Who To Complain To And How
If you have a complaint about your bank, thrift or credit union, it’s always best to first try to resolve it with the institution itself.
Here are some tips for complaining when the bank makes an error with your account.Before you complain, write a note to yourself describing the nature of the problem and what you want the bank to do about it. This will help you discuss the matter briefly and clearly — and you’re offering a possible solution, not just presenting a problem.Complain as soon as possible. This is especially important when you’re dealing with financial institutions, because you have a limited time to complain after you receive notice of a problem, such as a bank statement.
Assemble all the papers you need, such as canceled checks and account statements, and be prepared to hand over copies.
If an employee is unable or unwilling to help, contact someone higher up. Unless the mistake is very simple, talking to a teller will rarely help. Your best bet may be to speak with the branch manager.
Don’t be coy when someone asks you for your name, address and phone number.
Threatening to alert the media probably won’t get you anywhere.
If you don’t believe the bank is making a good-faith effort to resolve the situation, consider filing a complaint with the federal or state agency that oversees your financial institution. Here are the agencies:
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or OCC, supervises, charters and regulates all national banks.
The Federal Reserve oversees state-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) directly examines and supervises about 5,250 banks and savings banks, more than half of the institutions in the banking system.
The Office of Thrift Supervision oversees federal savings and loans and federally chartered savings banks.
