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

**ken1706** · 12-15-2005, 10:10 AM

Re: HSBC Direct vs Emigrant Direct Bank (Is ING even in the competition?)

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

Error

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** · 12-16-2005, 03:05 AM

HSBC at 4.25% and $25 sign on bonus

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** · 12-16-2005, 04:14 AM

Re: HSBC at 4.25% and $25 sign on bonus

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** · 12-16-2005, 08:38 PM

Re: HSBC Direct vs Emigrant Direct Bank (Is ING even in the competition?)

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** · 12-16-2005, 11:23 PM

Re: HSBC Direct vs Emigrant Direct Bank (Is ING even in the competition?)

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

**sweeps** · 12-17-2005, 03:46 AM

Re: HSBC Direct vs Emigrant Direct Bank (Is ING even in the competition?)

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** · 12-17-2005, 10:16 AM

Re: HSBC Direct vs Emigrant Direct Bank (Is ING even in the competition?)

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

**terry1156** · 12-17-2005, 07:57 PM

Re: HSBC Direct vs Emigrant Direct Bank (Is ING even in the competition?)

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

**CJsoccerchic** · 12-18-2005, 12:06 AM

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

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

**Bluezy** · 12-18-2005, 07:43 PM

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

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** · 12-19-2005, 11:17 AM

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

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

:

**Snoopy2645** · 12-19-2005, 07:04 PM

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

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

**Luv2shop** · 12-19-2005, 09:01 PM

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

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

**sweeps** · 12-20-2005, 02:37 AM

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

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

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