I have been doing my banking with various different banks and building societies over the years, with varying degrees of success. I have found that the service offered with these cards, whilst not exceptional, is more than adequate to fulfill the basic requirements within the credit card market.
The application process is simple - either fill out the form and send it off, or walk through it at your branch, and within 10 days the cards are in your hands. I understand that if you hold your main bank account with HSBC, you can even aply on line.
You can request to have a PIN for the cash machines - which I didn't want.
They do operate a 24 hour lost and stolen helpline, which thankfully, I have never had to call, but you can probably rely on given the big brand name.
On the 'classic' cards, there are no rewards programs. This is different for Gold and Platinum cardholders, however since you have to pay to have these types of cards, I do not find it worthwhile (dispite all the other benefits that goes with the status)
You can pay to insure your card so that in the event that you lost your job, died, etc, the payments would be made for you for a period of time, or repaid fully, dependant on your circumstances.
As with other credit cards, purchases over the sum of £100 are covered by the consumer credit act, affording you further protection in the event of your goods not being up to scratch.
I am fortunate to be in the position to pay my balance off in full every month, so do not pay a penny for my 56 days interest free credit!
For those you are unwilling/unable to do so, the interest rates can be found on their web site (www.hsbc.co.uk). I could quote them here but they will probably be out of date as soon as I put them on!
Thw bank does offer a wide range of other cards products, some examples are: o Switch and Solodebit cards o Gold Card (both mastercard and Visa) o Platinum card
All in all I am satisfied with the service that I get with my standard card and would happily recommend it to others.
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Dec 3rd, 2002
very helpful by (73%):
helpful by (27%):
