The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) settles disputes between consumers and
financial businesses — banks, insurers, lenders, and other regulated firms —
independently and for free. If it finds in your favour, it can order the firm
to put things right, including paying compensation.

What it helps with

It covers complaints about current accounts, loans, credit, insurance,
mortgages, pensions, scams and mis-selling, and more. You must complain to the
firm first; if it isn’t resolved within 8 weeks, or you get a
final response you disagree with, you can bring it to the ombudsman — usually
within six months of that response.

When to turn to it

Turn to FOS whenever a bank, insurer or lender won’t resolve your complaint
fairly. It’s free, and using it doesn’t stop you going to court later in most
cases.

How to reach them

Visit financial-ombudsman.org.uk. See our detailed guide,
how to complain to the Financial Ombudsman.

Source

Financial Ombudsman Service (financial-ombudsman.org.uk). Reviewed: 3
September 2026.