{"id":355641,"date":"2016-04-04T10:41:57","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:41:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/civilrights\/discrimination\/filing-a-consumer-complaint-about-a-bank.html"},"modified":"2024-06-05T14:11:28","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T19:11:28","slug":"filing-a-consumer-complaint-about-a-bank","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/filing-a-consumer-complaint-about-a-bank.html","title":{"rendered":"Filing a Consumer Complaint About a Bank"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Filing a Consumer Complaint About a Bank<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Sometimes, it seems as if there’s nothing you can do when your bank makes a costly mistake. Whether it’s overdraft fees or unauthorized transactions, you feel like you’re at the bank’s mercy. The good news is that you have options if your bank hasn’t treated you fairly.<\/p>\r\n

Many consumers don’t realize they have rights when dealing with financial institutions. Here, we’ll explain how the complaint process works regarding your bank, mortgage company, or credit union. We will also discuss what type of complaints you can file.<\/p>\r\n

Can I Sue a Bank?<\/h2>\r\n

As angry as you may be with your bank, filing a lawsuit against them may not always be an option. Most of the time, contracts with financial institutions include arbitration clauses that prevent you from taking legal action immediately.<\/p>\r\n

Arbitration clauses limit consumers’ ability to sue. They require consumers to attend arbitration<\/a> to settle disputes with financial institutions. This doesn’t mean you can never sue your bank or lender. But you may have to jump through a few hoops before doing that.<\/p>\r\n

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to sue your bank in small claims court<\/a>. You may also be able to join a class-action lawsuit<\/a> against a particular financial services company. If you aren’t sure whether this is an option, a consumer protection attorney<\/a> can look at the facts of your case and determine if you can sue your bank directly.<\/p>\r\n

Beyond filing suit, you can also file a complaint with a government agency about your concern with the bank. This can still result in you getting financial relief.<\/p>\r\n

Common Consumer Credit and Banking Complaints<\/h2>\r\n

You can resolve most issues with your bank through their customer service department. However, there are times when this doesn’t solve the problem. The bank employee may not understand your complaint. Or you may contact them about an online scam, and they refuse to do anything.<\/p>\r\n

Some more common complaints requiring enforcement actions include:<\/p>\r\n