Qrates

How to complain to the National Consumer Helpline about a finance app

You can file a complaint against a finance app for free by calling the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 or sending a WhatsApp message to 8800001915. You can also register your grievance online using the NCH app or the Umang app. The system gives you a docket number to track your case.

By Qrates research desk · 2026-10-27

Quick answer: How to complain to the National Consumer Helpline against a finance app

You can file a complaint against a finance app by calling the toll-free number 1915. You can also send a WhatsApp message to 8800001915 to start the process.

You can register a grievance online using the NCH app, the Umang app, or the consumerhelpline.gov.in portal. You will need to create an account with your mobile number. You then select the finance company from the dropdown list and upload proof of your issue.

The system will give you a docket number to track your complaint. You can use this number to check the status of your grievance at any time.

What you need before you start

Keep these details ready before you file an NCH complaint online or on a call:

  • The exact legal name of the finance app or company.
  • Transaction IDs, loan account numbers, or reference numbers from previous complaints you made directly to the company.
  • Screenshots of hidden fees, failed payment screens, or emails from the company.
  • A registered mobile number to receive the NCH one-time password (OTP).

Steps to file a complaint on the NCH portal, app, or WhatsApp

Method 1: Calling the 1915 toll-free number

  1. Dial 1915 from your phone between 8 AM and 8 PM (consumerhelpline.gov.in).
  2. Tell the agent your details and the name of the finance app.
  3. Explain your grievance clearly.
  4. Wait for the agent to register the complaint and text you the docket number.

Method 2: Sending a WhatsApp message

  1. Save the number 8800001915 to your phone contacts.
  2. Send a message to this number on WhatsApp.
  3. Follow the automated system to select your language and enter the company name.
  4. Type your complaint and receive your docket number.

Method 3: Using the NCH or Umang app

  1. Download the National Consumer Helpline app or open the Umang app.
  2. Tap 'Register Grievance' and select 'Financial Services' as the sector.
  3. Fill in the grievance form with your loan or transaction details.
  4. Attach your screenshots and tap submit to generate your docket number.

How long it takes and what it costs

Filing a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline is completely free. The NCH sends your complaint directly to the nodal officer of the finance company.

Registered finance apps have a maximum of 30 days to resolve consumer complaints (rbi.org.in). The company must fix the issue and update the status on the NCH portal within this time.

You can check the progress at any time. Just enter your docket number on the NCH website or app to see the latest update from the company.

If it does not work: RBI Ombudsman and SEBI SCORES

The NCH is a voluntary resolution platform. If the finance app ignores your docket or rejects your claim, you must escalate the issue to the financial regulator.

For licensed banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and payment apps, file a complaint on the RBI Complaint Management System at cms.rbi.org.in (RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme). For stock broking and mutual fund apps, use the SEBI SCORES 2.0 portal at scores.sebi.gov.in (sebi.gov.in).

You can check the Qrates directory to find the exact registered company name, RBI licence status, and official grievance officer details for the finance app before filing your NCH docket. This helps you pick the right regulator if the NCH process fails.

Fake loan apps and harassment: When to use the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline

The NCH handles consumer disputes with registered companies. This includes billing errors, hidden charges, or poor service.

If an unlicensed loan app is blackmailing you, morphing your photos, or calling your contacts, it is a cybercrime. Do not use the NCH for harassment by fake apps. Call the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 immediately.

You can also report unregistered and illegal finance apps on the RBI Sachet portal at sachet.rbi.org.in (RBI Sachet Portal).

Issue type Platform Contact method
Hidden fees by a registered app National Consumer Helpline Call 1915 or WhatsApp 8800001915
No resolution after 30 days RBI Ombudsman cms.rbi.org.in
Blackmail by a fake loan app Cyber Crime Helpline Call 1930

FAQs

Can I complain to NCH using the Umang app?

Yes, you can use the Umang app. Search for National Consumer Helpline in the app, log in, and select the grievance registration option.

RBI ombudsman ya NCH kahan complain kare?

Start with the NCH for basic consumer disputes. If the app is a licensed bank or NBFC and they do not resolve the issue in 30 days, escalate it to the RBI Ombudsman.

Is NCH effective against fake loan apps?

No, the NCH is not effective against fake loan apps because they are unregistered and ignore consumer notices. Report fake apps to the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline instead.

Consumer court me loan app ki complaint kaise kare?

If the NCH and the RBI Ombudsman fail to resolve your issue, you can file a case in a consumer court online. You must use the e-Jagriti portal at e-jagriti.gov.in for this.

The short version

  • You can call 1915 or WhatsApp 8800001915 to complain to the National Consumer Helpline.
  • You can also register complaints online through the NCH app, the Umang app, or the consumerhelpline.gov.in portal.
  • Licensed finance apps have 30 days to resolve your complaint.
  • If a registered app fails to resolve the issue, you can escalate it to the RBI Ombudsman or SEBI SCORES.
  • You must report harassment by fake loan apps to the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline, not the NCH.

Sources

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