HSBC - Your local bank (HSBC)

Member Name: rji0907

Product:	HSBC
Date:	09/06/09 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: reliable, trustworthy, helpful

Disadvantages: foreign call centres, expensive insurance

I have been a customer of HSBC for over 15 years and have never switched banks purely because they have never given me any problems. From HSBC you can get mortgages, credit cards, bank accounts, savings accounts for both adults and children, loans, all types of insurance, foreign currency and business services.
Their internet banking page is really simple to register for and to use. Type in www.hsbc.co.uk or you can phone them on 08457 404404 where they are open from 08:00am to 08:00pm on a daily basis if you are unable to get into their worldwide branches on a regular basis.
To use their phone and internet services you have to register an eight digit passcode to be able to access your accounts and also give your date of birth, account number and sortcode so its all very secure and you know your money is safe.
Many different savings accounts are available such as a Cash (fixed and variable rates) Isa, Flexible Saver (so you can access your money at any time, Regular Saver (i find this excellent and have one myself. You save between £25.00 - £250.00 per month for a year and at the end of it they transfer all your money back into your current account with the interest on top. The rate is fixed for a year and is a high rate (generally around 8%), Childrens Bonus Saver for your little ones and a retirement saver.
Their mortages offer a competitive percentage rate though i do find with HSBC their charges to get these rates appear to be higher than other banks and building societies.
As far as their insurance is concerned i dont believe they offer as competitive rates as some companies on the internet. They offer the usual car, home, travel, pet insurances but were way out on my quotations. Also beware if you do make an enquiry about their insurance services you are likely to be bombarded with calls from them trying to get you to buy as i have been!
In summary i have stayed with HSBC because i find them reliable and their customer service helpful should i have any query. Their telephone service isn't the easiest, i prefer the face to face or internet approach as with many companies nowadays their call centres are aboard and you can sometimes face a language barrier.
In general their statements are always on time, their admin has always been correct and i have never had problems with my money. I trust them completely as would highly recommend 'the worlds local bank'.

Summary: My no1 choice for bank. Always a smooth transaction