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“I have been an HSBC Offshore banking customer for 7...”

written by JohnHardy on 22/04/2010

I have been an HSBC Offshore banking customer for 7 years. In all that time, I have adhered to their terms and conditions at all times, but have found them to be a lumbering bureaucratic monster who demand that all serious correspondence is done my mail.



Over two weeks ago, I found that I could no longer perform internet banking. As this is the only way I could access my account (my card from them stopped working over a year ago, for some reason), and as all my money was in this account, then they have left me absolutely desperate. They have not communicated any reason to me for taking this action, even though they are still sending statements.



I tried calling them at least 20 times, but their staff either could not speak English adequately, or appeared simply obtuse. The upshot is that they will not even give me an account status over the phone, and I must write to them and wait for them to contact me to even find out what the problem is. I am still waiting. I have now written them a letter demanding that they close my account, and threatening legal action.



I have a piece of advice for anyone with an HSBC account: Be very afraid. To anyone considering opening an account with them: my advice is that unless you are willing for them to deprive you of access to your money without notice, reason, or effective recourse - don't bother.