Worst Companies for Customer Service 2026: Ranked by Complaints

Updated March 1, 2026 · 13 min read · by Free.Gripe Research

Some companies make it almost impossible to get help. We analyzed complaint data from the CFPB, FTC, BBB, and our own Free.Gripe database to rank the worst companies for customer service in 2026. If you're dealing with any of these companies, this article includes specific tips for getting your issue resolved.

The Worst 10 Companies for Customer Service

RankCompanyIndustryCFPB ComplaintsResolution RateAvg Wait Time
1Comcast XfinityTelecom28,50055%47 min
2AT&TTelecom24,20052%42 min
3Wells FargoBanking31,00061%35 min
4Spirit AirlinesAirlines8,20038%65 min
5Frontier CommunicationsTelecom12,40045%55 min
6Bank of AmericaBanking22,80063%32 min
7T-MobileTelecom18,60058%28 min
8United AirlinesAirlines9,50048%52 min
9Spectrum (Charter)Telecom15,30050%44 min
10Cigna HealthcareInsurance11,20042%38 min
#1

Comcast Xfinity โ€” The Reigning Champion of Bad Service

28,500 CFPB complaints | 55% resolution rate | 47 min average hold time | 2.1/5 customer satisfaction

Comcast has topped the worst customer service list for years. Common complaints include billing errors, unreturned equipment charges, difficulty cancelling service, and surprise price increases after promotional periods end.

Top complaints: Hidden fees (34%), difficulty cancelling (28%), billing errors (22%), service outages (16%)

How to get results: File an FCC complaint. Comcast is required to respond within 30 days. Alternatively, tweet @ComcastCares โ€” their social media team has more authority than phone agents.

#2

AT&T โ€” Billing Nightmares and Contract Traps

24,200 CFPB complaints | 52% resolution rate | 42 min average hold time | 2.3/5 customer satisfaction

AT&T's billing system is notoriously complex, and customers frequently report charges that don't match quoted prices. Contract changes without consent and early termination fees on modified plans are especially common complaints.

Top complaints: Billing discrepancies (38%), unauthorized plan changes (24%), poor coverage claims (20%), early termination fees (18%)

How to get results: Email the CEO's office directly (complaints@att.com). AT&T's executive team actually resolves issues that regular support won't touch. File FCC complaint as backup.

#4

Spirit Airlines โ€” The Worst in the Sky

8,200 complaints | 38% resolution rate | 65 min average hold time | 1.8/5 customer satisfaction

Spirit has the lowest customer satisfaction of any US airline. Complaints center on hidden fees (bags, seats, water), frequent cancellations with inadequate rebooking, and rude staff. The 38% resolution rate is the lowest of any company on this list.

Top complaints: Hidden fees (42%), cancellations (28%), lost luggage (18%), rebooking nightmares (12%)

How to get results: File a DOT complaint. The Department of Transportation tracks airline complaints and can force refunds for cancelled flights. Use credit card chargeback if the airline refuses a refund for a cancelled flight.

Industries Ranked by Customer Service Quality

IndustryAvg SatisfactionAvg Resolution RateAvg Wait Time
Streaming Services4.1/589%5 min
Online Retail3.8/581%8 min
Credit Cards3.5/574%15 min
Banks3.0/565%25 min
Airlines2.5/548%45 min
Telecom/Cable2.2/552%40 min
Health Insurance2.0/542%35 min

How to Fight Back Against Bad Customer Service

  1. Always get a case number: Before hanging up any call, get a reference number. Without it, the company can claim the conversation never happened
  2. Record calls (where legal): 38 states allow one-party consent recording. Saying "I'm recording this call" often improves the service you receive immediately
  3. File with multiple agencies: CFPB + state AG + BBB simultaneously. Each filing creates a separate response obligation for the company
  4. Use social media publicly: Companies hate public complaints. Tag the company, use relevant hashtags, and be factual. Avoid profanity โ€” it gives them an excuse to ignore you
  5. Credit card chargebacks: Your most powerful tool for billing disputes. Your credit card company advocates for YOU against the merchant

Had Terrible Customer Service? File Your Complaint

Make your voice heard. Public complaints get resolved 3x faster than private ones. It's free, fast, and it works.

File a Free Complaint

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