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When can I go to the RBI Ombudsman?

Under RB-IOS 2026: complain to the lender first, wait 30 days, then file within 90 days.

Nothing is saved or sent.

You can file from
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Last date to file
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Based on RB-IOS 2026 as summarised by RBI. The exact wording of the 90-day rule is being verified. If you're close to the deadline, file anyway and explain.

File for free

  • Online: cms.rbi.org.in
  • Email: crpc@rbi.org.in · Helpline: 14448
  • Post: Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre, RBI, 4th Floor, Sector 17, Chandigarh – 160017

Complaint letter to your lender (template)

To: The Grievance Redressal Officer, [Lender's legal name] Subject: Complaint about [wrong charges / card closure / credit-report error / recovery conduct], account no. [XXXX] On [date], [what happened]. The amount involved is ₹[amount]. This is not in line with [my KFS / loan agreement / RBI rules] because [reason]. I request you to [refund ₹… / correct … / close my card / stop …] within 30 days. Copies of [statements, screenshots, receipts] are attached. Name: [your name] Phone / email: [contact] Date: [date]

Read: How to complain about a bank, NBFC or loan app

How to read your complaint dates

This tool tells you two dates: the first day you can take a complaint to the RBI Ombudsman, and the last day to do it. The Ombudsman is the RBI office that handles complaints against banks, NBFCs (non-bank finance companies), wallet and card issuers, and credit bureaus. Filing is free, and you don’t need a lawyer.

What the numbers mean

You can file from is the day your lender’s time to reply runs out. The rules come from the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026 (RB-IOS 2026), in force from 1 July 2026. You complain to the lender first and give it 30 days. If the lender replies earlier and you’re not happy with the answer, this date moves to the reply date.

Last date to file is 90 days after the later of two dates: the end of the 30-day wait, or the lender’s reply. So a late reply pushes your deadline later too.

The coloured box above the dates changes with today’s date. Before the first date, it tells you to wait. Between the two dates, it shows how many days you have left. Once the last date has passed, it says so and points you to other routes.

The dates are worked out on your phone. Nothing you type is saved or sent anywhere.

Worked example

Fictional example, using the dates already filled in on the page.

Asha writes to her NBFC on 3 August 2026 about wrong charges. She leaves the reply date empty, because no answer came.

  • You can file from: 2 September 2026 (30 days after her complaint).
  • Last date to file: 1 December 2026 (90 days after 2 September).

Now say the NBFC replies on 20 September, after the 30 days. The first date stays 2 September, but her deadline moves to 90 days after 20 September. Try it by typing a reply date in the second box.

What this tool doesn’t do

It doesn’t file the complaint for you, and it can’t tell whether your problem is one the Ombudsman will accept. As the note on the page says, the exact wording of the 90-day rule is still being checked. If you’re near the deadline, file anyway and explain the dates.

Common questions

Can I go straight to the RBI Ombudsman? Usually not. You first complain to the bank, NBFC or app lender in writing and keep the date and complaint number. The Ombudsman route opens after 30 days, or earlier if you get a reply you don’t accept.

I used to have a year. Why only 90 days now? The older scheme allowed a year. RB-IOS 2026 cut it to 90 days from 1 July 2026. Set a phone reminder for day 30 and another for day 120 after your complaint.

What if I missed the last date? The page then shows that the usual window has passed. You can still contact RBI and explain why you’re late, or try other routes such as a consumer commission.

How much can the Ombudsman award? It can order a refund or a correction. It can also award compensation of up to ₹30 lakh for losses, plus up to ₹3 lakh for harassment, time and expenses. If you disagree with its decision, you can appeal to RBI’s appellate authority within 30 days.

Where do I file, and does it cost money? It’s free. File online at cms.rbi.org.in, by email to crpc@rbi.org.in, or by post to the address on this page. The RBI helpline is 14448. Never pay an agent to file for you.