how to apply for a credit card?

[leopold]

this is what happened to me. i specifically asked HR which bank to use for direct deposit. i was told HSBC. i had to trust my HR given how little i know about HK's banking landscape.

i think the 'HSBC sheeps' are usually a 'victim' of advice from their HR.

Read the forums. I keep telling all you HSBC sheep that there are dozens of alternatives to HSBC.

[Flat Hunter]

i specifically asked HR which bank to use for direct deposit. i was told HSBC. i had to trust my HR...

Their advice was probably to make things easier from them rather than you. However, there is nothing stopping you from opening another account at another bank and giving your HR the new account details.

[jimbo]

Sorry but if you even need to ask HR where to apply for a bank account frankly you're an Idiot.

Ignore the standard advice given that you will get paid a day earlier if you bank with Bank A as funds will reach your account earlier than with Bank B, Its total bull.

[Dreadnought]

I have been an HSBC client for just over 10 years. My pay-roll account is still with them but I have started a gradual move to SCB where I have immediately started noticing differences in the service level. When I am done clearing my HSBC credit card bill (big one from last month's holiday) I will close all accounts with them have my (very low) salary paid into the StanChart account instead.

[bdw]

I have been an HSBC client for just over 10 years. My pay-roll account is still with them but I have started a gradual move to SCB where I have immediately started noticing differences in the service level. When I am done clearing my HSBC credit card bill (big one from last month's holiday) I will close all accounts with them have my (very low) salary paid into the StanChart account instead.

If you have both HSBC and SCB accounts, then it makes sense to have your salary autopaid into the SCB account. The reason for this is because SCB do not charge you anything to do an online transfer into your HSBC account, but HSBC will charge you $30 to do an online transfer into your SCB account. Another reason why HSBC are bastards!!

[Claire ex-ax]

Another reason why HSBC are bastards!!

If customers throw their money at HSBC for these "services", shouldn't HSBC take it? After all, its purpose is to provide for its shareholders, not its customers.

[pizzalover]

Try Hang Seng Enjoy Card. I got rejected by HSBC too when I first moved to HK. 6 months later I applied again and got approved.

[leopold]

If customers throw their money at HSBC for these "services", shouldn't HSBC take it? After all, its purpose is to provide for its shareholders, not its customers.

ain't that the truth.

[anii]

I like the service from SCB.

Got a credit card from them once I told them the account was for payroll, the officer completed the form for me so all I had to do was to sign - upon the first month's salary being credited to the account, they sent the credit card. All in, took about a month from initial application.

Tried opening with HSBC but as I couldn't provide a proof of address, they'd turned me down. SCB was willing to accept a letter from my firm and I updated the address once I moved into my permanent home and had address proof.

Some folks like HSBC credit cards for the discounts etc they offer, so it really depends on what you plan to use the card for - discounts at certain shops / fall-back / sign-up gifts / mileage etc.

Your other option if you have an Amex is to transfer card location from your home to HK - that way your credit history remains unbroken too. The Amex platinum offers pretty good dining privileges and mileage programmes as well.

[leopold]

Your other option if you have an Amex is to transfer card location from your home to HK - that way your credit history remains unbroken too. The Amex platinum offers pretty good dining privileges and mileage programmes as well.

thanks for the tip, i didn't know that. i'll do that. unfortunately, amex doesn't appear to be as widely accepted in asia...