Is HSBC bulls****ing me?

le0n

I phoned HSBC to open a joint basic account to pay bills and the rent with my girlfriend.

Apart from telling me that I need to go to a branch, the guy on the phone told me "don't take a basic account unless you have to" (i.e. if you have a good credit record) "because it will stop you from applying for other products over the phone - if you have a basic account, even if you also have a current account, you'll have to go to the branch to apply for any other products".

Is that true??

jonesMUFCforever

I think this is true yes.

garagemc

If you have the opportunity always use branch service and basically the guy doesnt want to open a basic bank account over the phone as he wont get commission for it.

_Andy_

garagemc wrote: »

If you have the opportunity always use branch service and basically the guy doesnt want to open a basic bank account over the phone as he wont get commission for it.

Telephony staff aren't paid commission.

What the CSR told you was correct.

jonesMUFCforever

Some telephony staff are paid commission.
I believe that the ones working for the bank I work for get 50p for every online saver they ''persuade'' their callers to open.

le0n

_Andy_ wrote: »

What the CSR told you was correct.

I understand that if the guy isn't getting a comission he is going to send me to a branch, but what's the problem with having a basic account and not being able to do online/phone banking? Does it mean you become kind of a suspect? I just thought that since I have already a current account, and my girlfriend has hers, what's the point of having anything more than a basic account to pay bills.

Anyway, what are the alternatives to the basic account (free banking alternatives, obviously)?

Thanks

regularsaver1

In my bank we don't open basic accounts in branch or by telephone

they are only applied for by postal applications (packs in branch) - opened by a dedicated business area, or by the internet

once the account is opened though there is telephone and internet banking access

gt94sss2

le0n wrote: »

Anyway, what are the alternatives to the basic account (free banking alternatives, obviously)?

With HSBC, it would be the HSBC Bank Account

Regards
Sunil

Hapless_2

If you bounce too many direct debits with HSBC basic, they won't charge, they will just give you 30days notice and close the account

Snow_Dog

Why go with HSBC anyway, their standard current accounts aren't that great imo. Low interest paying for a start.

Why not open an A & L current account, much better interest rates.