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How to complain to the RBI Ombudsman.
When your bank does not fix a problem, there is a free official route. Here is the order to follow.
The route, in order
Based on the Reserve Bank of India’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme and RBI’s published FAQs. Rules can change, so confirm on the RBI site before you act.
Complain to your bank first
Use the bank’s grievance channel and note the complaint number and date. The Ombudsman route comes after this step, not instead of it.
Give the bank its reply time
If the bank rejects your complaint, replies late, or does not reply, you can escalate.
File with the RBI
File free of charge on the RBI Complaint Management System at cms.rbi.org.in, by email to crpc@rbi.org.in, or by post to the Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre, Chandigarh.
Mind the 90-day window
File within 90 days from the end of the bank’s response timeline or its last communication, whichever is later.
Ask for help if you are stuck
RBI’s contact centre helpline is 14448.
Keep these ready
- Your complaint number and the bank’s reply, if any
- Transaction date, amount and reference number
- Screenshots or statements showing the debit
- Names and dates of calls or visits to the bank
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