HSBC credit card - very very slow processing

Ruby_Jones_2

If you are applying for an HSBC credit card for the 9 months 0% balance transfers, do it a few weeks ahead of Martin's recommended time.

When I received my reminder message from Martin I had applied the previous week. I didn't receive any paperwork from HSBC through the post for 10 more day! I completed it and returned it on the 7th February - 1st class. The letter I had with the agreement said I would receive my card within 10 working days of the date they receive the application. At the latest they will have received it on 9th Feb. When I contacted the number given (based in India!) I was told that there was a 'backlog of applications' causing the delay but that my application had been approved and was going through. That was on 18th February. As I have still not received anything I called again today - was told that my application was scanned on the 23rd February. I asked why I was told on 18th that it had been scanned and was going through, now they are telling me that it was only scanned yesterday I got the standard answer - 'backlog of applications is causing delays'! The operators were completely unconcerned, so I asked to speak to the supervisor who I could barely understand and was told the same thing!

I asked when I might receive my card I was told - 7 to 14 days from now! I asked why my letter said that I would receive it within 10 working days and was told... yes, you've guessed it... 'backlog of applications is causing delays'!

I was also told that I could go into any branch of HSBC and give them my application number and it would be processed for me straight away! I if that meant I would get my card sooner and was told... 7-14 days!

Has anyone else experienced problems with HSBC? I was going to move my bank accounts to them but this has changed my mind. It seems that you cannot get to speak to anybody who can give a satisfactory explanation.

The other worrying thing is that they asked for original documentation and I had to send off original payslips and utility bills. I will need these to apply for another card so I am sort of stuck with it now. I have still not had them back.

Reaper

Ruby_Jones wrote:

Has anyone else experienced problems with HSBC?

Other people have experienced similar delays. Some found going into a branch helpful. Have a read of this old thread.

funkymonkey

yep had exactly the same problem - in the end i went into the branch - they printed ooff ther paperwork and i signed it i rcieved my card 3 days later that was back in december when it was backlogged as well.

Fatboy_NSS

I waited about a month for mine before phoning up to chase them. The chap put me on hold for a few mins then came back and said it was being dispatched the following day. Not sure if my call made them pull their finger out and send the card or if I just happened to ring up the day they were issuing it.

Incidentally I've now had the card for 2 weeks and no sign of the PIN yet. They can take their time with that one tho, as the card is maxed with BT so won't be spending on it for 9 months!

Martinslovechild

Still waiting for my card and I applied early November. Nearly 4 months - that's not bad!!

almahadeus

I have been with HSBC for 10 years and have some general comments about their service. In the beginning they were very good- had good customer services and you could talk to your branch directly which would always sort out problems fast. In the last few years however the service has gone downhill. Recently I had a problem with receiving interest charges on my current account even though I had interest free overdraft. It took 3 months to sort it out meanwhile every month I was receiving the interest charges. Although they were refunded and the problem (a technical fault) was resolved it took about 5 phone calls to customer service, 3 phone calls to my branch (through customer service) and 1 letter stating I would move all my and my husband's accounts elsewhere, until they finally sorted it out.

In addition I find that sometimes, more often than not, the customer service staff are unhelpful and sometimes downright rude.

I still have all my accounts with them because I am a student and their student current account suits me well, but I'm not impressed with HSBC anymore.

oscar_chick

Hi, first time on the boards but a regular MSE 'follower'.
I have had probs too with the HSBC Credit Card and now wished I had never bothered! I applied for it on the 19th November, received a letter asking to supply an online security code to them on the 3rd December, Tc's and c's signed 21st December and sent back with confirmation of address and salary slip (8 years at the same property and 6 with employer) I had never been asked for this before for any card I have applied for. I got these back mid January altho' the letter was dated 31st December and haven't heard a dicky bird since. When I get the card I am cutting it up and sending it back. The BT I wanted to do I have paid off and I just want rid of this on my credit file. The whole thing is pitiful. I will stay with Halifax who have been fab and try and negotiate a reduction in the go to rate.