Step-by-step guide to filing a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau complaint. When to file, what to include, and expected response times. Texas residents are protected by the Deceptive Trade Practices — Consumer Protection Act (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.41). Treble damages available. Private right of action.
Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.41
CFPB covers: banks, credit cards, mortgages, student loans, debt collection, credit reporting, money transfers. They do NOT cover: insurance, auto dealers, or securities.
CFPB expects you to attempt resolution directly. Send a demand letter first. If the company doesn't respond within 30 days, escalate to CFPB.
Select your product type and issue. The form guides you through the process. Have your account details and documentation ready.
Write a concise narrative: what happened, when, what you've already done to resolve it, and what you want. Include dollar amounts and dates.
Upload your demand letter, the company's response (or lack thereof), billing statements, and any relevant correspondence.
You'll get a tracking number. The company must respond within 15 days. CFPB publishes complaint data — companies take these seriously.