Complaints About Bank of India: What’s Wrong and How to Fix It

Bank of India (BOI) is one of the oldest and most trusted banks in India, serving millions of customers. However, like any major financial institution, it has its share of customer complaints. Many users have taken to the internet to express their frustrations about various issues related to banking services, customer support, and digital transactions.

In this article, we will explore the top complaints against Bank of India, provide solutions from a customer’s perspective, and include contact details to help resolve these issues. If you have faced any of these problems, feel free to share your experience in the comments below.

1. Delayed or Failed Transactions

Complaint:

Many customers have reported that their transactions—whether through UPI, net banking, or ATM withdrawals—fail or get delayed, sometimes leading to financial losses.

Solution:

• Check Transaction Status: Always verify your transaction status in the BOI mobile banking app or net banking portal.
• Contact Customer Support: Call 1800-103-1906 (toll-free) or email customercare@bankofindia.co.in if your money is deducted but not credited.
• Raise a Dispute: If the transaction remains unresolved, file a complaint with the bank’s grievance cell.

2. Poor Customer Service and Helpline Response

Complaint:

Customers frequently complain that BOI’s customer support is slow, unresponsive, or provides generic responses without actually solving issues.

Solution:

• Try Different Channels: If the helpline is not responsive, visit your branch in person or contact BOI via their official social media channels.
• Escalate Your Complaint: If your issue is not resolved, escalate it to the nodal officer at grievance.redressal@bankofindia.co.in.
• Consumer Forum: If BOI fails to address your concern, register a complaint at the Banking Ombudsman (https://cms.rbi.org.in/).

3. Unjustified Account Freezing or Blocking

Complaint:

Some users have reported their accounts getting frozen without prior notice, preventing them from accessing their own funds.

Solution:

• Check for Policy Violations: Ensure you have not violated any bank policies, such as multiple failed login attempts or suspicious transactions.
• Visit the Branch: Speak directly with the branch manager to understand the reason and resolve the issue quickly.
• Submit KYC Documents: Sometimes, accounts are frozen due to incomplete KYC updates. Ensure your documents are up to date.

4. Issues with Loan Processing and Disbursement

Complaint:

Many customers claim their loan applications are delayed, rejected without proper reasons, or face excessive processing time.

Solution:

• Ensure Complete Documentation: Double-check all required documents before submitting your loan application.
• Follow Up Regularly: Keep contacting your branch to get updates on your loan status.
• Contact the Loan Department: If you face delays, escalate your issue by emailing loans@bankofindia.co.in.

5. Hidden Charges and Unexplained Deductions

Complaint:

Many customers have noticed unexplained deductions in their accounts for services they never signed up for.

Solution:

• Review Your Account Statement: Regularly check your bank statements for unexpected charges.
• Disable Unnecessary Services: If you are being charged for services you don’t use, ask the bank to disable them.
• File a Dispute: If you believe an unauthorized charge has been applied, report it immediately via 1800-103-1906.

6. Technical Issues with Net Banking and Mobile App

Complaint:

Many customers experience frequent downtimes, login failures, or transaction errors while using BOI’s online banking services.

Solution:

• Clear Cache and Update App: Ensure your app is updated and clear the cache to avoid glitches.
• Use Alternative Methods: If the app or net banking isn’t working, try using BOI ATMs or visit the nearest branch.
• Report IT Issues: Email techsupport@bankofindia.co.in with screenshots of the problem.

7. Delayed or Failed Refunds

Complaint:

Customers often report that refunds from failed transactions take too long to be processed.

Solution:

• Track Refund Status: Refunds usually take 5-7 working days. If delayed, contact your branch.
• File a Dispute: If the refund is not credited in time, raise a dispute with customercare@bankofindia.co.in.
• Use RBI’s Banking Ombudsman Service: If BOI does not process the refund, escalate the issue to RBI’s grievance cell.

8. ATM Not Dispensing Cash but Money Deducted

Complaint:

Customers report instances where an ATM fails to dispense cash, but the money gets deducted from their account.

Solution:

• Check Mini Statement: Sometimes, the amount is reversed automatically within 24 hours.
• Register a Complaint: If the amount is not refunded, file a complaint at 1800-103-1906.
• Approach the Banking Ombudsman: If BOI does not resolve the issue, escalate it to RBI.

9. Issues with Fixed Deposits and Interest Rates

Complaint:

Customers often report discrepancies in interest calculations or face difficulties withdrawing fixed deposits prematurely.

Solution:

• Verify Interest Rates: Check BOI’s website for the latest FD rates.
• Discuss with the Bank Manager: Visit your branch if the interest calculation seems incorrect.
• Premature Withdrawal: Check penalty details before withdrawing your FD early.

10. Delay in Credit Card Issuance and Activation

Complaint:

Many customers report long delays in getting their credit cards approved and activated.

Solution:

• Track Application Status: Use BOI’s customer portal to check your application progress.
• Contact Credit Card Helpline: Call 1800-220-229 for credit card-related issues.
• Raise a Complaint: If activation is delayed, email creditcard@bankofindia.co.in.

Conclusion: Share Your Experience

While Bank of India remains a reliable financial institution, these common complaints highlight areas that need improvement. If you have faced any of these issues, share your experience in the comments below.

For urgent concerns, reach out to BOI:

• Customer Care: 1800-103-1906 (Toll-Free)
• Email: customercare@bankofindia.co.in
• Social Media: Twitter (@BankofIndia_IN), Facebook (@BankofIndiaOfficial)

Have you had a complaint resolved by Bank of India? Let us know in the comments!