RBI Ombudsman Complaint: Eligibility Checker & Steps

The RBI Ombudsman is a free way to resolve complaints against banks, NBFCs, payment apps and credit bureaus – without going to court. Answer a few questions to check whether your complaint can be filed.

RBI Ombudsman Eligibility Checker

Answer six quick questions to see whether you can take your complaint against a bank, NBFC or payment app to the RBI Ombudsman – free of cost.

Is your complaint against a bank, NBFC, payment app/wallet or credit information company regulated by RBI?

YesNo

Examples: SBI, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Paytm, PhonePe, CIBIL. Insurance (IRDAI) and stockbrokers (SEBI) have their own ombudsmen.

Did you first complain in writing to the bank / company itself?

YesNo

Email, letter or the grievance portal of the bank counts. Keep the complaint number.

What happened with that complaint?They rejected it fully or partlyThey replied but I am not satisfiedNo reply for 30 days or moreLess than 30 days have passed, no reply yet

Is it less than 90 days since the bank's reply (or since the 30-day waiting period ended, if they never replied)?

YesNo

Is the same matter already pending or decided in a court, tribunal, arbitration or consumer commission?

YesNo

Has an RBI Ombudsman already dealt with the same complaint?

YesNo

Result You can approach the RBI Ombudsman

ResultYou can approach the RBI Ombudsman

Why

• Your answers meet the basic conditions of the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026.

What to do next

1. Keep ready: your complaint to the bank, its reply (if any), account / card / loan details and any proof.
2. File online at the RBI Complaint Management System (https://cms.rbi.org.in) – it is free and no lawyer is needed. You can also call 14448.
3. Note your complaint number and track it on the same portal. The Ombudsman may first try to settle the matter by conciliation.
4. If you disagree with the Ombudsman's award or rejection, you can appeal to the Appellate Authority within 30 days.

Talk to a lawyer

This tool gives general legal information, not legal advice. Deadlines depend on the facts of your case and the law can change. For more details, do consult a lawyer or a subject-matter expert.

Open the RBI complaint portal Call RBI helpline 14448

Explain this result

Under the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026 (in force from 1 July 2026) you can complain about "deficiency in service" by any RBI-regulated entity – banks, NBFCs, payment system operators and credit information companies.

Conditions: you must first complain to the entity; you can approach the Ombudsman if they reject it, you are unhappy with the reply, or they do not reply within 30 days; and you must file within 90 days of their reply (or of the end of the 30-day wait if they never replied). Matters already before a court or another forum are excluded.

The service is free. The Ombudsman can award up to ₹30,00,000 for your financial loss and, in addition, up to ₹3,00,000 for time, expenses, harassment and mental anguish.

Share Copy link Download PDF Print

Frequently asked questions

Is there a fee to complain to the RBI Ombudsman?

No. Filing a complaint under the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme is free.

Can I complain about a loan app or NBFC?

Yes, if the lender is an RBI-registered NBFC or bank. Many loan apps lend through a registered NBFC – the complaint is against that NBFC.

Was this tool helpful?

Yes No

Embed this tool on your website

Copy this code into your page (free, with a credit link): <iframe id="ss-embed-rbi-ombudsman" src="https://sumsense.in/sumsense-embed/rbi-ombudsman/" title="RBI Ombudsman Eligibility Checker" width="100%" height="900" style="border:0;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font-size:13px"><a href="https://sumsense.in/money-rights/rbi-ombudsman-complaint/">RBI Ombudsman Eligibility Checker</a> – Free calculator by SumSense</p> <script>window.addEventListener("message",function(e){if(e.origin==="https://sumsense.in"&&e.data&&e.data.ssEmbed==="rbi-ombudsman"){document.getElementById("ss-embed-rbi-ombudsman").style.height=e.data.height+"px";}});</script> Copy embed code

Before you can go to the Ombudsman

1. Complain to the bank or company first, in writing (keep the reference number).
2. Wait for its reply. If it rejects your complaint, you are unhappy with the reply, or it does not reply within 30 days, you can approach the Ombudsman.
3. File with the Ombudsman within 90 days of the reply – or of the end of the 30-day wait if there was no reply – under the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026.

How to file

1. Go to cms.rbi.org.in and choose “File a complaint”.
2. Enter the details of the entity, your earlier complaint and what went wrong.
3. Upload your complaint to the bank, its reply (if any) and supporting documents.
4. Note the complaint number and track it online. You can also call the RBI contact centre on 14448.

What the Ombudsman can award

Under the 2026 scheme, the Ombudsman can direct the entity to compensate you for consequential loss up to ₹30 lakh, and up to ₹3 lakh for loss of time, expenses, harassment and mental anguish.

When a complaint is not maintainable

• The same matter is pending or decided in a court, tribunal, arbitration or consumer commission.
• An Ombudsman has already dealt with it.
• It is about a commercial decision of the bank (such as refusing a loan) without any deficiency in service.