Where should your complaint go? An honest comparison.
If your problem is with a bank, card, loan, or credit report, file with the CFPB first. It's free, and it sends your complaint to the company. For most other businesses, a BBB complaint asks the company to respond, and a public review warns the next customer. Reddit is great for advice from strangers. Go Postl helps you write any of these clearly, for $19 one time, good for a year.
| CFPB | BBB | Go Postl | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free | Free to post | Free draft; $19 one time for a year |
| Best for | Banks, cards, loans, credit reports, debt collectors | Most businesses, when you want a reply | Advice and "has this happened to you?" | Writing a calm, first hand review or complaint and keeping records |
| What happens | Sent to the company, which generally responds in 15 days | Forwarded to the business within two business days, which is asked to respond in 14 days | Strangers comment; the business may or may not see it | You post it yourself from your own account and log it |
| Can it force a refund? | No promise | No. BBB says it cannot force a business to act | No | No |
| Public? | Published in the CFPB database after the company responds or after 15 days, whichever comes first, without information that directly identifies you | After it closes, the complaint text may be posted, and it stays on the Business Profile for three years | Yes, under your username | Only what you choose to post |
| Watch out for | Covers money products only | Must meet BBB's complaint acceptance guidelines | Each subreddit sets its own rules | It's a writing tool, not a law firm |
When we're not the right pick
If you just need the CFPB, go straight there; it's free and built for this. If you want legal advice, talk to a licensed attorney.
Facts as of October 2026
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