HSBC Advance Changes

SLZ

s71hj wrote: »

Hi. When I click apply it goes to a screen with only 2 options being the phone number or the link to book a branch appointment. How do I get to the online application? I prefer online as otherwise you get the sales talk and they try to get you to transfer all dds etc. Thanks john

Hi yeah, I was wrong, I thought you could as I remember there being something not long ago but it may have been for a different account.

Just phone up, it's not that bad.

colsten

adindas wrote: »

What I like about HSBC is that any current offer of preferential rate will normally include the existing customer. It is not like other banks where you need to cancel it and then wait for a few months to reapply again.

HSBC's offers are usually not competitive and are easily beaten by other banks. The only exception is their regular saver.

What offers at other banks do you have in mind where you need to cancel and re-apply?

adindas wrote: »

I think other banks should copy the HSBC business model

I sincerely hope they won't

JKSandy

Looks like they are "upgrading" existing customers now. I got a letter saying my current account is changing to an advance account.

KayTM

What's so special about this account that it's so difficult to get?

We have a full mortgage offer in writing, but it's dependent upon us having an Advance account. Yet when we applied for that they said we didn't qualify for the account! It can't be the salary amount - the £1750 p/m isn't a problem.

They say it's the credit checks. But how can we be worthy of a mortgage but not trusted enough to open a bank account with them?

It's bizarre and we've spent a couple of days now trying to sort this out. I think we're nearly there at last. I just wondered if anyone had any words of wisdom about it all because I haven't a clue what they're playing at or why.

Herbalus

It isn't a particularly special account, depending on how you define special of course. It doesn't offer any benefits that aren't available elsewhere, but isn't horrendously bad in terms of overdraft charges. It's middle of the road probably.

The issue is that they seem to have quite strict internal criteria as to who is accepted. It's not that you just have to earn enough, you might need to also be a certain type of person that they're looking for. And it doesn't always make sense.

colsten

Herbalus wrote: »

It doesn't offer any benefits that aren't available elsewhere

I would agree generally but it's worth noting that the Advance gives you access to

1. the HSBC Loyalty ISA and the "Save Together" option that is worth £120
2. a 6% Regular Saver. Granted, these are also available at FD and M&S but if you have more than £550 a month to save, it comes in handily for the next £250

The above are the only reasons why I have an HSBC Advance. I wouldn't use the account for other reasons but I understand it might also give access to certain HSBC loans/mortgages that may or may not be market-leading.

There is also currently a £100 bonus if you open an Advance and switch a current account to it.