100% Free Guide Updated April 2026

How to File a Consumer Complaint Online Free in India (2026)

Filing a consumer complaint in India is free. This guide covers every free channel — from the National Consumer Helpline (1915) to the EDAAKHIL court portal — along with when and how to use each one.

Key fact: Calling the NCH (1915) is free. Filing on EDAAKHIL costs ₹100 for claims up to ₹5 lakh. RBI Ombudsman, IRDAI, and TRAI complaint portals are all free. You do not need a lawyer.

Free Consumer Complaint Channels in India

1. National Consumer Helpline (NCH) Free

Phone: 1915 (toll-free, 24×7)  |  Portal: consumerhelpline.gov.in  |  Email: nch@nic.in

Best first step for e-commerce, products, and services. NCH mediates with 1,000+ companies. Resolves ~60% of complaints informally within 15–30 days without any fees.

2. EDAAKHIL — Consumer Forum Online Filing ₹100 min

Portal: edaakhil.nic.in

For formal Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission cases when NCH mediation fails. Filing fee starts at ₹100 for claims up to ₹5 lakh. File entirely online from home. No lawyer required.

3. RBI Integrated Ombudsman Free

Portal: cms.rbi.org.in

For banking complaints — UPI failures, ATM disputes, credit card fraud, unauthorized charges, home loan issues. Covers all scheduled banks. Completely free, no lawyer needed, average resolution in 30 days.

4. IRDAI Insurance Grievance Portal Free

Portal: igms.irda.gov.in  |  Toll-free: 155255 / 1800-4254-732

For insurance claim rejections, policy disputes, premium overcharging. Insurance Ombudsman offices in 17 cities handle disputes up to ₹30 lakh for free.

5. TRAI / DoT for Telecom Free

Spam/DND: dnd.trai.gov.in  |  Service quality: pgportal.gov.in

For Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL complaints about call drops, data speed, billing issues, spam calls. File on the provider's app first, then escalate to DoT CPGRAMS if unresolved.

6. DGCA AirSewa for Airlines Free

Portal: airsewa.gov.in  |  App: AirSewa on Android/iOS

For flight cancellations, delays, denied boarding, and baggage claims against IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, etc. Free complaint registration with DGCA tracking.

Step-by-Step: File a Free Consumer Complaint Online

Method A — Via NCH Portal (consumerhelpline.gov.in)

  1. Go to consumerhelpline.gov.in and click "Register a Complaint"
  2. Create an account using your mobile number (OTP verification)
  3. Select the complaint category: E-Commerce, Banking, Telecom, Insurance, Real Estate, etc.
  4. Search for the company from the 1,000+ companies in NCH's database
  5. Describe your complaint clearly — include dates, order/account numbers, amounts, and what resolution you want
  6. Upload documents: receipts, screenshots, correspondence (max 2MB each)
  7. Submit — you get a docket number. NCH forwards the complaint to the company's nodal officer.
  8. Track via your NCH account or SMS updates

Method B — Via EDAAKHIL (edaakhil.nic.in)

Use EDAAKHIL when NCH mediation fails or you want a binding legal order.

  1. Register at edaakhil.nic.in — you need a mobile number, email, and an ID proof
  2. Click "File Complaint" and select the appropriate Commission (District/State/National)
  3. Select the jurisdiction: where the company operates, or where the cause of action arose
  4. Fill in complainant and respondent details — use the company's registered name from their website's "About Us" or "Contact" page
  5. Write the facts of the complaint in chronological order — what happened, when, how much financial loss
  6. State the relief sought — refund amount, compensation, replacement, etc.
  7. Attach all documents: receipts, screenshots, legal notice copy, postal receipt (if you sent one)
  8. Pay the filing fee online (₹100–₹5,000 depending on claim value)
  9. Submit and note your case number. Summons will be sent to the company. Attend hearings via video conferencing.

Pro tip: Send a Lawly-generated legal notice (₹199) before filing on EDAAKHIL. The notice copy strengthens your case and ~60% of companies settle within 30 days of receiving one — saving you months of Forum proceedings.

What Makes a Strong Free Consumer Complaint

Company-Specific Free Complaint Guides

See how to file a complaint against specific companies — with the correct Grievance Officer contact, escalation matrix, and legal notice approach:

Amazon India Flipkart Zomato Swiggy Airtel Jio HDFC Bank ICICI Bank Paytm PhonePe IndiGo IRCTC

→ Full consumer complaint guide for India

Want the Fastest Resolution? Send a Legal Notice First

A legally worded notice citing specific violations under CPA 2019 settles ~60% of cases before any forum filing is needed. Lawly generates them in under 5 minutes.

Generate Legal Notice — ₹199 →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to file a consumer complaint in India?
Yes. NCH (consumerhelpline.gov.in / 1915) is completely free. EDAAKHIL starts at ₹100. RBI Ombudsman, IRDAI, and TRAI portals are free.

Can I file without a lawyer?
Yes — Section 35(1) of CPA 2019 allows self-representation at all Consumer Commissions. No advocate required.

How long does a free consumer complaint take?
NCH: 15–30 days informally. Consumer Forum (EDAAKHIL): 3–5 months for a binding order. A legal notice (not free, but ₹199) often settles cases in 15–30 days.

What is the free consumer helpline number?
1915 — National Consumer Helpline, toll-free, 24×7, available in 17 languages.