HSBC - Acccount opening, why does it have to be so hard?

CoolishLime

Hi All,

I applied on-line for an HSBC advance current account, a couple of weeks later I received a letter requesting I send (or take to branch) one form of ID. As the only form of ID they would accept via post was proof of state benefit. I took my passport to branch on Saturday.

I spoke to a one of at least 4 'clipboard welding floor walkers' who took my name and waited 40 minutes to be seen (while watching various members of staff - in addition to the floor walkers standing round chatting)

The member of staff looked up my details on the computer, said she wasn't sure what to do, disappeared for 10 mins to speak to someone, came back asked a load of questions, photocopied passport, took 2 copies of signature, tried to print some T&Cs - couldn't get her printer to work so went away to print before coming back and reading aloud all the pages - before getting another signature. She then said she didn't know if she was supposed to open the account or to send the details off, so off she went again to seek advice, before declaring she was non the wiser and would speak to the on-line account opening team on Monday and promised a phone call to give me an update.

Its now Wednesday and I've heard nothing so rang the number on her business card and spoke to the customer services call centre. The girl took my details and said she could find no HSBC accounts on the system (even when I was in the branch my HSBC credit card (cancelled in October) info was available to the advisor!). The account opening letter with sort code and account number was kept by the branch so she was searching by name and postcode.

She said she didn't know what hours the online team worked but would try to transfer me as she couldn't help.after a few minutes on hold my call went back to her, but all I could here was her chatting to someone before she hung up!!

Have just checked my credit expert (experian) report and there is no search for HSBC showing

Not very impressed, and not sure what to do now - but I'm far from impressed with HSBC, maybe I should stick with Smile...

Brazuca

I applied to the HSBC account online too, and it was a complete MESS.
But as I am sick of Abbey, I am going there in person and apply for n Advance account. The online applications do not seem to work well with HSBC. I had the same problems you did. Both in the branch and on the phone, where they cannot find any details, etc etc...

bitterSTAR

This doesn't sound good, I was looking at getting £100 cashback through wepromiseto.co.uk for applying for a HSBC Plus account online.

noah271007

Hi Guys.

From my experience and what I know, applying a current account online can be a complete and utter mess! It is much more practical to arrange an appointment to see someone at your nearest branch and go through the application process this way. ID and bank statements and documents are sorted out there and they do a credit scoring check just the same as if you applied online. If the credit check has been referred whilst applying online, it can take few days to a week or more, whereas, applying in branch, it can be dealt with by phoning one of the specialists who probably manually check the credit scoring and making sure there is nothing of concern! In the ideal world applying online should be straight forward and simple. But in practise, in my experience it does not in some cases. If i were you, I would look elsewhere. I don't particularly recommend HSBC. Write a letter to complain and demand the search be deleted if you decide to withdraw the application. You have a right to do this under the consumer credit act. I hope this helps.

noah271007

It just shows how disorganised HSBC is. If they can't deal with your application as a new customer, and remember first impressions count, then you might as well say, i am not going to put up with it- why should i wait until the mess is sorted out. To banks, you are just a number and potentially £££ in their eyes. That is the reality. If i were you i would stick with Smile (if you are happy with them and their product) or seek some advice on the forum.

bitterSTAR

Yeah, I think I'm gonna stick with Barclays. I can not fault their customer service one bit, never ever had a problem with them and they've always been very helpful. Besides I'm probably better off not spending £12.95 a month just for a bank account.

noah271007

Absolutely! Unless you feel you will use most of their benefits on offer, then there is no point wasting your money! Stick with Barclays, get an active additions account with them instead?