Complaints

The information in this section explains who to contact, Scotiabank’s process, and the steps to take, including available channels, should you wish to move forward with a complaint. Please reach out to a Bank representative during this process if you would like a status update at any time.

As a first course of action, please contact your Bank Representative, visit the Branch or reach out to the Contact Centre (1-800-4SCOTIA or 1-800-472-6842).

If the first person you speak with is not able to resolve your complaint, please ask to speak directly to a manager, who may be able to resolve many issues that arise.

Upon expressing a complaint to the Bank, you will receive a written acknowledgment including a case number and a copy of Scotiabank’s complaint handling process. You may also receive communication at the conclusion of your complaint.

If your complaint is not resolved after 14 days, it will be escalated to the Escalated Customer Concerns Office. You may also request escalation at any time during the 14 days or if you are dissatisfied with the response provided. Upon escalation, a communication will be sent informing you of the updated point of contact.

We aim to resolve each case as quickly as possible; however, should this exceed 56 days, you will receive a notification. When your case is concluded at the ECCO, you will be sent communication outlining the Bank’s response.

If you are not satisfied following the investigation by the Escalated Customer Concerns Office, you may submit your complaint in writing to the Customer Complaints Appeals Office (CCAO). The CCAO provides an impartial review of customer complaints upon request of the customer. 

We aim to resolve each case as quickly as possible; however, should this exceed 56 days, you will receive a notification. When your case is concluded at the CCAO, you will be sent communication outlining the Bank’s response.

The Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) has been designated as the single external complaints body for banking in Canada. OBSI is responsible for providing a fair and impartial review of unresolved banking complaints. 

You may choose to contact OBSI if there has been no response from Scotiabank within 56 days of your complaint or if you are not satisfied with the outcome provided by the Customer Complaints Appeals Office (CCAO). 

The FCAC supervises federally regulated financial institutions to ensure they comply with federal consumer protection laws. For example, financial institutions must provide consumers with transparent information about fees, interest rates and complaint-handling procedures. If you have a complaint about such a regulatory matter, you can contact the FCAC in writing at: