Is it illegal for a bank to withhold your money?

Funds may be withheld temporarily if a court order or investigation is involved. Contact the bank right away after an account closure to settle your balance.

What are the three types of complaints?

Fiona Clark

  • Chronic complaining – how many people do we know that never seen to have anything good to say. All they do is complain about everything. ...
  • Venting – Expressing emotional dissatisfaction. ...
  • Instrumental Complaints – the most positive form of complaining as this type is focusing on getting positive results.

How long does an FDIC claim take?

Source: FDIC. The PDIC pays insured deposits after the validity of the claim is established. A claim is normally processed and paid on the same day it is filed, except in cases where the bank's records are inaccurate or inadequate, or the claimant is unable to provide the required documentation.

What are the 4 rights of a consumer?

The four core consumer rights, established by President John F. Kennedy, are the Right to Safety, the Right to Be Informed, the Right to Choose, and the Right to Be Heard, protecting consumers from hazardous products, misleading information, limited options, and unaddressed complaints, forming the basis for consumer protection laws. These rights ensure fair treatment, access to vital facts, competitive product availability, and a platform for expressing concerns in the marketplace.
 

What types of accounts are not covered by the FDIC?

What types of accounts are not covered by FDIC insurance? Investment products, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, crypto assets, life insurance policies, safe deposit boxes and their content, annuities, and municipal securities, are not covered.

How to raise a complaint against a bank?

Lodge Complaint with Banking Ombudsman of RBI. Lodge your complaint with the Banking Ombudsman of the Reserve Bank of India. You can fill out this online complaint form with details of the complaint, the bank's name against whom you wish to file the complaint, phone numbers, bank account details, and more.

What are the 4 types of customer complaints?

When customers are dissatisfied with the service you're providing, they will be one of four kinds of complainers: aggressive, expressive, passive or constructive. So how do you identify which type of customer you are dealing with and the best way to respond?

Who investigates bank accounts?

The FBI works with partners to investigate mortgage and financial institution fraud cases. The FBI participates in task forces that share intelligence, de-conflict cases, and create joint investigations.

Who regulates the bad banks?

The RBI has regulatory guidelines for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs). RBI said the if any proposal (for setting up a bad bank) comes, we are open to examining it and issuing required regulatory guidelines.