How to File a CFPB Complaint: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Guide
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has helped consumers recover over $19 billion in relief since 2011. If you have been a victim of financial fraud, unauthorized transactions, or unfair banking practices, filing a CFPB complaint is one of the most effective ways to get help.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a US government agency created after the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers in the financial marketplace. The CFPB oversees banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, credit card issuers, debt collectors, payday lenders, and other financial institutions. When a consumer files a complaint, the CFPB forwards it to the company, which must respond within a specific timeframe. The CFPB does not provide legal representation but acts as a powerful intermediary that can compel financial institutions to address complaints seriously.
The CFPB complaint process covers a wide range of issues: unauthorized transactions on bank accounts or credit cards, fraudulent mortgage practices, student loan servicing problems, debt collection harassment, credit reporting errors, payday loan abuses, and money transfer services. The CFPB accepts complaints about companies with over $10 billion in assets directly, and forwards complaints about smaller institutions to the appropriate regulator. The process is free, does not require a lawyer, and can often resolve issues that individual consumers cannot resolve on their own. In 2024, the CFPB handled over 1.5 million complaints, with companies providing timely responses to the vast majority.
How to File a CFPB Complaint
Filing a complaint is straightforward. Go to consumerfinance.gov/complaint and click Submit a Complaint. You will need to select the product or service involved (bank account, credit card, mortgage, debt collection, etc.), provide your contact information and the company's name, describe the problem in detail, attach supporting documents (bank statements, emails, contracts, etc.), and tell the CFPB what you want the company to do to resolve the issue. The CFPB reviews your complaint, sends it to the company, and the company generally has 15 days to respond. You can track the status of your complaint online. The CFPB also publishes complaint data publicly, which helps consumers make informed decisions about financial products and companies.
When to Contact Other Regulators
The CFPB is not the only regulator for financial fraud. For investment-related fraud — broker misconduct, Ponzi schemes, pump and dump schemes, or unregistered securities — contact the SEC and FINRA. For identity theft, start with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. For cryptocurrency fraud, contact the SEC, CFTC, and FBI IC3. For tax-related identity theft, contact the IRS and file Form 14039. For issues with a specific bank, contact the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) or the FDIC. For insurance fraud, contact your state's Department of Insurance. For mortgage fraud, contact the FHFA's Office of Inspector General. The CFPB can often direct you to the appropriate regulator if you are unsure who to contact.
FAQs
Does the CFPB handle investment fraud?
The CFPB primarily handles consumer financial products and services — bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages, student loans, and debt collection. For securities fraud, broker misconduct, or investment scams, contact the SEC, FINRA, or your state securities regulator instead.
How long does it take to get a response to a CFPB complaint?
Companies typically respond within 15 days. Some complaints may take up to 60 days for complex issues. If the company does not respond, the CFPB may escalate the matter. You can check the status of your complaint online at any time.
Is filing a CFPB complaint free?
Yes. The CFPB complaint process is completely free. Be aware of scams that charge fees to file complaints on your behalf — you can and should file directly through the CFPB website yourself. No legitimate service charges money to submit a regulatory complaint.