What Is the CFPB?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a U.S. government agency created to protect consumers in the financial marketplace. It supervises banks, lenders, credit card companies, debt collectors, and other financial service providers. When a financial company treats you unfairly, the CFPB is one of the most effective places to turn.

What Types of Complaints Does the CFPB Handle?

The CFPB accepts complaints about a wide range of financial products and services, including:

  • Credit cards and prepaid cards
  • Mortgages and home equity loans
  • Student loans (federal and private)
  • Auto loans and leases
  • Bank accounts and services
  • Credit reporting errors (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
  • Debt collection harassment or errors
  • Money transfers and virtual currency
  • Payday loans and personal loans

Before You File: Try to Resolve It Directly

The CFPB recommends attempting to resolve your issue with the company first. Contact the financial institution's customer service department in writing and keep a record of their response. If they fail to resolve the issue within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30 days), you're ready to file with the CFPB.

How to Submit Your CFPB Complaint: Step by Step

  1. Go to consumerfinance.gov/complaint — The CFPB's online complaint portal is free and available 24/7.
  2. Select your product or service type — Choose the category that best matches your issue (e.g., "Credit card," "Mortgage," "Credit reporting").
  3. Describe the issue — Be specific. Explain what happened, when it happened, and how the company responded (or failed to respond). Stick to facts.
  4. Attach supporting documents — Upload statements, letters, screenshots, or any other relevant evidence. Do not include Social Security numbers or full account numbers.
  5. Provide company information — Name the specific financial institution involved.
  6. Submit and track — You'll receive a confirmation number. You can log in to track the status of your complaint at any time.

What Happens After You File?

Here's the typical timeline after submission:

  • Within 15 days: The company receives your complaint and must respond.
  • Within 60 days: The company must provide a final response.
  • You review their response: The CFPB will share the company's response with you. You can provide feedback on whether it resolved your issue.
  • The complaint is published (without personal identifying information) in the CFPB's public Consumer Complaint Database.

The CFPB does not resolve individual cases like a court would, but companies take these complaints seriously. Regulatory oversight and public visibility create strong incentives for financial institutions to respond meaningfully.

Tips for a More Effective CFPB Complaint

  • Be concise and factual. Avoid emotional language and stick to what happened and when.
  • Specify what resolution you're seeking. A refund? A correction to your credit report? State it clearly.
  • Attach relevant documentation. A complaint with supporting evidence carries more weight.
  • Follow up if the response is unsatisfactory. You can escalate by responding to the company's reply through the portal.

Other Agencies That Work Alongside the CFPB

Depending on your issue, you may also want to file with:

  • Your state's banking regulator — For state-chartered banks and credit unions
  • The FTC — For identity theft or fraud-related issues
  • The three major credit bureaus — Directly dispute errors on your credit report

Your Voice Matters

Every complaint filed with the CFPB contributes to a public record that regulators use to identify patterns of abuse and enforce the law. Even if your individual case doesn't result in compensation, your complaint helps protect other consumers from the same treatment.