How to File an RBI Ombudsman Complaint for Banking Issues (2026)

What Is the RBI Ombudsman?

The RBI Ombudsman is an authority established by the Reserve Bank of India under the Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021 to handle complaints against banks, NBFCs, and payment system operators. It replaced the earlier separate ombudsman schemes for banking, NBFC, and digital transactions.

The scheme is completely free — there is no charge to file a complaint.

When Should You File an RBI Ombudsman Complaint?

Common reasons to file include:

Unauthorised transactions: Money debited from your account without your consent or knowledge

Failed ATM transactions: ATM didn't dispense cash but money was debited

Loan issues: Unfair loan processing charges, wrong interest calculation, or forced insurance bundling

Account irregularities: Unjustified account freezing, KYC harassment, or refusal to close an account

Credit card disputes: Unauthorised charges, billing errors, or card misuse

UPI/digital payment failures: Money debited but not credited to the recipient

Prerequisite: You must first complain to the bank directly. Only file with the Ombudsman if the bank doesn't resolve your complaint within 30 days or gives an unsatisfactory response.

How to File — Step by Step

Step 1: Complain to Your Bank

File a written complaint with the bank's customer care or grievance cell. Keep the complaint reference number.

Step 2: Wait for the Bank's Response

Give the bank 30 days to respond. If they don't respond, or the response is unsatisfactory, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: File with the RBI Ombudsman

Submit your complaint:

Online: at [cms.rbi.org.in](https://cms.rbi.org.in) (recommended — fastest processing)

By post: Send to the Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre, RBI, Chandigarh

Step 4: Ombudsman Reviews Your Complaint

The Ombudsman will examine the complaint, contact the bank, and attempt to mediate a settlement. If mediation fails, the Ombudsman passes a binding award.

Maximum compensation: Up to ₹20 lakh, including for mental agony and harassment.

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Daava generates a properly formatted RBI Ombudsman complaint for just ₹249. We structure your facts, include filing instructions for cms.rbi.org.in, and format everything according to the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme requirements.