How to file a consumer complaint about a bank

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If you have a complaint about a bank or other financial institution, the Federal Reserve System can help.

The Federal Reserve System is one of five federal banking agencies responsible for administering many of the federal laws that protect consumers in their dealings with financial institutions. The Federal Reserve investigates consumer complaints against banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System (state member banks). The Board of Governors, in Washington, D.C., works with the twelve Federal Reserve Banks across the country to ensure that state member banks abide by the law.

We help consumers by:
Identifying the appropriate federal banking regulator and referring complaints to that agency

Investigating complaints about state member banks

Answering questions about banking practices

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How do you file a complaint?
First, please try to settle the problem directly with your bank. This may involve contacting senior bank management or the bank's customer service representative.

If you cannot resolve the problem with your bank, you may want to file a complaint with the appropriate federal regulator (see "Contacting Federal Agencies"). If you cannot identify the federal regulator, contact the Federal Reserve Board, and we will forward your complaint to the appropriate agency.

For complaints about state member banks, you can file a written complaint with the Federal Reserve--either with the Board or with the appropriate Federal Reserve Bank. Please include the following:

Your name, address, and daytime telephone number

The complete legal name and address of the bank involved in your complaint

Your bank or credit card account number, if applicable

The names of the people you contacted at the bank, along with the dates

A description of the complaint. Tell us what happened, the dates involved, and the names of those you dealt with at the bank. The more information we have about the problem, the quicker we will be able to help resolve it. Include copies of letters or other documents that may help us investigate your complaint. Please send only copies of documents--do not send originals.

Please remember to sign and date your letter, and send it to:

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Division of Consumer and Community Affairs

20th and C Streets, NW, Stop 801

Washington, DC 20551
For more information, please call (202) 452-3693