What is the Financial Ombudsman Service? How to take a money complaint further
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
The Financial Ombudsman Service is a free, independent service that settles complaints between people and UK financial firms, such as banks, payment firms and lenders. It's there for when you've complained to the firm and aren't happy with the answer.
The steps
- Complain to the firm first, in writing if you can, and keep a copy.
- The firm usually has eight weeks to send its final response.
- If you're unhappy with that response, or eight weeks pass without one, you can take the complaint to the ombudsman.
- You normally need to do that within six months of the firm's final response.
What it can do
If it upholds your complaint, the ombudsman can tell the firm to put things right, for example by refunding money, paying compensation or correcting your records. It's free for you to use.
Who can use it
Individuals can, and so can many small businesses, charities and trusts, within limits on size and turnover.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay platforms give your customers accounts, cards and transfers under your own brand, powered by licensed partners.
Build it
Create your own financial platform.
Pick a template, name it, brand it, preview every page before you pay. Your brand, your users, your fees.
Build my platform →Questions people ask
What is authorised push payment fraud?
When someone is tricked into sending money to a fraudster.
APP fraud explained →Read next
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.