How to check RBI complaint status?

Log in to cms.rbi.org.in and navigate to the 'Complaint Status' section. Enter your complaint reference number to view real-time status.

Is filing a complaint with RBI Ombudsman free?

Yes, completely free. There is no fee to file a complaint with the RBI Ombudsman. Beware of anyone who charges money for this.

How long does RBI Ombudsman take to resolve a complaint?

The RBI Ombudsman aims to resolve complaints within 30 days of receiving all necessary information. Complex cases may take longer.

What is the maximum compensation from RBI Ombudsman?

The RBI Ombudsman can direct banks to pay compensation up to ₹20 lakh for deficiency in service. For mental harassment, up to ₹1 lakh additional can be awarded.

RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2026

RBI OMBUDSMAN COMPLAINT GUIDE

Q: How to file a complaint against a bank in India?

First, submit a written complaint to your bank. If they do not resolve it within 30 days, escalate to the RBI Ombudsman via the CMS portal at cms.rbi.org.in or call 14448.

Q: What is the RBI Ombudsman complaint number?

The RBI's unified banking complaint helpline number is 14448. It is toll-free and available Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Bank ignored your complaint? Escalate to the RBI Ombudsman — India's free, independent banking dispute resolution authority. Get justice within 30 days.

File a Complaint

cms.rbi.org.in

Track Complaint Status

Real-time status tracker

Helpline: 14448

Toll-Free, Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM

When Can You Approach the RBI Ombudsman?

You Are Eligible If —

Bank did not resolve your complaint within 30 days
You are dissatisfied with the bank's resolution
Bank rejected your complaint without valid reason
ATM or UPI deducted money but not credited
Unauthorized transactions or fraudulent charges
Loan, EMI, or interest rate dispute
Account closed without prior notice
Wrong cheque dishonour or penalty charges

Complaint Will Not Be Accepted If —

You have not first complained directly to the bank
Complaint is more than 1 year old (without valid reason)
The matter is sub-judice in a court of law
Compensation demand exceeds ₹2 crore
The same matter has already been decided by the Ombudsman

How To

Step-by-Step: How to File a Bank Complaint with RBI Ombudsman

Step 1

Submit Written Complaint to Your Bank (Mandatory)

Lodge a formal written complaint at your bank branch or via the bank's official customer care email/portal. Always obtain a reference/ticket number. This step is mandatory — the Ombudsman will not accept your complaint if you skip this.

Step 2

Wait 30 Days for Bank Resolution

As per RBI guidelines, banks have 30 calendar days to resolve your complaint. If the bank does not respond or gives an unsatisfactory reply within 30 days, you become eligible to escalate.

Step 3

File Online on RBI CMS Portal

Visit cms.rbi.org.in → Click "File a Complaint" → Select your bank type → Fill in complaint details and upload supporting documents. Save your complaint reference number.

Step 4

Ombudsman Mediation & Decision

The Ombudsman first attempts conciliation between you and the bank. If no settlement is reached, the Ombudsman issues a binding award. The bank must comply with the award within 30 days.

RBI Annual Report Data FY2024–25

Which Banks Have the Most Complaints?

Source: RBI Annual Report on Ombudsman Schemes — Complaint distribution by bank category

Private Sector Banks Highest share — rising in FY25

65.5%

Public Sector Banks Consistent decline year-on-year

22.3%

Small Finance Banks Growing segment

5.1%

NBFCs (Digital Lenders) Includes fintech lenders

4.2%

Foreign Banks & Others Stable

2.9%

⚠️ Note: A higher complaint share among private banks does not directly indicate worse service — their customer base is significantly larger. Always compare complaint resolution rates alongside total complaints.

Official Links

Important RBI Portals

RBI CMS — File or Track Your Complaint

Integrated Complaint Management System (Official)

RBI UDGAM — Unclaimed Deposit Search

Find forgotten bank deposits across all banks

RBI Sachet — Report Unauthorized Lenders

Report fake loan apps and illegal financial companies

RBI Official Website

Circulars, NBFC list, policies and public data

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — Bank Complaint India

How to file a complaint against a bank in India?

First, submit a written complaint directly to your bank (branch or customer care). If they fail to resolve it within 30 days or give an unsatisfactory response, escalate to RBI's CMS portal at cms.rbi.org.in or call the helpline 14448.

What is the RBI Ombudsman complaint number?

The RBI unified banking complaint helpline is 14448 (toll-free). Available Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. For online filing, visit cms.rbi.org.in.

How to check my RBI ombudsman complaint status?

Log into cms.rbi.org.in using your registered mobile number. Navigate to the "Complaint Status" section and enter your reference number for real-time updates.

Is there any fee to file an RBI ombudsman complaint?

No. Filing a complaint with the RBI Ombudsman is completely free of charge. If anyone demands money to file on your behalf, it is a scam.

What is the maximum compensation RBI Ombudsman can award?

The Ombudsman can direct banks to pay compensation up to ₹20 lakh for deficiency in service. An additional ₹1 lakh can be awarded for mental agony and harassment.