Banks are being asked to treat customers in hardship with more compassion, as complaints increase.

There's been a 56 percent increase in the number of complaints to the Banking Ombudsman regarding hardship and debt collection.

Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden says the reason for the complaints are wide-ranging, often due to cost of living pressures or a relationship breakdown, illness, or change of employment.

"What they're doing is asking the banks for help and they're complaining that they're not getting the help they're looking for. Or alternatively, they're not getting prompt responses."

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