Anyone work for HSBC?

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

I’ve been wanting to open a new bank account. It’s been a real pain with other banks so thought I’d stick to my existing bank and just open a second hsbc account.

I asked in branch today if it was easy and could I do this online, ‘oh yes yes of course’ said the member of staff, ‘very easy’.

Well I get home and go online and it turns out that new customers can indeed apply online but existing customers need to apply in branch and take ID.

What on Earth? Anyone know why this is?

A 2nd current account? That's quite unusual to have in the one bank. You can normally open savings accounts online easily

Is it unusual? I don’t want a savings account, I have an ISA. I’d like another current account to separate my earnings and bills. It’s easier for my tax return.

Maybe they just want to clarify the purpose of the 2nd one.

Yes quite possibly.

It’s a blanket rule not just for me. They could ask in the application. Seems odd that they want to check ID for exsisting but not new customers though.

I have 2 current accounts for just that reason. One has all dd and so going out for bills other one is for food shopping and disposable income. I opened both together and they are with HSBC although I don't know why you can't open it online unless they have to update your KYC.

It's unusual to have two personal current accounts. Even more so with one bank. HSBC have had a lot of money laundering and serious corruption accusations made against them in recent years so likely have strict conditions on unusual account setups.

Just open a current account at another bank and tell them at the time that you plan to close your hsbc account (don't let them do their automatic service where they transfer everything and close your original account) and that you will change your direct debits and incoming payments yourself. Then just keep both of the accounts. At least that's what I did.

Its really not unusual to have two current accounts! I found HSBC so difficult to deal with i gave up and went to halifax - i have two accounts, one for billing and one for play money

Another unusual one here, although probably not that unusual just sensible.

I have two current accounts with one bank, one for all my direct debits and the other day to day 'housekeeping'.

I have 3 current accounts, all with different banks. Why is it unusual?

I have one where salary goes in and bills come out. I have another which is my spending money each month, and the third one is a joint current account with my partner where our joint bills come out of.

I also have about 6 online saver accounts which i use as pots of money, such as petrol for the month etc

I mean it's more unusual to have multiple current accounts with 1 bank. I have accounts with 2 banks (1 was the first account i got when I got my first part time job as a student)

It's really not unusual. I've had 2 current accounts with the same bank for nearly 20 years, suggested by an employee of the bank. One for bill payments and one for everyday.

Unusual or not, unless it’s illegal or against their rules I don’t understand the issue? Either you’re allowed one or you’re not?