Bank Complaint Letter — RBI Banking Ombudsman

How to file a RBI Banking Ombudsman complaint

1. 1

   Complain to your bank first

   Use the bank's grievance cell — branch, helpline, or net banking. Get a complaint reference / SR number in writing. RBI Banking Ombudsman will not accept your case until you've done this.

2. 2

   Wait 30 days for a response

   Banking Ombudsman Scheme (BOS-IRR) requires a 30-day cooling period. If the bank either rejects your complaint or stays silent for 30 days, you can escalate.

3. 3

   Generate the letter with Nyaykar

   Type your problem in Hindi, Hinglish or English. Nyaykar's AI drafts a formal complaint to the Banking Ombudsman in CPA 2019 format, citing the relevant RBI circulars and your facts.

4. 4

   File at cms.rbi.org.in

   Open the RBI CMS portal. Choose 'File a Complaint'. Paste the letter Nyaykar generated, attach your bank statement, SR number, and any SMS/email proof. Submit. You'll receive an acknowledgement number by email.

5. 5

   Track and follow up

   Banks must respond within 30 days. If they don't, Nyaykar can draft a follow-up / escalation letter. The Ombudsman's award is binding on the bank.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to complain to RBI Banking Ombudsman?

Filing with the RBI Banking Ombudsman is completely free. There is no court fee. The Ombudsman award is binding on the bank.

How long does the bank have to respond?

Under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, your bank's grievance cell must respond within 30 days. If they don't, you can escalate to RBI Banking Ombudsman, which then has 30 days to issue an award.

What documents do I need?

Bank statement showing the disputed transaction, the bank's complaint reference (SR) number, any SMS or email from the bank about the issue, and a screenshot of any chat with their helpline. Nyaykar's letter cites these by name.

Can I complain about credit card charges?

Yes. Credit card disputes — wrong charges, fraudulent transactions, surprise annual fees — fall under the same RBI Banking Ombudsman scheme. The 30-day grievance-cell-first rule applies.

What if my bank account is frozen without notice?

Banks can freeze accounts only on specific legal grounds (KYC failure, court order, suspicious activity). If they froze yours without written notice or for an unclear reason, that is a deficiency in service under Section 2(11), CPA 2019. File with the Banking Ombudsman after 30 days.

Is RBI Banking Ombudsman the same as a consumer court?

No. The Ombudsman is faster, free, and limited to banking matters. Consumer courts (District / State / NCDRC) are slower but handle larger claims and include compensation. For most banking issues, start with the Ombudsman.