Archive · 23 Aug 2026
How to Challenge Unauthorised Bank Debits and Charges
If a bank takes money without permission or charges the wrong fee, you can ask it to fix the problem.
First, send a written complaint to the bank.
Wait for its reply, or wait 30 days if it does not respond.
If the answer is not satisfactory, you can complain to the Reserve Bank of India.
You can file the complaint online at the RBI complaint portal.
You will need to provide details about yourself, the transaction and the solution you want.
You may also need to upload the earlier complaint, the bank’s reply, KYC documents and other proof.
Save the complaint reference number so you can check its progress.
Customers should first submit a formal written complaint to their bank or financial institution.
The Reserve Bank of India can be approached if the bank rejects the complaint or does not respond within 30 days.
RBI complaints may cover excessive charges, failed digital payments, unauthorised debits, fraud and service deficiencies.
Complaints can be filed at cms.rbi.org.in by selecting the relevant entity and uploading transaction, KYC and supporting documents.
Customers generally have 90 days after the bank’s response—or after the 30-day silence period—to approach the ombudsman.
- Who
- Bank customers, banks and other regulated financial entities, with complaints handled through the Reserve Bank of India’s ombudsman framework.
- What
- A process for seeking reversal, refund or other resolution for incorrect charges, unauthorised debits and related banking or payment problems.
- When
- After first complaining to the bank and receiving an unsatisfactory response or no response for 30 days; the RBI complaint should generally be filed within the following 90 days.
- Where
- The complaint can be filed online at cms.rbi.org.in.
- Why
- To escalate unresolved banking, payment, loan or deposit-service complaints and seek settlement or other action.
- First step
- Submit a written complaint to the bank or financial institution.
- RBI eligibility
- Approach the RBI if the response is unsatisfactory or no response arrives within 30 days.
- Complaint portal
- cms.rbi.org.in
- Covered issues
- Wrong or excessive charges, failed UPI or digital payments, delayed or unpaid funds, unauthorised debits, fraud and deficiencies in loan or deposit services.
- Filing deadline
- File within 90 days of the bank’s response, or within 90 days after the 30-day no-response period ends.
- Required materials
- Contact and transaction details, requested relief, the initial complaint, any reply, KYC and proof documents.
- Tracking
- An SMS and email provide a unique complaint reference number for status tracking.