The Division of Credit Unions regulates Washington State-chartered Credit Unions. See a list of our regulated entities.
If your institution is listed in our directory, you may file a complaint. The Department of Financial Institutions may only investigate written complaints for the institutions we regulate.
What if DFI doesn't regulate the credit union I have a complaint against?
If DFI does not regulate the credit union you have a complaint against, you may file a complaint with the NCUA.
You can also call the NCUA Consumer Assistance Center at (800) 755-1030.
What will the division do in response to my complaint?
Normally, the division's staff will ask the credit union to respond to you in writing within three weeks or 15 business days, with a copy to the division. The division may ask you or the credit union for additional information or documents.
Although the Division of Credit Unions processes all complaints involving the credit unions it regulates, it does not have the authority to resolve all types of problems. For example, we are unable to resolve contractual disputes, undocumented factual disputes between a member and a credit union, or disagreements about credit union policies and procedures. These matters are usually determined by credit union policy and are not addressed by state law or regulation. In many instances, however, by filing a complaint, a credit union may voluntarily work with you to resolve your situation. When appropriate we may incorporate your complaint into the next examination of the credit union or we may initiate an immediate investigation. If our investigation determines that the state Credit Union Act or an applicable regulation has been violated we will take appropriate corrective action with the credit union.
The Division of Credit Unions does not participate in the credit granting process in credit unions. The division does not have authority to arbitrate or mediate disputes or to pursue redress on your behalf. The division does not give legal advice to complainants or recommend attorneys. In general, the division will not accept a complaint if the complainant has engaged an attorney or if the dispute is in litigation.
Is my complaint public information and available to any member of the public who requests it?
Generally yes. The Washington Public Records Act (PRA), RCW 42.56, may require disclosure of a complaint after a file is closed. If you choose, you may keep your identifying information exempt from disclosure under the PRA by stating in your complaint that "I request that my information identifying me not be disclosed if requested pursuant to the Public Records Act" or by checking the relevant box on the complaint form. Please note that this exemption does not necessarily restrict the release of your identifying information pursuant to a court order, subpoena, or during litigation.
Questions? Contact Us
For assistance filing a complaint, or if you have any questions, contact the Division of Credit Unions by calling 1-877-RING DFI (1-877-746-4334) or emailing dcu@dfi.wa.gov.