Quick Answer
- Auto-reversal: Bank must automatically reverse within 5 working days — no complaint needed usually
- Compensation: If not reversed in 5 days — bank pays Rs 100/day penalty as per RBI rules
- File complaint if: Amount not reversed after 5 working days
- Your bank vs other bank ATM: If own bank ATM — complaint to your bank. Other bank ATM — still complaint to YOUR bank (they'll sort with ATM bank)
- Documents needed: Transaction date, time, ATM location, amount, account statement
📋 Why this happens: ATM runs out of cash mid-dispensing, network failure mid-transaction, card read error. Your account gets debited instantly but ATM doesn't dispense. The ATM reconciliation process (end of day) detects the failed dispense and initiates reversal. Usually happens automatically within 1-5 days.
📋 What to Do — Step by Step
1
Wait 1 working day — check account
Most reversals happen automatically overnight. Check your account the next morning. If amount is back — problem solved!
2
If not reversed in 5 days — call bank helpline
Call your bank's toll-free helpline. Give: date, time, ATM location, amount, your account number. Note the complaint reference number.
3
File written complaint at branch
Visit nearest branch with passbook/account statement showing debit. Fill ATM dispute form. Bank must resolve within 7 working days of written complaint.
4
Escalate to Banking Ombudsman if still unresolved
File complaint at RBI CMS portal (cms.rbi.org.in). Free service. Bank must respond in 30 days. You are also entitled to Rs 100/day compensation from day 6 onwards.
⚠️ Important — save these details immediately after incident: Screenshot of failed transaction on ATM screen (if possible) · Note exact time, ATM ID (printed on ATM machine), ATM address · Download account statement showing the debit · If possible, take photo of ATM machine number. These help resolve disputes faster.
Disclaimer: RBI guidelines as of 2026. Timelines may vary by bank. Always keep transaction records.