HSBC - online banking & no customer service
If you're moving to Qatar think twice about banking with HSBC. Though the name is familiar in the west that is where the similarities end. The Middle East "version" of HSBC is its own corporate entity and customer services is nowhere to be found. Recently they overhauled their online banking system. In an effort to make it more secure they have essentially made it impossible to log in. There are several questions to be answered on an alpha-numeric keyboard each time you log-on. I made a mistake with one of the three responses required and it blocked me out of my account. I called the HSBC "helpline" and they told me to fill out a form and submit it to an ATM deposit machine and wait 2-3 days for the system to be reset. This is the type of "non-customer service" that I've come to expect with HSBC in Qatar. I'm stuck banking w/ them because my car loan is there and I can't change banks now. So take my advice and bank elsewhere -- you'll be much better off!
If you've had similar problems please share them here so we know what else to expect or to avoid!
Eaton
I agree that it is very difficult to log in but you can get used to it. If you leave it and go to for example Qatari national bank they have their own inherent problems that i have faced and they were unbeliavable.
I think HSBC is the best available choice here.
I'm an HSBC customer. Yes, they have their problems, but also some advantages.
Cons: Understaffed. Internet banking ONLY works with Explorer, so if you're a Mac or Linux user, tough luck. Luckily I still have a windoze laptop.
Pros: Multi currency accounts. Easy international transfers. Electronic statements.
I haven't tried any other banks, and probably won't for now, but HSBC is not totally useless ;)
" Winning is not everything, it is the only thing. Second place goes to the first loser " - J.Johnson
The worlds local bank.. that was the selling point for me.. but fortunately i didnt have to suffer the indignity of long term abuse with HSBC here..
called the call centre, the agent had no clue, no one called back, we tried twice to open an account.. I figured if opening an account is that difficult, custome service would be nothing to speak about... gave up any ideas I had about banking with HSBC...
Opened an accuont with commercialbank and never looked back, good service and value for money...
" Winning is not everything, it is the only thing. Second place goes to the first loser " - J.Johnson
no dramas so far.
but HSBC in Turkey offer 1% above base rate (that's currently 18.5% in total) if you use internet banking.
However, if you use a teller you have to pay. They were also charging for credit cards until the government here made that charge illegal.
I am sticking with Is Bank
QIB just launched their internet banking service. i haven't tried it yet...so fingers crossed it's ok!
Hi Oryx, please disclose how much CBQ want to close an account? You made me worry!!!
look we may not always see eye to eye but I wouldn't wish HSBC on you - i reserve that wish for only ONE ex-boyfriend!!!
dont know who you bank with now but do NOT do HSBC..I like the staff in there actually but they are woefully understaffed.
Do the staff a favour at HSBC and go elsewhere!
If you have a Mac you cannot currently access HSBC's on-line banking services.
Mandi
It was with great relief i finally closed my account with HSBC - can't park - limited opening hours - v v long wait.
Commercial bank....check how much they want to close your account! not recommended
Doha Bank...nooooooooooo
try QNB which has loads of branches
or IBQ which has good customer service but not many branches.
Thanks - and good to know I'm not alone with this problem.
I called HSBC back after reading your reply and I don't have a "phone banking pin number" so I have to do the manual ATM process. We're stuck with limited banking options in Qatar and none of them are great or particularly competent. Take care!
My wife had exactly the same problems as you, but she managed to get it unlocked. HSBC are not fantastic, but no worse than any other banks in Qatar. Myself I got Commercial Bank and they are definitely not brilliant.