My bank has not fixed my complaint. Where do I go next?
Complain to the bank first, in writing, and keep the reference number. If 30 days pass with no reply, or a longer time that RBI, NPCI or a card network sets for that kind of complaint, or if the reply does not satisfy you, the complaint can go to the RBI Ombudsman under the Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026, in force from 1 July 2026.
File within 90 days from the day that waiting time ends or the bank's last reply, whichever is later. Use cms.rbi.org.in, email crpc@rbi.org.in or post to the CRPC in Chandigarh. There is no fee. The Ombudsman can award consequential loss up to ₹30 lakh, plus up to ₹3 lakh for your time, expenses and harassment. An appeal against an award goes to the Appellate Authority within 30 days of receiving it.
The Scheme covers commercial banks, regional rural banks, state and central co-operative banks, scheduled urban co-operative banks, and non-scheduled urban co-operative banks with deposits of ₹50 crore or more. A matter already before a court or another forum is not taken. The toll-free number 14448 gives guidance and status. Filing happens through the portal, email or post.
The route checker works out your Ombudsman dates from when you complained and how the bank answered.
If this is where you are
My bank or lender is holding my property papers, letting agents harass me, or has not given back money from a transaction I did not make or that failed.
Bank dispute letter that cites the RBI rule
A letter to the bank that cites the RBI rule it has to follow, with your dates, and a sheet with your deadlines and the Ombudsman window.
₹299₹499
Launch price until 30 November
Common questions
Can a lawyer file the Ombudsman complaint for me?
RBI's FAQ says an authorised representative cannot be an advocate unless the advocate is the aggrieved person.
What if money left my account without my consent?
RBI sets separate liability and refund timelines for unauthorised electronic transactions, and how fast you report decides your share. The unauthorised transaction checker works them out.
Want this handled for you? Tell us where you stand and we prepare the papers and take you through the filing.