Using HSBC cards overseas

gt94sss2

I know many here have Nationwide/Post Office/Santander cards for overseas use but I thought that its worth mentioning that HSBC have now added a facility on their website called "Going Abroad".

This allows you to tell them which countries and dates you are going overseas - along with which of your HSBC debit and/or credit cards you are taking - so they won't get blocked if you use them overseas.

It also includes the option of providing local contact numbers for each trip, in case they do need to contact you... and as its all online, you know its all been recorded correctly!

Regards
Sunil

Radsteral

hate to recomend hsbc, but have hsbc plus card which i pay 12 quid a month, but get to use many of its benefits so its worth it for me .
the visa card that comes with it, can be used anywhere in the world as much as i am aware and no charges whatsoever... the only setback may be the exchange rate. no withdrawal, nothing else
have used in europe, , albania many many times, egypt on my holidays and checked my statements- no charges

username

HSBC charges 2.75% of each transaction on the exchange rate but generally the final rate you get is slightly better than just getting cash from a forex place. Unlike lloyds and friends you don't get walloped with an additional charge; plus it's more convenient to use your card.

noah271007

HSBC will still charge you 2.75% for the exchange rate fee, which if you use a lot aboard will add up and can be expensive. Nationwide debit/cash card are the best there is where there is no charge apart from 1% VISA processing fee outside Europe. You still have to pay £12.95 monthly fee so for me it is a bit of a con really!

jogary

I recently used my HSBC debit card at CDG in Paris to withdraw Euros from a HSBC ATM - I was charged a 2.75% 'exchange rate adjustment' AND a fee of 2%.

I find this frankly ridiculous considering I was using one of their own cash machines!

Any grounds for reclaiming unfair charges?