Complaints · US · Bank or credit card
How to complain about a bank or credit card company (US)
Contact your bank or card issuer first. For a credit card billing error, write to the billing-inquiries address within 60 days of the first bill that showed it; the issuer must acknowledge within 30 days and resolve it within 90 days. If that fails, file a free complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Companies generally respond within 15 days, sometimes with a final answer within 60 days.
Complaint routes and time limits checked against official sources on .
First
Complain to the bank
in writing
Wait
90 days
or a final response
Then
Consumer Financial Protection Bur…
free
Checked
27 Sep 2026
official sources
1. Complain to the bank first
Contact the branch, customer service line or website first. For a credit card billing error, write to the billing-inquiries address (not the payment address) within 60 days of the first bill that showed the error. Include: name, address and account number; the transaction or charge, date and amount; why it is wrong; copies (not originals) of receipts; what you want: the charge removed, a refund or fees reversed.
2. How long to wait
For a written credit card billing dispute, the issuer must acknowledge it within 30 days and resolve it within 90 days. For other bank problems there is no fixed wait before you file with the CFPB.
3. Escalate to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
No filing deadline. Companies generally respond within 15 days, sometimes with a final answer within 60 days. It is free. It can: sends your complaint to the company for a response and publishes it (without your details) in its database; it does not act as a judge. consumerfinance.gov/complaint
Where to escalate and the time limits
Time limits run from the date shown in each row. Keep the final response or deadlock letter, because the ombudsman will ask for it.
| Who | Time limit | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) | No filing deadline. Companies generally respond within 15 days, sometimes with a final answer within 60 days. | Free |
Evidence to keep
Statements showing the charge. Your dispute letter, sent by certified mail with a return receipt. Receipts and order confirmations. Notes of calls with names and dates.
Also worth knowing
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act you can withhold payment on the disputed amount while the issuer investigates.
Also worth knowing
Your liability for unauthorized credit card charges is capped at $50.
Guides and definitions
- How to file a CFPB complaint, what happens next and does it work (Guide)
- Regulation E (Regulation E is the US federal rule that limits your liability for unauthorized debit card and electronic transfers to $50 or $500 if you report them in time.)
Complaints about something else
- Loans and credit reports (US)
- Phone, internet and cable (US)
- Airlines (US)
- Utilities (power, gas, water) (US)
- Shopping and online retailers (US)
- Health insurance (US)
- Landlord or housing (US)
All complaint guides · Get your route with dates and a letter
Common questions
How long do I have to dispute a credit card charge?
Your letter must reach the issuer within 60 days after the first bill with the error was sent to you, under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Send it to the billing-inquiries address, not the payment address, and use certified mail with a return receipt.
How long does a credit card company have to resolve a dispute?
It must acknowledge your written dispute within 30 days and resolve it within 90 days. A dispute received on September 1, 2026 must be resolved by November 30, 2026. You can withhold the disputed amount while it investigates.
How do I file a complaint against my bank?
Try the bank first, then file with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau online or on (855) 411-2372. The CFPB sends your complaint to the bank; companies generally respond within 15 days, and you get 60 days to give feedback on the response.
Does the CFPB decide who is right?
No. The CFPB sends your complaint to the company for a response, publishes it without your details in its complaint database and shares complaint data with other agencies for supervision and enforcement. It is free to use.
What is my liability for unauthorized credit card charges?
Federal law caps it at $50. Report unauthorized charges to the issuer straight away, because they can be a sign of identity theft, and go to IdentityTheft.gov if you think your identity has been stolen.
Sources and assumptions
- General routes from official sources; a scheme may ask for more before it takes your case.
- Federal Trade Commission: Using Credit Cards and Disputing Charges
- USAGov: Bank, credit, and securities complaints (updated 1 September 2026)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Submit a complaint
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Learn how the complaint process works (modified 28 May 2026)
Guidance on where to complain, not legal advice.