No doubt that HSBC is a well reputed bank in the UK as well as through out the wolrd. It has been praised and much appreciated for many of its services and products. This review is entirely based on our personal experience and is an actual narration of what we came across.
on 25th of April 2004, I visited with my wife one of the high street branches of the HSBC for opening an account for my wife. As my wife can not properly communicate in English I had to accompany her to interpret for her each time. As the basic requirements for opening an account we were asked to provide proof of identity and proof of our address which we provided in the form of my wife's original passport and a reminder of the utility bill and we were asked to visit the branch again on 29th of April to get our account opened. Just as a matter of precaution, I asked at the counter If any thing else was needed to be provided at the same date. The adivsor on the counter however, confirmed that it was fine as he already seen the original documents and there was no need to bring any thing else excpet to come for the appointment.
On the 29th of the same month we visited the branch again and asked at the counter about our appointment. We were refered to a staff member who took us to a corner to fulfill some procedure. After asking a few queston to fill in the form and get it signed from wife, the staff member said that unfortunately, they could not open the account as the utility bill though paid, was only a reminder and not the actual bill. I explained that it was confirmed by the staff on the counter and that it would be great if they accept it as i would be able to take another day off to accompany my wife again to the branch. However, we were told that there was no other way except to bring the original utility bill to the counter. However, after a few days I managed to take some time again off the work and went to the branch and explained to the counter staff and handed over the original utility bill. They confirmed that they will send the details of the account in the post within a few days. However, when after a few weeks, we did not hear any thing from them, I again took a day off the work, and visited the branch for the third along with my wife to enquire what had happened to the account. Staff on the counter told us to take seat and they will find out what actually had happened. After 30 mins the lady staff came and told us that she had found who was doing it and that we will receive the details in the post. When I explained that it was my third visit, she apologised and promised it be fine this time.
One month more passed but still we did not hear any thing. As this time I could not take another day off , I wrote them a letter (addressing it to the manager) and explained the whole story and requested if some body in the "local bank of the wold" will come to our help. But every thing fell flat. no response , nothing at all!!!!!!!!
During the month of August, I managed again to take a day off the work and visited the branch fourht time ( if my letter which i posted is not counted as a visit) and pleaded the staff and re told this whole story. we were again taken to a room and to my utter suprise, or amazement or , i dont know what word or phrase should i use here, the lady said that she can not open this acount as a certain page in the passport was not properly photocopied ! ! ! ! ! I very politely asked the lady staff what could we do for their own easy....peasy.. mistake?
To put it short , I visited the sixth time along with my wife and gave them again the original passport. They photocopied it and we were yet once again assured to get the details in the post. it was today on 22.11.2004 that we recieved the card cash account details. Let me tell you that when we started this project, my wife was pregnant at the time for 4 months and now at the end of the project, we have got a lovely baby girl, and the HSBC card cash account too!!!!