There is an HSBC near me, so later this week I plan to walk in and open up an account.
If you are already an HSBC customer (of the regular bank, NOT of HSBC Direct, which is their online savings account product) I would like to hear from you in the comment box below...
Are you happy with them? I plan to sign up for a checking account there and fund with around $500 as an initial deposit. Hopefully it won't take them long to send a snazzy looking HSBC debit card in the mail after I open the account.
Why am I opening this account? It's a part of my 2010 bank diversification plan: to avoid paying ATM fees, and to take advantage of as many promotions as possible, I want to have fully functional checking accounts with the four largest banks in my city. So far I have a Bank of America checking account, and one at Chase as well. The next natural stop is HSBC, and then after that Citi.
This way, no matter where I am, chances are good I will be able to use one of my debit cards at an ATM for free -- instead of paying up to $5 or more ($3 ATM fee, $2 non-bank ATM fee) for the "privilege" of accessing my own money in antiquated paper cash format.
Also, having multiple checking accounts is a good way to survive if you get hit by ID theft or fraudulent charges. If, for example, my Chase account is frozen because some dumbass starts charging lap dances and a 70" LCD TV to my debit card, well at least I won't starve... I can access the money I have in my Bank of America account until Chase and I get things sorted out.
Anywho. I'm excited about HSBC. They have a big presence in London, and more than 3,000 offices throughout Europe, which will serve me well when I go there this summer for vacation.
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