If I'm a first-time customer, how do I open an account?

For first-time customers, the process is the same no matter which accounts you open. In fact, you can apply for an Online Savings Account and an Online Payment Account at the same time. The application should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

Before you start, have the following information handy:

1. Your Social Security or Personal Tax ID Number.
2. Your Driver's License or ID card issued by a state DMV. If you don't have either of these, we will ask you for copies of other acceptable identification as we process your application.
3. Information about any loans or mortgages that you may have to help us confirm your identity.
4. For instant funding, you will need your current bank account and routing numbers.
5. If applying for a joint account, you will need the Secondary Applicant's name, Social Security or Personal Tax ID Number and Date of Birth.
6. If you are a U.S. resident but not a U.S. citizen, you will need your Resident Alien Card (Green Card) or complete passport information.

You can use this application for an individual or joint account. Once you have submitted your application, we'll e-mail you when you've been approved, or if we need other information to complete the application.

If I'm already an HSBC Direct customer, how do I add new accounts?

We've added a new feature that lets you quickly open an Online Savings, Online Payment Account, Online CD or additional accounts. Go to the 'Open an Account' page at and select the account you would like to open. You will be taken to a Personal Internet Banking log on page, you will go straight to the one-page application. Once opened, your new account will automatically be set up with your existing preferences and linked accounts.

How do I open a joint account?

Opening a joint account is just as easy as opening an individual account. The primary applicant should complete the application in full, and will need to include the co-applicant's Social Security Number. Once the primary application is done, the co-applicant can fill out his or her application at any time by selecting "Resume Application" from the home page. Either applicant may fund the new account. We ask you to fill out your applications separately in order to keep everyone's identity safe.

Who can open an account?

You must meet three requirements to open an account. You must:

• be an individual at least 18 years of age
• have a U.S. address
• have a U.S. Social Security Number or Personal Tax ID number

You need to meet all three criteria, no exceptions. For a joint account, both applicants need to meet these requirements and fill out separate applications.

While a child under age 18 cannot hold an account, you are welcome to open an account in your name and add your child as the beneficiary. Once the account is set up, send us a BankMail with your child's name. You can open as many accounts as you like, but each account can list only one beneficiary.

Please keep in mind that HSBC Direct accounts are reserved for personal use. Visit us.hsbc.com for information about competitive business products.

How do I make my initial deposit to the Online Savings or Online Payment Account?

You can send an electronic bank-to-bank transfer from a non-HSBC account, or mail us a check or money order. For security reasons, it takes about three business days to process an initial electronic deposit before it is credited to your account. However, checks are processed on the same business day they are received.

The minimum deposit is $1.00 and you can save up to $2,000,000 in your Online Savings Account(s) and up to $500,000 in your Online Payment Account(s). To send your initial deposit by mail, make the check payable to HSBC Bank USA, National Association. Send the check to:

HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
P.O. Box 4045
Buffalo, NY 14240-4045

Don’t forget to include a completed HSBC deposit slip.

How do I fund my HSBC Direct Online CD?

If you are a new HSBC Direct customer, you can send an electronic bank-to-bank transfer from a non-HSBC account, or mail us a check or money order. If you are an existing HSBC Direct customer, you can fund your HSBC Direct Online CD using one of your existing HSBC Deposit Accounts or mail us a check or money order if you wish to fund your HSBC Direct Online CD from an non-HSBC account.

For security reasons, it takes about three business days to process an electronic deposit before it is credited to your account. However, checks are processed on the same business day they are received.

How long do I have to complete my HSBC Direct Online CD application?

You have 30 calendar days to complete your application for an HSBC Direct Online CD. After this period you must start a new application.

Will I receive details confirming my HSBC Direct Online CD?

Yes, you will receive an email with instructions to log on to your Personal Internet Banking account and open a BankMail containing your eReceipt. The eReceipt is a legal document and contains the issue date, the maturity date, and the APY of your HSBC Direct Online CD. Print the eReceipt and keep a copy for your records.

What happens after I submit my application?

We'll e-mail you within 1-2 business days to let you know if you're approved, or if we need more information to complete the application. Make sure you get this e-mail by checking that your spam filters do not block e-mail from hsbcdirect.com.

New customers, we'll send your username via e-mail within 1-2 business days after the account is opened. To protect your security, passwords are sent separately via U.S. mail. Once you've received both, usually within 5-7 business days, you can log on to your account and see your new HSBC Direct Account number.

Existing HSBC customers, you can log on and view your new HSBC Direct accounts online the day after they are opened.

Please note, to protect the security of your account, if you forget your password, we can only send it to you by mail. However, if you have an ATM or debit card, we'll allow you to reset your password electronically using your PIN number.

What are trial deposits? How do I verify them?

Trial deposits are simply test deposits we make into the account you are using to fund your new HSBC Direct account. It's a secure way for us to verify that you are the account owner. We start by making two small deposits into that account for less than $1.00 each. A withdrawal for the total of the two deposits is also made from the same account at the same time. To verify your trial deposits:

• Look for an email from HSBC Direct within 2 business days of submitting your application, notifying you that we've made the trial deposits to your account. A withdrawal for the total amount of the two deposits will also be made at the same time from the same account.
• Check your account statement online or inquire directly with your account provider to identify the two deposit amounts. Deposit amounts should appear as TRIALCREDT. You will also see one withdrawal from your account identified as TRIALDEBIT, you will not need the TRIALDEBIT amount for the verification process.
• Confirm your deposits at HSBCDirect.com. Choose "Resume Application," then "I would like to sign in to an existing application." Follow the instructions to confirm your deposits.
• Enter the amounts carefully. You'll have three chances to do so correctly. After that, you'll need to fund your account by mailing a check.
• If you get an error message stating "You cannot use this account," you'll need to use a different account to fund your initial deposit.