Banking Ombudsman

Banking

The Banking Ombudsman (now RBI Integrated Ombudsman) is a free grievance redressal mechanism for bank customers. Complaints about unauthorised transactions, failed ATM withdrawals, cheque returns, loan complaints, and misselling can be filed here after the bank fails to resolve within 30 days.

In detail

How to file complaint:n1. First: raise complaint with bank (branch/call centre/email)n2. If unresolved in 30 days OR unsatisfied with response: file online at cms.rbi.org.inn3. Ombudsman examines complaint, may call for bank responsen4. Award within 30 days for simple casesnnCoverage: all scheduled commercial banks, RRBs, cooperative banks, NBFCs (above Rs 100 Cr assets). Maximum award: Rs 20 lakh for individuals, Rs 1 Cr for businesses. Completely free for consumers.

Real-life example

🇮🇳 India example

Rahul had Rs 15,000 deducted from account in an unauthorised ATM transaction. Bank refused to refund despite RBI rule (T+10 day refund for customer-not-at-fault cases). He filed Ombudsman complaint online. Within 45 days: Rs 15,000 refunded + Rs 5,000 compensation for harassment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go directly to Ombudsman without complaining to bank first? ▼

No. You must first register a complaint with the bank and either wait 30 days without resolution OR receive an unsatisfactory response. Document your bank complaint reference number -- it is required for Ombudsman filing.