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.