We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

HSBC Advance Opening Timescale

I applied for the HSBC Advance account at lunchtime on Monday (looking to earn the £150 for switching). The web page said that the application had been accepted and gave me a reference number. It also suggested that somebody would contact me within 2 days. I haven't heard anything (not even an email confirmation). Does anybody know if I should be expecting a call or just some paperwork in the post?

Thanks,
Paul
«1

Comments

  • ratechaser
    ratechaser Posts: 1,674 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    There's another thread somewhere on this but basically HSBC were by far the slowest and least communicative of all the accounts I've opened this year (which is a lot :D )

    I recently applied for a currency account to go alongside it - 3 days was the estimate on the website. It took 5 weeks.

    So I wouldn't hold your breath...
  • ceepan
    ceepan Posts: 39 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks for the heads up.

    Paul
  • pmk741
    pmk741 Posts: 41 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    I applied last Wednesday got a message saying they will contact me in 5 days and I got something in the post to sign yesterday....
  • Using your reference number....

    Why not give them a call?

    Or

    Pop into a branch to see if they can see your application?
    Save Save Save
    :)
  • Katiehound
    Katiehound Posts: 8,131 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Switched an account to HSBC last year and from what I read here on the forum it was heaps quicker to go into the bank- made an appointment on the phone for 1st appt. Subsequent appts made locally.
    Just check beforehand to see what documents you need to take.
    Everything printed whilst you wait (reams of it!) and no need to wait for the post to be delivered .Very helpful bank staff too.
    Being polite and pleasant doesn't cost anything!
    -Stash bust:in 2022:337
    Stash bust :2023. 120duvets, 24bags,43dogcoats, 2scrunchies, 10mitts, 6 bootees, 8spec cases, 2 A6notebooks, 59cards, 6 lav bags,36 angels,9 bones,1 blanket, 1 lined bag,3 owls, 88 pyramids = total 420total spend £5.Total for 'Dogs for Good' £546.82

    2024:Sewn:59Doggy ds,52pyramids,18 bags,6spec cases,6lav.bags.
    Knits:6covers,4hats,10mitts,2 bootees.
    Crotchet:61angels, 229cards=453 £158.55profit!!!
    2025 3dduvets
  • I applied for the HSBC Advance on 9 Sept.
    They told me on the phone just now they'd turned me down - I 'didn't meet their internal scoring' something or other.
    My net monthly income exceeds the required monthly pay-in.
    I wonder if my opening about 12 current accounts [including First Direct and M&S] this year has something to do with it.
    My MSE Credit Club feedback said I might consider reining in my applications for a while, and I think that's pretty much on the mark
  • bravotango wrote: »
    Using your reference number....

    Why not give them a call?

    Or

    Pop into a branch to see if they can see your application?

    I tried to call them and just ended up on hold for 20 minutes. I gave up after that.
  • Katiehound wrote: »
    Switched an account to HSBC last year and from what I read here on the forum it was heaps quicker to go into the bank- made an appointment on the phone for 1st appt. Subsequent appts made locally.
    Just check beforehand to see what documents you need to take.
    Everything printed whilst you wait (reams of it!) and no need to wait for the post to be delivered .Very helpful bank staff too.

    There isn't an HSBC branch within 30 miles so going into the bank isn't that convenient.
  • hugheskevi
    hugheskevi Posts: 4,607 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    One thing to be careful about is the requirement for the £150 incentive that the account switch is completed within 30 days of the account being opened.

    That 30 day period relates to switch being fully complete, not the date you start the switching process, which is usually a week or so earlier, so it doesn't leave much time for delays, etc, so be sure to start the switching promptly.
  • ceepan wrote: »
    I tried to call them and just ended up on hold for 20 minutes. I gave up after that.


    Just a waiting game then...
    Save Save Save
    :)
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.1K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.2K Spending & Discounts
  • 245.2K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 600.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.5K Life & Family
  • 259K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.