HSBC oppens no-premium rate number for Telephone banking

Mishomeister

Just had a message from HSBC saying:

You can do a lot of your banking online these days. But from time to time you need to speak to your bank and with a busy lifestyle you are going to need to talk to them on the move. So we've set up a new number to help - 0345 740 4404.

Calls to this number are covered by the inclusive minutes in monthly mobile phone contracts. This means you could call us safe in the knowledge that you can get the help you need without having to worry about how much the call is going to cost.

If you have run out of inclusive minutes, you are on pay-as-you-go or you call this number from a landline you will be charged at your standard network rate.

We hope that you find this service helpful. Save this number in your phone and we look forward to your call.'

Nice move though!

Caladan

I have never heard of this and would approach with extreme caution - Where did this message come from?

By the way, you can call HSBC with your inclusive minutes by using the international number (+44 1226 261 010), just replace the +44 with a 0 and you have an 01 number. This number is found on the back of your debit card.

Kind regards,
Cal

Mishomeister

Caladan wrote: »

As an employee of HSBC I have never heard of this and would approach with extreme caution - Where did this message come from?

By the way, you can call HSBC with your inclusive minutes by using the international number (+44 1226 261 010), just replace the +44 with a 0 and you have an 01 number. This number is found on the back of your debit card.

Kind regards,
Cal

It came from secure messaging via Internet Banking

Caladan

Interestingly - Just tried the number and it appears to be legitimate. Saying that - I thought only 01 and 02 numbers were included in free minutes, don't know though, can someone clarify?

gt94sss2

Caladan wrote: »

Interestingly - Just tried the number and it appears to be legitimate. Saying that - I thought only 01 and 02 numbers were included in free minutes, don't know though, can someone clarify?

All 03xx numbers were included in inclusive calling plans a few years ago.

I think HSBC used to use 03457 404 404for its textphone service but it makes more sense to use it as its standard 03 number (as its virtually the same as its 08457 404 404 one)

Regards
Sunil

Caladan

Well well, learn something every day! Thanks to both of you

JacksterD

Mishomeister wrote: »

Just had a message from HSBC saying:

You can do a lot of your banking online these days. But from time to time you need to speak to your bank and with a busy lifestyle you are going to need to talk to them on the move. So we've set up a new number to help - 0345 740 4404.

Calls to this number are covered by the inclusive minutes in monthly mobile phone contracts. This means you could call us safe in the knowledge that you can get the help you need without having to worry about how much the call is going to cost.

If you have run out of inclusive minutes, you are on pay-as-you-go or you call this number from a landline you will be charged at your standard network rate.

We hope that you find this service helpful. Save this number in your phone and we look forward to your call.'

Nice move though!

Out of interest, are the call centres still offshore?

greenorange

I've received this message also. Nice to know it's now free to call the bank should I need to.

greenorange

JacksterD wrote: »

Out of interest, are the call centres still offshore?

I believe unless you have an Advance or Premier account, the call centres are offshore.

Caladan

greenorange wrote: »

I believe unless you have an Advance or Premier account, the call centres are offshore.

As I understand it Advance and Premier are always UK (apart from specialist departments) but mass market customers are usually put through to off-shore or the UK depending on demand.

fiendishlyclever

The government said that companies shouldn't be using expensive numbers for customer service. Expect others to follow