Switching to HSBC advance account

eskbanker

ValiantSon wrote: »

Most banks allow you to fill in the switch application at the same time as account opening. Do HSBC not do this?

The honest answer is that I don't know (although seem to recall that when I switched a donor account into First Direct it had to be initiated separately), but just to be clear my suggestion was more to do with preference than necessity.

This is for various reasons, such as the timing risk involved in setting a fixed date for a main account switch without being sure of having online banking credentials, debit cards, card readers (where applicable), cheque books (if desired), etc, in one's possession. Also those with overdrafts may find that the new account doesn't offer them what they want/need, which is unlikely to be visible during the application process.

Some may find a combined process (if available) works better for them though, but it is possible for the risks to outweigh the benefits so why take the chance for the sake of a few days?

Wilt

ValiantSon wrote: »

Most banks allow you to fill in the switch application at the same time as account opening. Do HSBC not do this?

I had to open the account then ring up to start the switch - there wasn't an online process that I saw.

ValiantSon

eskbanker wrote: »

The honest answer is that I don't know (although seem to recall that when I switched a donor account into First Direct it had to be initiated separately), but just to be clear my suggestion was more to do with preference than necessity.

This is for various reasons, such as the timing risk involved in setting a fixed date for a main account switch without being sure of having online banking credentials, debit cards, card readers (where applicable), cheque books (if desired), etc, in one's possession. Also those with overdrafts may find that the new account doesn't offer them what they want/need, which is unlikely to be visible during the application process.

Some may find a combined process (if available) works better for them though, but it is possible for the risks to outweigh the benefits so why take the chance for the sake of a few days?

Fair enough. FWIW I haven't ever had any problem with switches in terms of things being where they need to be when they need to be there (NatWest's incompetence is more about mixed communications than the account being operable when it needs to be), and that includes a switch of my main account. Nonetheless, if you are more comfortable doing it separately then so be it.

When I switched an account to First Direct you could instruct the switch at the same time as account opening. Perhaps they have changes their procedures.