HSBC Direct $25 Bonus vs Emigrant Direct Bank (Is ING even in the competition?)

[genchan]

I'm not familiar with HSBC, but saw in another thread that their rate is now 4.25%. Does anyone have an account with them? Do they offer a sign up bonus? How does their sign up compare with Emigrant and ING?

What I'm thinking is opening an account with them and sending all my money to the bank that has the best interest rate which seems to be changing on a monthly basis now. Does that make sense?

[ken1706]

You're right, ING is probably out of the competition. Hopefully, Emigrant will stay in the race.

I just started an account with HSBC. You can apply online. First you have to verify the two small deposits (just like ED and ING), But then you have to wait for them to send you the temporary id and password in two separate letters (postal mail). Then you can log in. After all this, you then have to set up for ACH transfer links. You either need the PIN from your ATM card (that's sent in a third letter) or you have to call and have the rep set it up.

About the signup bonus, I tried this one
http://hsbcdirect.com/1/start.htm
with the promo code "start"
When I called about previous bonuses, I've been told these are intended for targeted customers. However, I've read about many people being able to get these bonuses. If I don't get the bonus, I probably can't complain.

Your strategy about sending your money to the bank with the best rate is fine. One thing good about HSBC is that they have an ACH transfer system that's easy to set up and can link to non-checking accounts.

[Bluezy]

Last night I ran across an offer for a $25 sign on bonus for new online savings accounts at HSBC. Investigating further, I was stunned to find that HSBC has raised its rate to 4.25% APY!!! Other forums have discussed HSBC and speak highly of the banks ease in ACH transfers and speed in which they post to the account.

THerefore, I opened my account with them last night. That's too good a rate to pass up for my emergency account.

Has anyone else seen that rate or am I a late runner in seeing it?

Bluezy

[ken1706]

Originally Posted by Bluezy

Has anyone else seen that rate or am I a late runner in seeing it?

Bluezy

You're not late. The new 4.25% rate just came out yesterday. Then it took awhile to show up on all of their website.

[enabler]

Does HSBC require a minimum deposit to receive the $25 bonus (like ING's $250 minimum)? I didn't see anything about one in HSBC's fine print, but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. I'm not impressed with Emigrant at all.

[Bluezy]

I did not receive any prompts for an initial minimum deposit to get the $25. I will keep everyone posted on all developments.

[sweeps]

I received a promotion from HSBC as well:

Free $25 when you go to hsbcdirect.com/start and enter promo code: start

Fine print:

Limit one $25 bonus per customer. hsbcdirect.com Online Savings account must remain open until bonus is credited or bonus will be forfeited. The $25 bonus will be deposited to the hsbcdirect.com Online Savings account within 45 days following account opening. Offer expires 11: 59: 59 PM ET 2/28/06, is subject to change and cannot be combined with any other promotional offers. $25 bonus is considered taxable income and will be reported on IRS Form 1099.

[jmjj215]

I think it's time to jump on the HSBC bandwagon for that $25.

[terry1156]

I'm thinking along the same lines. The $25 bonus is the icing on the cake.

[CJsoccerchic]

O yea, I am really starting to look at HSBC NOW!! Hope that it turns out for the best, I did like ING...

[Bluezy]

HBSC is a good bank to have if you travel abroad from the States often. ATM's
are available and the exchange rate fees beats banks like BOA....in fact, ANY bank is better than BOA!

So if you are frequent traveler, consider opening HBSC free checking with the 4.25% savings account. That is what I am doing for all our future trips.

[sweeps]

I just transferred a sizeable chunk of money to HSBC. Hopefully they stay ahead of the pack with their interest rate. :

[Snoopy2645]

Ok I jumped on the bandwagon I couldnt resist $25 is $25 too good to pass up!!!

[Luv2shop]

If you open the account this month, do you have to claim the $25 Next month or can you claim it next year?

[sweeps]

My guess is that the $25 will be deposited in January, so it'll probably appear on next year's 1099.

[Luv2shop]

Thnak you

[robby]

Anyone have any problems with this bank yet?

[sweeps]

Originally Posted by robby

Anyone have any problems with (HSBC) yet?

No, the customer service so far has been pretty good. When I called to ask a question, I got to a live person right away.

However, I have a tip (and this probably applies to all direct banks): Open the account with a minimal amount of money. Then once the account is open, transfer the full balance over. I opened the HSBC account with a large portion of my savings, and I lost out on a week's worth of interest while the account was being processed.

[Bluezy]

My $25 bonus was deposited three (3) business days after my approved application. When I called HSBC customer service yesterday to check on my customer id and password for online banking, they graciously stated that it was the fastest bonus credit they had ever seen. I don't have my password or customer ID yet, but, by golly, they gave me the $25! I'm really liking this bank.

[JoyJoy]

The minimum amount needed to open this savings account with HSBC is $1.00.