Banking Ombudsman complaint — 2026 guide

• BO covers all scheduled commercial banks (PSU + private)
• Free; no fee at any stage
• Online via cms.rbi.org.in
• 30-90 day resolution typically
• Compensation up to Rs 30 lakh + Rs 1 lakh for mental harassment

1. File complaint at cms.rbi.org.in — Need bank complaint refused first.
2. Submit grievance + bank refusal proof — Within 1 year of bank refusal.
3. BO acknowledges — 7 days.
4. BO calls hearing — Conciliation OR adjudication.
5. Decision in 30-90 days — Mandatory for bank.
6. Compensation + service direction — Per BO order.

• Bank complaint reference + bank reply
• Identity proof
• Account details

• BO acknowledges but no movement — RTI to BO secretariat for case allocation.
• BO decides against you — appeal to Appellate Authority RBI within 30 days.
• Bank not implementing BO decision — file contempt petition or RTI for compliance.
• Compensation denied — challenge under §16 of BO scheme.

Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:

1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file.
3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
5. Likely date of resolution / decision.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →

Yes — fully free. RBI funds the secretariat.

1 year from bank's final reply (or 6 months from no reply).

Rs 30 lakh financial harm + Rs 1 lakh mental agony (max).

Yes — to Appellate Authority RBI within 30 days.

• All banking guides
• 25 status-check guides
• 25 how-to-apply guides
• 16 rejection-recovery guides
• 32 helplines + grievance routes
• Full RTI Playbook

Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.