Maybe all these refreshes are moot since the FT is reporting HSBC considers exit from U.S retail banking (Reuters link). HSBC puts little to no effort in digital and wonders why things aren't working out. :rolleyes:

Ugh. I was thinking this might be a possibility as the US retail operation is such a shambles at times. I hope not as it would make it more difficult to manage accounts in multiple countries.

Even after reading the original FT article it is not entirely clear if "retail" simply means closing all remaining physical branches, or eliminating consumer accounts entirely. We happen to live in an area with physical branches, but HSBC has only 150 nationwide, and many customers would already see HSBC as an online or telephone bank. It does say: A full exit from the US is no longer on the table, according to the two people. “The US is an important marketplace,” one said, particularly for HSBC’s investment bank. It is also seeking to grow its US wealth management division. (HSBC has been under pressure from the US government due to its relationship with the government of Hong Kong. This might change in 2021 if the new administration pursues a different strategy.)

Citi seems to be a likely alternative for maintaining accounts in multiple countries.

Where can I see a list of categories that is deemed travel to redeem for points?

I used Air Miles travel website to purchase a hotel but I am unable to redeem for points....

It says Air Miles Trvl by Htl or something like that on the credit card statement...

It’s a shame that they can’t get their retail banking in order. HSBC Premier is great compared to the competition. With just 5K/mo in direct deposit there are fee waivers for wire transfers (among other things). I don’t see this with other accounts. Citi Gold has a fee and Chase requires 75K (retirement accounts don’t count).

The article was a bit confusing. My take was run of mill banking would be shut down/sold with high end wealth management sticking around. HSBC just opened a brand new branch near me and they seem to be updating their tech as well. This would be a pretty big reversal.

I’m looking at backup options now for a checking account. My main thing is no ATM fees (domestic and international) with third party rebates (HSBC didn’t have international rebates but an extensive ATM network so it worked out). However, no fee wire transfers came in handy a few times and is a nice to have.

I know one of the new features on the credit card rewards site was seeing your points post when the charge posted. If you see the travel charge and either 2x/3x points for it (depending on your card) then it would have coded as travel. I’ve never redeemed points for a statement credit so I’m not sure on that process.

Good to know. Do they have a similar approach in terms of seeing all accounts across all countries whenever you log in, and the ability to move funds easily and quickly / instantly between your accounts in different countries? Those two features are my favourites.

I do not have a Citi bank account, but if you ask in this thread someone will know: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/citi...solidated.html

Thank you for that. Will start following that thread just in case…

I haven't been a Citigold customer for a while, but when I was they still did not allow me to open accounts across borders like HSBC Premier does. I had to have addresses in each country abroad with proof, otherwise they wouldn't open accounts. HSBC doesn't have a similar requirement if you open the accounts abroad in person. Citi wouldn't do it - even in person.

btw - as an aside, you're getting killed transferring money within HSBC. Take a look at Transferwise and save a few percentage points.

Thank you for that! Good to know Citi would be an option. And yes, I was wondering about international transfers by HSBC between my accounts so I sent a transfer receipt earlier this year to a currency trader friend of mine. Maybe the rates have improved as he said his offering was similar.

They just .... on their own card and everyone who has it. Spend $2000 and get $100 back lol, laughable.

There seems to be some promos on the card for subscription services (AMEX Platinum lite).

It seems you can't have a transaction from one of these companies in the last 90 days on the card. Once a transaction post between Nov 15 and Feb 15 you then get 3 months of rebates.

I'm having the same issue. Let me know what you were able to find out?

"I have trouble using the HSBC premier world elite card when buying a $25 Uber cash in the app. Uber says this card is not supported by them. How are you guys using the card to buy Ubercash?"

I don't know why they thought a glorified rebate card is considered luxury/premium.

What about through Apple Pay/Android Pay rather than adding the card directly.

Was able to charge. Were you able to get credit for uber cash?