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Frequently asked questions

Accessing your account


I am not a client but I wish to open an HSBC Private Bank account?
Please click on the Contact Us button to email us directly or contact a specific office.

I have an account with HSBC Private Bank and wish to view it online?
Contact your Relationship Manager who will assist you in registering for Private Banking Online or Portfolio Online.


Signing in for the first time


How do I sign in to view my account?
You can either click on the relevant "Sign in" button on the top-right hand of this screen or you can contact your Relationship Manager for assistance.

I'm having trouble signing in.
Please note that your username and password are case-sensitive. Please double-check that all information matches exactly to what was originally issued to you. If your problem persists please contact your Relationship Manager.

I entered my User ID and password correctly, but am still unsuccessful.
HSBC Private Bank requires the highest level of encryption for our clients' security. Please ensure that your browser has 128-bit encryption and is a supported browser.


Technical support


Who can I contact if I have problems with the Online Banking service?
Your Relationship Manager will be happy to assist you in solving any problems you may have with either HSBC Private Bank Online or HSBC Portfolio Online. If your Relationship Manager is unable to solve your problem on the spot, they have access to a team of experts who will be able to assist further.

Use of the "Back" Button
In some circumstances you may find that the "Back" function does not operate satisfactorily, due to the fact that this is a secure site. If you receive a warning message stating that the previous screen has expired when using the "back" function, simply click on "refresh" and follow the prompts.


Security


How secure is online banking?
Security is our top priority. Your financial information is protected by your user ID and password, our powerful 128-bit encryption code and an automatic 'time-out.' Your user ID and password must be entered each time you logon to the Online Banking service. If there's no activity after a short period of time, your Online Banking session is terminated to prevent unauthorised access.

Can I exit by closing the browser window?
We strongly suggest that you logoff properly, by clicking the logoff button. This is because the service is still available if it is not logged off properly.

What if I forget my password?
Contact your Relationship Manager to request a new password.

What is User ID?
User ID is the name you use for identification when accessing our Internet Banking service. Each user ID is unique.

Can I change my User ID and password?
You can change your user ID and password via the Preferences area of your Online Banking service.

What should I do if I suspect there are unauthorised transactions in my account?
Contact your Relationship Manager immediately.


Technical requirements


What do I need to use the online banking service?
You will need the following: 64MB or more of RAM; 56kbps or faster modem; Screen resolution: 1024x768 (users with 800 x 600 resolution will still be able to view all content, but vertical and horizontal scroll bars may be needed); Mouse; Adobe Acrobat 5.0 or higher; Macromedia Flash Plug-in 5.0

What are the minimum requirements for a PC?
Pentium 200 Mhz or higher; an Internet connection; Windows 95, 98, NT, or 2000 (if you use a different system and have problems in using the service, please contact us); Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 (with 128-bit encryption) or Netscape Communicator 4.75. These are our preferred browsers. Higher versions should also operate (with the exception of Netscape 6.x) but if you experience difficulties, please contact your Relationship Manager for further assistance.

What are the minimum requirements for an Apple Macintosh?
For OS 8.1 to 9.x - Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1.5. For OS X - Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.2.1 or Netscape Communicator 4.75. These are our preferred browsers. Higher versions should also operate (with the exception of Netscape 6.x) but if you experience difficulties, please contact your Relationship Manager for further assistance.

What is a "cookie", and why should I allow them to function on my browser?
Cookies are small bits of information that are automatically stored on a person's web browser in their computer that can be retrieved by this site. They will assist the communication between your computer and the site.

What is JavaScript, and why should I allow it to function on my browser?
JavaScript is a web programming language. It allows many of the interactive and dynamic features of the site to operate correctly.


Email scams

ForĀ a list of known email scams aimed at HSBC Private Bank clients, please view our alerts.

Online security

Learn more about measures we take to protect you, and what you can do to stay safe online: