How Do You Submit a CFPB Complaint?
Learn how to submit a CFPB complaint, what details to gather first, and what happens after filing.
To submit a CFPB complaint, use the CFPB complaint portal, choose the financial product or service involved, describe the problem clearly, and upload documents that support your case. The CFPB forwards eligible complaints to the company for response and may route the issue to another agency if that agency is a better fit.
Before you submit
Product type
Routes the complaint
Credit report, bank account, debt collection
Company name
Identifies who should respond
Bank, lender, collector, credit bureau
Dates and amounts
Shows timeline and impact
Fee date, payment amount, dispute date
Prior contact
Adds context
Emails, letters, chat, call notes
Documents
Supports your statement
Statements, notices, screenshots
CFPB complaints are for financial products and services
Use the CFPB process when the problem involves a consumer financial product or service. If the issue belongs elsewhere, the CFPB may refer it to another agency.
Submit the complaint
- 1Gather product details, company name, dates, amounts, and supporting documents.
- 2Open the CFPB complaint portal.
- 3Choose the financial product or service involved.
- 4Describe what happened and what resolution you want.
- 5Submit and save the confirmation so you can track status later.
FAQ
What types of complaints does the CFPB accept?
The CFPB accepts complaints about many consumer financial products and services, including credit reports, debt collection, bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages, loans, and money transfers.
Do I need to contact the company first?
It is often useful to contact the company first and gather its response, but the CFPB complaint flow can still help route eligible financial-product complaints.
How long does a CFPB complaint take?
The CFPB says most companies respond within 15 days, and some have up to 60 days for a final response.
Sources & method
We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.
- Submit a complaint about a financial product or serviceConsumer Financial Protection Bureau · consumerfinance.govSupports the CFPB complaint process, product categories, company response timing, and primary complaint-submission path.
- Contact usConsumer Financial Protection Bureau · consumerfinance.govSupports phone-based help and contact options for consumers who cannot complete the online process.