Just got an email from HSBC Expat about aligning the eligibility for existing customers with the updated eligibility for new customers.
Bye-bye to a cheap way of maintaining Premier status.
Asked customer service about it and they replied saying that it applies only to accounts opened after September 2024 and not to accounts opened before that. Told simply to disregard the email.
Tariff of Charges document (which they say to go read) hasn’t changed either. Still shows pre and post Sept 2024 requirements as separate.
Update… debit card arrived!
1 Like
And managed to get into the app by removing my old profile and re-registering using the details on the back of the debit card.
A useful enough credit limit though only 6 months 0% on purchases or BT (it’s the Reward card).
4 Likes
You need to get the balance transfer card to get really long 0% periods. Mine is 32 months, though credit limit is lower than I’d have liked.
It’s a shame they don’t give you a choice when they offer you a card as part of the current account application. Would have gone for the BT or Purchase Plus.
I didn’t bother with a CC when I opened the Advance account and then went for the Purchase Plus after my account was open as there was also £36 on Topcashback for opening it
1 Like
If you’re opening HSBC Australia, don’t tell them you’re planning on moving to Australia as they won’t open it then unless you have a residence visa. Best to stick to ‘saving’ as your reason.
If you say you work for the government, be prepared for a very peculiar line of questions… are you a high ranking official, diplomat, high ranking military commander, do you influence government policies…
3 Likes
So HSBC Australia will open accounts without residency or moving there? Thought I read somewhere that they were strict about it.
Same as some other of the countries.
Got any of the old cards? 
Yes. Both me and OH have accounts opened as of yesterday. First attempt, I said we were moving there (which we are in a couple of years) and got a “no” because I don’t have the visa. Second attempt, a few days later and said I wanted it to save in A$ and account opened the same day.
You need a valid reason and saving counts.
To keep it active, you need to use It every couple of months, which is easily done either by standing order from HSBC UK or you could do an Amazon top-up once a month, or just use it. Free to use overseas. The top-up from HSBC UK seems to be pretty much instant and is free, but do it during the week to avoid slightly less good rates at the weekend.
You can pop the card in gpay as soon as it’s opened and I gather that the physical card arrives in a couple of weeks.
1 Like
Is it still the lion card though?? 
It is on gpay.
1 Like
Most cards on their website show as the lion so I’ll assume they do issue them still
What is the links for this?
Ah yes I remember.
Another hard check though I assume?
I wonder if you could open the AUD premier account, deposit the money there, which I’d qualify for, and use that as the mechanism for qualifying for premier in the UK?
That’s hypothetical of course as can’t been bothered with the level of faff. But curious.