HSBC credit card

lindos90

Decided to try this stoozing malarky....got some very helpful advice from here, and then off I went to our local HSBC branch to get some information/leaflet to mull over before going ahead and applying.

Unable find any leaflets, assistant happy to help, but seemed more interested in getting my details than giving me any, she then says they have not got any leaflets in stock, but as she has my address she will post one, fair enough.

A week later, get a message on answer phone, wanting to confirm I had recieved the leaflet from the branch and to 'ask for Sue' if we wanted to go ahead.

We had not got the leaflet, I waited a couple more days, then called them (not the branch number, was not given this) The call center guy said it is not HSBC's policy to provide any written information about the credit card until we have made the application! - no thanks!

Went into the branch again, asked if I could have a leaflet now they are in stock, but was told that they still out of stock (therefore how could they have sent me one??) and that there was not any 'small print' or details about the credit card anyway, apart from being 0% for 12months on spending, and 15.9% after that.

He said that the current leaflets had been withdrawn because of 'significant changes to the terms and conditions' but would not enlighten me about what they were.

He advised me to look on the web site as this gave an overview of the details (but could not tell me how up to date they were, ie either based on the withdrawn leaflet or updated) but that we would then have to come back into the branch anyway to apply and sign paperwork....

Sorry but Im only prepared to be messed about so much, and this is when they are trying to get my custom, God knows how they would treat us if we went ahead with it.

Misinformation, lack of information, questionable advice. Is it too much to expect to read through a leaflet about a credit card, look at the pros and cons, keep it for reference, and then decide if to apply?

Are they just not bothered about promoting this as there is little in it for them (ie they must know people are stoozing)

Ahh well, voting with my feet they have lost our custom...off to Halifax, OH has found a similar deal there.

Bokkens

I wouldn't have been so loyal or patient I do all our banking online for all the reasons you have mentioned.
Do your research online saves paper and shoe leather.

lindos90

Yes we did do quite alot of initial research on line, (inclusing MSE!) which pointed to HSBC.

Maybe im old fashioned, I just wanted something 'clear and tangable' to mull over before going ahead, that I could keep, and use for future reference.

However, it was the conflicting information from each staff member, as well as lack of solid information, that lead us to going elsewhere in the end.

YorkshireBoy

lindos90 wrote: »

Yes we did do quite alot of initial research on line, (inclusing MSE!) which pointed to HSBC.

Maybe im old fashioned, I just wanted something 'clear and tangable' to mull over before going ahead, that I could keep, and use for future reference.

Why didn't you apply online, after first saving (to your PC) or printing the T&C's?

lindos90

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

Why didn't you apply online, after first saving (to your PC) or printing the T&C's?

Very fair point yorkshireboy. However the web site just has an advert for it, with a couple of tabs giving very minimal 'further details and conditions' with a disclaimer saying 'further conditions apply' which are not on the website, so like I say, I did'nt feel I had ALL the information and small print about the product, which Im sure the bank would be very quick to use, in the event of it going pear shaped!and also the assistant in the bank could not confirm if the onfo was up to date (in relation to the leaflet being withdrawn)

We are new to this, as I said in my original post, we were considering trying a simple stooze for 12 months, and dont want to go into anything without being clear about the 'small print' first.

I'm not going on a massive rant about this, just expresssing my personal experience with the bank and why we have gone elsewhere.

Bokkens

I fully understand your points and concerns,even though you may apply online once the T&c arrive by post you still have the option not to sign and not accept the card.
It is really a case of just getting used to the way the product is sold online.
Give it a go,I would reconmend A&L or Virgin cards they have UK call centres and online accounts which will make your stooze more enjoyable.
good luck