How do you raise a complaint against a bank?

Asked by: Jarvis Waters DDS  |  Last update: July 17, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (4 votes)

To raise a complaint against a bank, first contact the bank's customer service or branch manager directly, using this sample complaint letter. If unresolved, escalate to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) online or by calling 855-411-CFPB. Gather evidence like account statements, receipts, and correspondence to support your claim.

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.

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.

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.

Financial Ombudsman Service Tutorial Guide (Beginner)

41 related questions found

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.

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.

Can I report my bank to the ombudsman?

The Ombudsman for Banking Services resolves matters by investigating complaints lodged against banks, in accordance with OBS rules, and provided the Ombudsman for Banking Services has jurisdiction. Unresolved matters after investigation and negotiation may be subject to a formal decision by the OBS.

What is a bank grievance cell?

Banks have a nodal officer for complaint redress. If your bank does not resolve your complaint within a month, approach RBI's Banking Ombudsman. RBI's Banking Ombudsman scheme resolves your complaint expeditiously and free of cost. Banking Ombudsman covers a range of deficiency in banking services.

Can I sue a bank?

With a few caveats, the general answer is yes, you may sue your bank for negligence. You may also sue a bank for incompetence, which is a form of negligence.

Who investigates bank accounts?

The FDIC's Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection (DCP) is responsible for enforcing federal consumer protection laws and regulations at state-chartered banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System.

Which bank has the most 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 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?

What qualifies for a bank dispute?

A dispute is a disagreement between the card/account holder and the merchant with respect to a transaction. Disputable charges include double billings and charges to your account that belong to another account. Non-disputable charges include sales tax and shipping.

When should I contact a bank ombudsman?

You may want to contact the CFPB Ombudsman if you are a consumer, financial entity, consumer or trade group, or anyone else who has a process issue from interacting with the CFPB and you: have not resolved that issue after contacting the CFPB itself or. want to share it with the CFPB Ombudsman in confidence.

What is the most common complaint to the legal ombudsman?

The most common complaints to the Legal Ombudsman in the UK are consistently about poor communication and delay/failure to progress a case, often combined, accounting for nearly half of all complaints, with issues like unclear costs and failure to advise also being significant factors. Clients are often upset not with the legal outcome itself, but with how they are treated, feeling neglected due to a lack of updates or explanation for slow processes. 

How to escalate a bank complaint?

If your bank Fails To Resolve Your Complain

If after lodging your complaint your bank still fails to engage you and resolve the complaint within 2 weeks as provided for in the ATM HELP DESK Circular, you have the right to escalate your complaint to the Consumer Protection Department (CPD) of the CBN.

What are the examples of customer complaints in banking?

One of the most frequent sources of frustration for customers is fees and charges. Whether it's overdraft fees, ATM fees, account maintenance fees, or interest rates, customers often feel they are paying too much for their banking services.

What are three of the six types of complaints you can make to the FCC?

The types of complaints you can file with the FCC include:

  • Access and billing concerns.
  • Issues with service speeds.
  • Number porting.
  • Equipment.
  • Unwanted calls and texts.

What is the success rate of CFPB complaints?

Nearly 90 percent of these complaints have been answered, and 99 percent received a timely response (generally within 15 days). Complaint volume varies nationwide, but consumers in every state and congressional district have used the CFPB's complaint system.

Can banks refuse to give you your money?

Yes, a bank can refuse to give you your money, but usually under specific conditions like suspected fraud, large withdrawal requests needing verification (due to anti-money laundering laws for over $10,000), account holds for unconfirmed deposits, legal orders (like garnishments), or if your account has unresolved issues. While you generally have a right to your funds, banks can temporarily withhold them for compliance and security, though prolonged or unjustified refusal might allow you to take legal action. 

How long can a bank legally hold funds?

Deposit holds typically range from 2-7 business days, depending on the reason for the hold. For deposits made on weekends, funds are considered deposited on Monday (the first business day), so the hold will go into effect the next business day (Tuesday).