HSBC Reviews 

HSBC have the worst customer service in the world. For a top bank like them they should help resolve them quickly but what they do is take weeks to solve any issues. I will never bank with them again.

Ridiculously long wait times to speak to anyone about a potential fraud related issue. Email received regarding my card being registered on Apple Pay for an account I no longer hold. Finally got through to someone who says millions of emails have been sent erroneously, where’s your comms informing customers of the error,

HSBC levied two erroneous penalty charges when they falsely alleged that my Canadian cheque had bounced after my Canadian bank had in fact already paid my cheque in full to HSBC. This is 2nd time recently that HSBC has cheated me on an international transfer. HSBC’s telephone so-called service— bots? are pretty obviously set up not to correct any such customer-impoverishing errors.
On May 19 2026, I drove 2 hours to HSBC Epsom branch:— There Ms Forrest, “Universal Banker”,
courteously refunded to me the erroneous penalty charges. The revised 5 stars are for Liz Forrest and the veteran teller who introduced her to my complaint.

I went into the Newtown Abbot branch today. I was greeted by Zohreh jahanbany in a welcoming manner. I went in for advice as Omaze business had been taking money from my account with out consent or my knowledge. Zohreh was so professional and very efficient and very quickly advised me what I needed to do. Thank you Zohreh for your kind care today, I really appreciated you help.

We were due to fly home from Thailand on 28th Feb 26 just as the Iran conflict started. Even though war is excluded HSBC Premier travel insurance provided by Aviva allowed our claim and paid in full for the costs we incurred as a result of having to stay an extra 7 nights This included accomodation, additional taxi journeys, visa extension and the difference between the flight refund we received and the extra cost of the alternative flight home. In addition we received £500 (£250 each) for the delay. So impressed and grateful - war is not covered by the policy so I was stunned to receive full payment. Emirates gave us only £103 goodwill gesture so I was expecting no more than a small goodwill payment from Aviva. Claim handled online - fully informed re timescale and funds received into account the same day the email arrived saying payment was being made. Superb service

Great Customer service and friendly Staff

HSBC continues refusing to even mention the fabricated reasons used to dismiss my scam claim, despite extensive and compelling supporting evidence over 6 years of bank statements being provided, which reasons contradict my banking history with HSBC including current, savings, ISA, and mortgage accounts.
Particularly concerning in the latest disturbing response, the HSBC complaints representative intentionally refused to explicitly state and justify the dismissal reasons while shockingly having the audacity to overreach by stating that HSBC “will not engage in additional correspondence regarding this issue”.
How dare HSBC attempt to shut me down from further communication instead of addressing the serious concerns and evidence raised.
I will now be taking my case to the media, supported by compelling evidence involving multiple financial institutions, including PayPal, Revolut, Capital on Tap, Starling, and Remitly, which intentionally disregarded my documented mental health condition during the handling of this case to avoid responsibility.
Investors should think very carefully who they trust their money with.

I had a bad experience with HSBC, where I rented a place and had the money held up by the bank because I paid the rental deposit via booking.com. The amount was £500 – a lot of money – and the bank didn’t refund it to me. The company showed me proof that they’d authorised the bank to return the money to my account. I went to several branches and nobody sorted anything out. It’s very upsetting; I’m going to seek redress.

I visited the Harrow branch at St. Ann’s to deposit money into my account, but one of the notes was rejected and retained by the machine. When I noticed I was £50 short, I explained that the cash had been withdrawn from the same branch earlier.
Laxmi tried to help and escalated the issue to Rosie, who resolved it within minutes. Both of them were extremely professional, helpful, and courteous throughout the process. I also appreciated their apologies for the time taken to sort out the issue.
Well done to the HSBC' team — this is exactly why I have remained a loyal customer for many years. They consistently treat their clients with respect and provide excellent support whenever needed.

If it were possible to give minus stars I would. Worst bank it’s amazing they can even call themselves a bank. Customer service is basically a bunch of brain dead untrained monkeys and that’s an insult to brain dead monkeys. You tell them the issue they take an absolute age to reply and when they do it’s something totally unrelated to the qn you ask.
Currently in Canada and when I phone the overseas number it just says “service unavailable”, previously been into a store in Australia they say they can’t access my uk account because it’s a different bank just with the same name so I basically have to fly home to talk to a human face to face with hopefully a quicker response time that the online chat but doubtful.
Years ago when I went travelling I spent an hour in branch with my mum to put her in my account so she could access it, all seemed well until it wasn’t in Thailand and I needed my mum to talk to the bank on my behalf only to be greeted with “sorry mrs emma’s mum you’re not authorised” lol the moron who we spent an hour with basically threw our paperwork in the bin as soon as we left or maybe the bank burned down or fell into a sink hole cuz there’s no reason this shouldn’t have been a simple process.
Countless negative experiences from this bank I really should’ve left them by now I must be mental not to. After this last experience i definitely will be.

Waseem Mikail – United Kingdom
I am absolutely disgusted with the level of customer service I have received from HSBC regarding my Cash ISA transfer.
On two separate occasions, I attempted to transfer my Cash ISA from Tembo to HSBC. I was told I had to visit a branch in person to complete an authority form, which I did at the Leeds branch. An HSBC consultant filled out the form for me, and I specifically explained that Tembo does not use traditional sort codes and account numbers as they are a mortgage and savings provider — they use reference numbers instead. This seemed to confuse almost every HSBC consultant I later dealt with, both in branch and over the phone, despite this being clearly outlined in Tembo’s terms and conditions.
Shortly afterwards, Tembo confirmed the funds had left my account and had been sent to HSBC. I was told by multiple HSBC representatives that the transfer would take around 15 working days and that I would not lose any interest because HSBC would backdate it. I accepted that timeframe and waited patiently.
We are now on day 22, and I still have no idea where my money is.
Every single HSBC representative has provided completely conflicting information:
One advisor, Kavya, told me it takes 30 days, not 15 working days.
Another advisor told me the money was being returned to Tembo.
Several consultants could not even answer the simple question of whether HSBC had actually received my funds.
I then spoke with a supervisor named Akash, who initially claimed the transfer form had been completed incorrectly and that only a partial transfer had been requested — despite the fact an HSBC consultant completed the form on my behalf in branch. Then, during the same call, he changed his explanation and said the full transfer would be completed within another 5–10 working days.
At this point, I have completely lost faith in HSBC. The level of misinformation, lack of product knowledge, poor communication, and inability to provide basic updates has caused unnecessary stress and frustration. The uncertainty around where my money is has genuinely affected my mental health and wellbeing. No customer should be left feeling this anxious and distressed over a simple ISA transfer.
The switching incentive HSBC offered has been completely overshadowed by the inconvenience and potential interest loss caused by this mishandling. I have already raised a formal complaint and added further details to it, but the experience has honestly been exhausting.
I expect a call back from someone competent who can finally explain where my money is and resolve this matter properly.

I have been a customer of HSBC and my account has been under review since the 18th of April with absolutely no access to my own funds. No explanation, no timeline, no communication.
During this time I have visited my local branch 6 times, called repeatedly, and contacted HSBC via live chat on multiple occasions — all while on probation at work, putting my job at risk every time I have had to step away to chase this up. On one of my branch visits I was spoken to rudely by staff and I have this recorded.
I have raised a formal complaint, referred my case to the Financial Ombudsman Service, and contacted my local MP — and still nothing has been resolved.
Today on live chat I was told by one agent that they could send a request to the review team to temporarily release my funds. Minutes later a different agent told me they could not help — and instead referred me to a food bank. I have thousands of pounds sitting in my own HSBC account and I was pointed towards the Trussell Trust. This is one of the most insulting and disgraceful things I have ever experienced from a bank.
HSBC has failed me at every single level — branch, telephone, and chat. The left hand does not know what the right hand is doing and real customers are suffering as a result.
I would urge anyone considering HSBC to think very carefully. When you need them most they will leave you with nothing and refer you to a food bank.

I have been with HSBC for 28 yrs. Previously had really good service but it is now dreadful. Need to sign forms told have to go in branch, great idea but you closed all our local banks. Asked if they could be sent via email the answer being no, put a restriction on our account but couldn’t tell me why. All this with a credit score that is the highest it can possibly be, never defaulted on any payment ever!!! I’m so disappointed and considering changing banks.

First the positive, after banking with first the Midland Bank and afterwards with HSBC (for 48 years) after they bought them out. I’ve always found the face to face personnel in the branches to be proactive and very helpful. But even in the UK, back in 2008 I received a payment into my current account from HSBC of around £2K, panicking I called them to advise of the mistake only to eventually find out that they had been deducting someone else’s Insurance from my account over a period of 5 years - needless to say the final settlement ended up at much more than £2k. On the negative side the Asia call centre, social media team and customer relations department are completely useless. I’ve had a number of occasions when working abroad where my cards have been blocked and even on one occasion when all my accounts were closed without my authorisation! This time, I rang their call centre regarding my credit card PIN being blocked for an unknown reason (as I was leaving the UK). Now after five days of exchanging calls, text messages and emails - it’s still a case of “the computer says NO” and I’m carrying around another piece of useless plastic in my wallet. Their slogan used to be “The World’s Bank”. It couldn’t be further from the truth 😡. Any problems outside of the UK and you’re on your own!

I would like to thank Martha service at Bedford Town centre branch . She was absolutely amazing . I lost my late father in January 2026 and had a lot of work to do with dads probate and his banking . This lady not only went beyond the duty of call she always made me feel better about the whole situation and felt with everything I asked she even contacted me to make sure everything' was running smoothly . This lady deserves a promotion as she really did do everything for me and my dads estate . Hsbc if you read this she is a shinning example to your business and I thank you and her from the bottom of my heart

Absolutely terrible. I had a problem making a payment, and it took a week, 4 phone calls (1 hour each), and a visit to the bank to understand what the hell was going on and what form I needed to fill out and do. Still, they have not even sent the form, because apparently it's the hardest thing in the whole world to send a bloody email. Terrible customer service.

HSBC are a joke , problems abroad with my Global Card many times (plenty of funds in to use) been on live chat 3 times all disapear without helping ,Had problems with HSBC in UK also , keep well clear , my accounts will be getting closed , not fit for purpose , reviews say it all , how this bank is this big is beyond me , its rubbish !

HSBC RANDOMLY FROZE ACCOUNT 3 YRS AGO AND BLOCKED ACCESS TO ALL MONEY FOR THREE YEARS indefinitely

After making complaint against manager for mistreatment Clare Stevens.

This manager told all staff for 3 yrs not to give us access to any money. Makes us beg for £20 " emergency fund " from her direct. After they data breached. We gave up last address and refused to provide her new address as not need to as want account closed. They abu**SE us, mock us, taunt us everytime approach any branch to stop it. Now taking them to small claims court to pay to get access to our own money.

To those not seen the mock video reported in the sun in 2015 - check out what hsbc legal division staff got up to -

They just block accounts on filing complaints out of vindictive staff. They want accounts to stay open and all you money in to profit from your funds. It's a scam. Freeze enough accounts- makings them millions/billions in profits - as customers cannot withdraw their own money. it's not rocket science why they keep freezing customers accounts and not giving any reasons to customers - then trying to fake reasons. Customer are having their money stolen and held hostage by HSBC this way.

They see your money - as their money. They are too stupid to engage a brain cell. You know all the school bully types - they all end up working at HSBC so they have "power" to make customers lives a misery. And taunt not letting them have access to their own money.

Never responded to any complaints in 3 years. Account blocked indefinitely. £3,000 held indefinitely. They refuse to block incoming payments - so money keeps building - increase our funds for them to profit off.

Clare Stevens network manager/ Libby Hull / Sam, Kerry, Jane at Wisbech. Staff at dereham, Cambridge, Norwich doing this to us.

Theyre demented bullies.

Your money is your money. It does not belong to HSBC. Remember this to those having accounts frozen.

To those who say they don't freeze accounts without reason. We assure you they do. We don't won't account. We want it closed. They refuse. They are using our money to make themselves a profit and deny us our own money indefinitely - and taunt us while doing this - laughing in our faces.

No one regulates this bank or staff. Even when need money for cancer diagnosis, in wheelchair - they laughed and forced us out bank and damaged scooter. Another time locked us in bank when filed complaint.

Their staff are mentally disturbing. Have a screw loose. It's not normal human behaviour to act like this to customers. Who in their right mind does this. Their narcissistic. They feel nothing. No conscience. Nothing. Just barbaric evil people who enjoy destroying lives of others.

My experience with HSBC Expat has been one of the most frustrating and distrust-inducing banking relationships I have ever encountered across multiple jurisdictions.

After having an account with HSBC Expat for a couple of years, the situation changed. What followed was an endless cycle of enhanced due diligence requests, layer upon layer of documentation, repeated verifications, and shifting requirements with no clear endpoint. It felt less like compliance and more like a deliberate strategy to exhaust the client.

The so-called “safeguarding” process was particularly concerning. I was subjected to a prolonged call (around 45 minutes) where the tone was at times inappropriate and borderline sarcastic. Questions went far beyond reasonable financial due diligence, probing into highly personal matters such as whether I own luxury artwork and the contents of my personal safebox. This was presented under the pretense of “getting to know the client better,” but the approach felt intrusive, unprofessional, and, frankly, disrespectful.

Throughout this process, there was a constant underlying assumption of suspicion, as if the client is guilty until proven otherwise. Access to funds can be restricted with little transparency, while communication remains slow, fragmented, and difficult to escalate. The responses from their side can take an unreasonable amount of time.

For context, I maintain banking relationships across multiple regions (Europe, GCC, Asia, and the Middle East), and I have never encountered anything close to this level of friction, opacity, and distrust.

Fortunately, I was able to transfer my funds out and terminate the relationship.

Prospective clients should proceed with extreme caution. Understand that once your funds are in, control can effectively shift away from you under the broad umbrella of “compliance” and “safeguarding,” with very limited recourse in practice.

Check all the reviews and the negative experiences shared on TrustPilot and you will have the proof that this bank is causing nightmares to many clients under the pretext of compliance.

This experience left a lasting impression, primarily a loss of trust, not just in this institution, but in banking processes that claim to prioritize the client while operating in a fundamentally one-sided manner.

This is not banking as it should be.

I phoned three times and was handed from one person to the next . I wasted an hour in international calls. Frankly it is clear that phone banking is unwanted and no improvement in service will be forthcoming. I would suggest moving bank immediately to any bank but HSBC.