Facing issues with your bank’s services? If your bank has failed to resolve your grievance, you can escalate the matter to the RBI Banking Ombudsman for a fair resolution. The Banking Ombudsman Scheme, now part of the RBI’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS), provides a fast and free way for consumers to file complaints against banks and financial institutions.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process to register banking complaints online with RBI’s Banking Ombudsman.
What Is the RBI Banking Ombudsman Scheme?
The Banking Ombudsman Scheme was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to handle complaints related to banking services. Under the RB-IOS 2021, grievances against banks, NBFCs, and payment service providers can be filed online through a unified platform.
Issues Covered Under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme
You can file a complaint for:
Unauthorized transactions or fraud
Failure to process payments, UPI issues, or digital banking failures
Excessive bank charges or unfair fees
Issues related to loans, credit cards, or loan settlements
Delay in closing accounts or non-adherence to RBI guidelines
Other deficiencies in banking services
Step-By-Step Guide to Register Banking Complaints Online With RBI
Step 1: Lodge a Complaint With Your Bank
Before approaching the RBI, you must first file a complaint with your bank through customer care, email, or visiting the branch.
- If the bank does not respond within 30 days or rejects your complaint, you can escalate it to the RBI.
- Keep all complaint reference numbers, emails, and written responses for evidence.
Step 2: Visit the RBI Complaint Management System (CMS) Portal
Go to the RBI CMS Portal:
🔗 https://cms.rbi.org.in
Step 3: File a Complaint Online
- Click on “File a Complaint”.
- Select Banking Ombudsman as the complaint category.
- Enter details of the bank, branch, and type of complaint.
- Provide a brief description of your issue, including previous complaint references.
- Upload supporting documents like bank statements, email correspondence, or screenshots.
- Provide your contact details and submit the complaint.
- Note the Complaint Reference Number for future tracking.
Step 4: Track Your Complaint Status
- Use the “Track Complaint” feature on the RBI CMS portal.
- Enter your Complaint Reference Number to check updates.
- You will receive notifications via SMS and email regarding the progress of your complaint.
Appeal If You Are Not Satisfied
- If the RBI Ombudsman’s decision is not satisfactory, you can appeal to the Appellate Authority (Deputy Governor, RBI) within 30 days.
Alternative Ways to File a Complaint With RBI
If you prefer offline methods, you can file complaints via:
📧 Email: Send a detailed complaint to crpc@rbi.org.in
📞 Call: Dial the RBI’s toll-free number 14448 for assistance
📬 Post: Write a formal complaint and mail it to the Banking Ombudsman Office in your region.
Important Tips for a Successful Complaint Resolution
Clearly explain your issue with proper documentation.
Mention the bank’s response or lack thereof to strengthen your case.
Ensure your contact details are accurate to receive updates.
Follow up regularly using the Complaint Reference Number.
The RBI Banking Ombudsman provides an easy, cost-free mechanism to resolve banking disputes. If your bank is unresponsive, you can file a complaint online through the RBI CMS Portal for a fair resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take for the RBI to resolve a complaint?
The RBI Ombudsman usually resolves complaints within 30-60 days, depending on the complexity of the issue.
2. Can I file a complaint if I have already taken legal action?
No, the Ombudsman does not entertain cases that are already under litigation.
3. Is there any fee for filing a complaint with the RBI Ombudsman?
No, filing a complaint with the RBI Ombudsman is completely free.
4. What if my complaint is rejected by the Ombudsman?
If your complaint is rejected, you can appeal to the Appellate Authority within 30 days of receiving the decision.
5. Can I file a complaint against a private bank?
Yes, you can file complaints against any scheduled commercial bank, including private and public sector banks.
6. Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint with the RBI?
No, you do not need a lawyer. The process is simple and can be done by any consumer.
If you found this article helpful, share it with others facing similar banking issues. Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!