How to File a Complaint with the CFPB (Step-by-Step Guide + Screenshots)

Bank of America froze me out of my bank account a while ago due to some technicalities and now my account is in danger of being treated as abandoned property because it hadn't been accessed for some time. Even though I have been calling their customer support consistently - which is outright useless and disrespectful most of the time - the problem persisted. Thanks to Reddit community r/BankofAmerica, I filed a report on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and within one day, I heard back from Bank of America via email and a phone call. I don't know if the problem can eventually be resolved, but I do want to document the process of filing the report online on CFPB so more people can know and understand how to do it. In the meantime, will just keep my fingers crossed!

First, find the site - CFPB

CFPB is in charge of consumer financial protection (as its name suggests) and the first step is the locate the right website. You can Google CFPB or click the link here or use the link above to go to the sign up page directly. This is what the website looks like (and the "file a complaint" option is down when you scroll):

Second, sign up

Then there is the sign up process which doesn't require too much info and is very straightforward. Then you go to the file process which has 5 steps to follow. Do notice that the site doesn't really have a "save" option so it is better to prepare in advance and file the complaint in one sitting.

Third, the actual filing steps

Step 1: what is this complaint about?

Then choose the product or service that best matches your complaint.

After that, choose what type of banking product.

Step 2: What type of problem are you having?

Choose the topic that best fits your complaint.

Choose which option best describes your problem.

Afterwards, choose actions you have already taken to make things happen (but obviously failed).

Step 3: What happened?

First, describe what happened, and CFPB will send your comments to the companies involved.

Then you suggest a fair solution to the issue.

Optionally, you can attach any document you think might help.

Step 4: What company is this complaint about?

Step 5: Your contact info and some other demographic related questions (optional)

Basic contact info. You don't have to fill your demo info if you don't want to since this is just helping CFPB better understand the people they are serving.

After submission, you will get to this page:

I don't know why banks still function like this even when so much technology exists (and they still declare they care about tech advancement in their org!). Life is hard enough, and these large corporations are making it harder for the everyday people. Hope everybody can get out of the issues they are facing! And don't loose faith! (follow me on X if you want for any reason @themichaelshoe.)