HSBC's New £120 Switch Offer

Over62

I spent almost an hour on the phone yesterday and in the end was refused an account because I didn't meet their internal conditions. I've never been turned down for anything in my life but now I've read the forum posts, I see I am not alone.


This is the first time I have had dealings with HSBC and it will be the last.

cinereus

It says you can't have an HSBC current account - what about a firstdirect current account? No mention in the terms? And if so, can I switch a firstdirect account to this to get the £120?

Archi_Bald

cinereus wrote: »

It says you can't have an HSBC current account - what about a firstdirect current account? No mention in the terms? And if so, can I switch a firstdirect account to this to get the £120?

First Direct is specifically mentioned in the switching terms.

TheTracker

There is an unusual amount of noise on this thread. As far as I can see it everything is straightforward. You're likely to be accepted if
* you read the Ts&Cs and only apply if you meet the conditions
* your credit is good
* you have earnings of £1750 that you say you'll pay into the account, accepting that the Ts&Cs make no mention of salary.
* you don't confuse matters with making a switch as part of your application. Open the account then switch later.
* you don't confuse matters by applying in branch or on telephone where agents can go off-piste.
* you put up with any poor personal service that may arise

Perhaps I was lucky but my experience was a 10-15 min online application. Questions asked were standard: address, employer and income. No grillings. Then a standard ID check through the post. Hiccups with getting forms mailed but easily resolved.

hollie.weimeraner

TheTracker wrote: »

There is an unusual amount of noise on this thread. As far as I can see it everything is straightforward. You're likely to be accepted if
* you read the Ts&Cs and only apply if you meet the conditions
* your credit is good
* you have earnings of £1750 that you say you'll pay into the account, accepting that the Ts&Cs make no mention of salary.
* you don't confuse matters with making a switch as part of your application. Open the account then switch later.
* you don't confuse matters by applying in branch or on telephone where agents can go off-piste.
* you put up with any poor personal service that may arise

Perhaps I was lucky but my experience was a 10-15 min online application. Questions asked were standard: address, employer and income. No grillings. Then a standard ID check through the post. Hiccups with getting forms mailed but easily resolved.

Exactly what I have done and received the confirmation of acceptance today.

Just a quick question regarding ID if you don't mind. They are stating they require original documents to prove ID. How did you do that by post? I rang the help line and they suggested we take them into branch, which I wish to avoid if possible.

romanian_bird

@TheTracker: I applied online but never received the right info, I had to go into branch to complete the application. With any other bank account I applied for, it was much easier - straightforward application online.

block10

I successfully applied over the phone today for the advance account. Call lasted 40mins.

Quite pleased, considering the negative posts in this thread.

dalef

Is there any point in applying if net salary is less than £1,750 pm? Even if you plan to 'top-up' the account to meet the criteria.

jimjames

Submitted my application and received letter that I need to go into branch with ID. Lived at same address for 17 years and never needed to produce ID for any other account so wonder what they need.

Also gave option to call to make appointment.

Already annoyed me that the number given on letter immediately asks you to enter your account and sort code - yet I'm not a customer so don't have one. Surely it's not that difficult to include the correct number on a letter for new customers.

Off to branch at lunchtime to see what they say.

TheTracker wrote: »

Perhaps I was lucky but my experience was a 10-15 min online application. Questions asked were standard: address, employer and income. No grillings. Then a standard ID check through the post. Hiccups with getting forms mailed but easily resolved.

I meet all the criteria easily. Yet still need to visit a branch as online application wasn't sufficient. Maybe it's the number of other current accounts I have but not had this with any others.

Dird

I'm delayed a few days because of some tool at my local branch. Handed in the 2 forms they expect you to sign on the 7th...called Today and apparently they've only mailed the one to them...perhaps they just thought the multiple page one was a T&Cs doc and didn't see my signature on the last page =/