HSBC Bank Statements

Strombidae

I recently opened a HSBC Current Account, opting to receive online PDF statements.

I've just received my first one, and blimey, it's the worst bank statement I've ever seen.

First, at the top, HSBC's contact details are misaligned, with the telephone number missing. The amounts in the Account Summary box are misaligned, the amounts in the Paid In and Paid Out columns are misaligned, the font looks awful - not the 'traditional' HSBC statement font as used on First Direct PDF statements. I deposited some cash at my local branch and the transaction narrative says simple 'Cash In At' - the branch details, as would have been shown on a FD statement, are missing.

I appreciate that this is not the end of the world, but it looks so unprofessional from one of the largest banks in the world that I was slightly taken aback. If I were to have to produce this document to a third party for whatever reason they might well reasonably ask whether it were a forgery given just how poor it looks - and I suspect a two year old with a pencil and a set of crayons might have done better!

[Deleted User]

This has been the case for years. If you want an aligned statement you will need to get it via the post. I do so for my mortgage statements, but it's not just you. My postcode has extra characters on PDF versions!

Just to add HSBC statements have not changed in years, and I mean years! they have used this same design for decades, at least the last 20 years.

Strombidae

[Deleted User] said:

This has been the case for years. If you want an aligned statement you will need to get it via the post. I do so for my mortgage statements, but it's not just you. My postcode has extra characters on PDF versions!

Just to add HSBC statements have not changed in years, and I mean years! they have used this same design for decades, at least the last 20 years.

Thanks for that - and for confirming it's not just me. 

I thought that HSBC's statements would be the same format as First Direct's (except for the branding and contact details of course). First Direct's postal statements and PDF statements are identical and spot on. Seems strange that HSBC can't manage to get it right.

wmb194

For me there's only a *slight* misalignment in the balance summary but everything else, including telephone numbers, looks fine. I don't know whether it makes a difference or not but I have the 'Advance' version of the account and this is clearly stated in large text at the top right of the statement.

GTR_King

HSBC won’t change their statements are plain & boring not like other banks 

Strombidae

wmb194 said:

For me there's only a *slight* misalignment in the balance summary but everything else, including telephone numbers, looks fine. I don't know whether it makes a difference or not but I have the 'Advance' version of the account and this is clearly stated in large text at the top right of the statement.

I opened the standard Bank Account, just to obtain access to the Online Bonus Saver account. Perhaps the Advance account comes with a better statement? - haha!

I don't want to upload a copy of mine, but searching Google does seem to show how poor the HSBC PDF version is compared to both First Direct's and, given what 'StrictGold5208 said above, the HSBC postal version.

[Deleted User]

Having an advanced account doesn't make a difference (I have this and have the issue). interestingly it is not all statements.  So perhaps it depends on the browser used to generate the PDF file.

Strombidae

[Deleted User] said:

Having an advanced account doesn't make a difference (I have this and have the issue). interestingly it is not all statements.  So perhaps it depends on the browser used to generate the PDF file.

I wondered whether it just might be a browser issue. I first downloaded using Safari on an iPad, but then tried the desktop version of Google Chrome - both PDFs the same. I think PDFs are supposed to render exactly the same on any browser, although I could be wrong. 

eastcorkram

To be honest, I don't look at the statements. I do keep a close eye on the transactions etc, on the app.

I've just downloaded a recent statement, and it all looks fine. 
Can't see anything misaligned . That's as viewed on an Android phone anyway.

wmb194

I used the iPad app. It's the first time I've ever looked at them.

Strombidae

Thanks for all your comments.

As per StrictGold5208's advice, I've set up my account for postal statements to see whether I get the 'proper' version and take it from there.