1) If you open an HSBC Premier account in the UK, it should be straightforward to then open an HSBC account in other countries including the USA, including credit cards. We have done the reverse, opening a Premier account in the USA, and then parallel accounts in the UK. This is not the same as the Global Money account.

2) You may see references to an American Express product called International Dollar Card which is denominated in USD, but administered in the UK. Problem is that American Express recently stopped issuing this product directly to consumers, and now it is available only through banks. If you have a UK-issued American Express card you might ask them to guide you to a participating bank, but I don't think these will be High Street institutions.

Discussion: Amex ICC and HSBC Expat ends partnership

American Express ICC Application