HSBC Reviews

HSBC offers diverse loans, mortgages, credit cards, digital banking, and financial support, with deposit protection up to £120,000 under the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Here are the Trustpilot Reviews from HSBC:

Here are the Reviews from HSBC:

Frustrating BTL Remortgage Experience. Application cancelled twice without explanation, poor communication, no response from executives, no complaints process.

David T.

Claims HSBC UK is a scam/trick organization, warns of monetary loss, references getting money back.

Go To Revive Crest.com for Help l.

HSBC UK described as a con, says only way to recover money is external help.

jlzaV L.

Complaints specialist rude/aggressive, no empathy, poor experience for vulnerable customers.

Samantha B.

Appalling customer service, 73 day delay for account opening, no real response to complaint.

Amy H.

On phone for 1hr 20m, request for manager refused.

William D.

Explore HSBC's Finance Solutions:

Small Business Loan (Fixed Rate)

£1,000 – £25,000

Flexible Business Loan (Variable Rate)

£25,001 – £10,000,000

Apply Now!

Explore HSBC's Finance Solutions:

Loan Type:

Small Business Loan (Fixed Rate)

Loan Range:

£1,000 – £25,000

Loan Terms:

1 year to 10 years

Minimum Turnover and Trading Age:

Minimum 12 months trading and business current account with HSBC

Interest Rate / Factor Rate:

From 7.1% representative APR (fixed for full term)

Fees:

Arrangement fee 1.5% (minimum £100); early repayment charge equal to one month’s interest

Loan Type:

Flexible Business Loan (Variable Rate)

Loan Range:

£25,001 – £10,000,000

Loan Terms:

1 year to 20 years

Minimum Turnover and Trading Age:

Minimum 12-24 months trading (sector-dependent)

Interest Rate / Factor Rate:

Bank of England Base Rate + 2.5% to 4.5% margin (variable)

Fees:

Negotiated arrangement fee (typically 1% of facility); no early repayment charge

Loan Type:

Commercial Mortgage

Loan Range:

£25,001 – £10,000,000

Loan Terms:

3 years to 25 years

Minimum Turnover and Trading Age:

12 months trading (start-ups accepted with additional security)

Interest Rate / Factor Rate:

From 2.35% above Base Rate (variable) or fixed by negotiation

Fees:

Arrangement fee from 1%; valuation fee; legal fees payable by borrower; early repayment charge on fixed-rate options

Loan Type:

Business Overdraft

Loan Range:

Up to £25,000 unsecured; secured facilities available above £25,000

Loan Terms:

Reviewable annually (revolving)

Minimum Turnover and Trading Age:

6-12 months trading with positive account conduct

Interest Rate / Factor Rate:

Base Rate + 2.75% to 7.5%; utilisation fee 1.5% per quarter

Fees:

Arrangement fee 1.75% (minimum £150); renewal fee annually

Loan Type:

Asset Finance (Hire Purchase & Finance Lease)

Loan Range:

£10,000 – £10,000,000

Loan Terms:

1 year to 7 years

Minimum Turnover and Trading Age:

12 months trading; start-ups considered with 20% deposit

Interest Rate / Factor Rate:

From 4.5% flat rate (equivalent APR will vary)

Fees:

Documentation fee £150; option-to-purchase fee £100 (HP); early settlement interest rebate minus admin fee

Loan Type:

Invoice Finance (Invoice Discounting & Factoring)

Loan Range:

£50,000 – £50,000,000 facility limits (up to 90% of invoice value)

Loan Terms:

Rolling 12-month facility

Minimum Turnover and Trading Age:

Annual turnover £500k+ and trading for 12 months

Interest Rate / Factor Rate:

Base Rate + 2.00% to 3.00% service fee; discount fee 0.5% – 3% of invoice value

Fees:

Service fee on gross turnover; audit fees; set-up fee by negotiation

More About the CEO

Ian Stuart

Chief Executive Officer, HSBC UK

CEO since since 2017

Ian Stuart is the Chief Executive Officer of HSBC UK. He is responsible for leading HSBC's UK business and has a wealth of experience in the banking industry.

Education

Information about Ian Stuart's education is not public.

Certifications

Information about Ian Stuart's certifications is not public.

Experience

Ian Stuart joined HSBC in 2014 and has held several senior roles, including Head of Commercial Banking for UK and Europe. Prior to HSBC, he held leadership positions at Barclays and NatWest.

Awards

Information about Ian Stuart's awards is not public.

HSBC Holdings plc — history timeline

Founding

Acquisition

Restructuring

Acquisition

Restructuring

Acquisition

Regulatory

Restructuring

Acquisition

Restructuring

Acquisition

1865 1965 1992 2002 2012 2023 2026

3 March 1865 HSBC opens for business in Hong Kong The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation opened in Hong Kong to finance trade between Asia and the West, creating the founding institution of today’s HSBC Group.

Source → Founding

1959 HSBC acquires The British Bank of the Middle East The purchase accelerated HSBC’s transformation beyond Asia and established a stronger long-term presence across Gulf markets.

Source → Acquisition

1965 HSBC takes a majority stake in Hang Seng Bank HSBC took a majority stake in Hang Seng Bank during a banking crisis in Hong Kong, securing control of one of the territory’s key local lenders.

Source → Acquisition

1980 HSBC buys a controlling stake in Marine Midland The purchase marked a major step into the US market and HSBC’s first large-scale expansion outside Asia; full ownership followed in 1987.

Source → Acquisition

2 April 1991 HSBC Holdings plc is established as group parent HSBC Holdings plc was created as the official group holding company, providing the structure for later expansion and major cross-border acquisitions.

Source → Restructuring

1992 HSBC acquires Midland Bank HSBC bought Midland Bank in one of the largest banking deals of its era, giving the group a major UK retail and commercial banking platform.

Source → Acquisition

1993 Group headquarters moves from Hong Kong to London Following the Midland acquisition and group reorganisation, HSBC transferred its head office to London, cementing the UK as group headquarters.

Source → Restructuring

1999 HSBC acquires Republic New York Corporation The acquisition broadened HSBC’s US and international private banking footprint and was merged into what became HSBC USA Inc.

Source → Acquisition

2000 HSBC acquires Crédit Commercial de France This purchase created a substantial retail and wealth platform in France and significantly strengthened HSBC’s position in continental Europe.

Source → Acquisition

2002 HSBC acquires Grupo Financiero Bital in Mexico By acquiring a controlling stake in Bital, HSBC built one of its largest Latin American positions and became a major banking player in Mexico.

Source → Acquisition

2003 HSBC completes the acquisition of Household International HSBC completed its biggest-ever acquisition at the time, deepening US consumer finance exposure just ahead of the credit cycle downturn.

Source → Acquisition

11 December 2012 HSBC agrees $1.921bn settlement with US authorities HSBC entered into settlements over anti-money laundering and sanctions control failures, a defining regulatory crisis that forced major compliance remediation.

Source → Regulatory

27 May 2021 HSBC exits US mass-market retail banking HSBC announced sales/wind-down of parts of its US retail banking operations, accelerating its retreat from lower-return markets and sharpening Asia focus.

Source → Restructuring

13 March 2023 HSBC acquires Silicon Valley Bank UK for £1 HSBC UK acquired SVB UK in a government-facilitated rescue, preserving a key lender to the British tech sector and expanding innovation banking capabilities.

Source → Acquisition

1 January 2024 HSBC completes sale of its French retail banking business HSBC Continental Europe completed the sale of its French retail banking operations to CCF, simplifying its continental European footprint.

Source → Restructuring

29 March 2024 HSBC completes sale of HSBC Bank Canada to RBC HSBC completed the sale of its Canadian unit to RBC, releasing capital for redeployment into priority markets and businesses.

Source → Restructuring

22 October 2024 HSBC launches a simplified four-business structure Under CEO Georges Elhedery, HSBC reorganised into four core businesses to reduce complexity, tighten accountability and improve returns.

Source → Restructuring

8 January 2026 Hang Seng shareholders approve HSBC privatisation proposal Hang Seng shareholders approved HSBC’s proposal to acquire remaining shares and delist the bank, a major Hong Kong consolidation move.

Source → Acquisition

More About HSBC

HSBC UK Bank plc is a major UK arm of the global HSBC Group, founded in 1865. It offers retail and commercial banking services with a focus on SMEs to large corporates. HSBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by both the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. The bank provides a universal banking model with a wide range of business finance options suited for established businesses needing scalable funding or international trade support. More details on traditional banking and high street lenders can be found on high street banks and lenders.

Key Features of HSBC UK Bank plc

HSBC combines a broad product range with digital tools and support for international business, along with government-backed schemes.

Access to online business banking and a mobile app with biometric login.
Relationship management services for businesses with turnover above £2m, detailed in customer relations management.
Integration with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage for easier financial management.
International payments capability in over 60 currencies supported by HSBC’s global network.
Access to specialist government-backed schemes like the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG).

Funding Eligibility

Eligibility usually requires a minimum of 12 months trading history, or 24 months for some products. You may qualify if your business meets turnover and documentation requirements without recent credit issues. Personal guarantees are commonly required, especially for SMEs.

Minimum trading period generally 12 months; some products require 24 months. See eligibility guidance.
Minimum annual turnover thresholds vary by product: none for small loans/cards, £500k+ for invoice finance, and £2m+ for revolving credit.
Personal and director guarantees often necessary; learn more at personal guarantee requirements.

Loan Options with HSBC UK Bank

HSBC’s product range covers from small unsecured loans to large secured commercial mortgages, supporting varied business needs and sizes.

Small Business Loan: £1,000 – £25,000; 1 to 10 years term; from 7.1% representative APR fixed. Requires 12 months trading; unsecured up to £25k. More info at small business loans.
Flexible Business Loan: £25,001 – £10,000,000; 1 to 20 years term; variable rate Bank of England Base Rate + margin. Usually secured above £100k. Details at flexible business loans.
Commercial Mortgage: £25,001 – £10,000,000; 3 to 25 years term; variable or fixed rates from 2.35% above Base Rate. Requires first legal charge on property. See commercial mortgages.
Business Overdraft: Unsecured up to £25,000; secured above that, with review annually. Interest Base Rate + 2.75%-7.5%. More at business overdrafts.
Asset Finance (Hire Purchase/Finance Lease): £10,000 – £10,000,000; 1 to 7 years term; from 4.5% flat rate, asset acts as security. Info at asset finance.
Invoice Finance: £50,000 – £50,000,000; rolling 12-month facility; Base Rate + 2%-3% service fee; up to 90% invoice value advance. See details at invoice financing.
Trade Finance: £50,000 – £20,000,000 (per transaction); up to 180 days term; Base Rate + 2%–4% margin. Support via HSBC global networks. More info at trade finance.
Business Credit Card: Credit limit £1,000 – £100,000; revolving with 56 days interest-free; representative 22.4% APR. See business credit cards.
Revolving Credit Facility: £50,000 – £5,000,000; 1 to 5 years term; Base Rate + 2.25%–4.25%; interest only on drawn funds. Details at revolving credit loans.

How to Apply

HSBC offers online application for smaller loans and cards, while larger amounts may combine online and relationship-managed processes. Decision times vary by product size.

Submit an online application for loans up to £25,000, overdrafts, and credit cards via HSBC digital channels. See application form.
Provide required documentation including filed accounts, bank statements, management accounts, ID, and proofs related to assets or invoices for specialised products. Full list at application documents needed.
Undergo credit, trading history, and affordability checks. Smaller loans get instant to 2-day decisions; larger or secured facilities take 5-15 working days.
Sign loan agreements and complete legal processes where required. Funding generally same day for small products, and 2–10 days after legal completion for secured loans.
Use calculators to estimate repayments and affordability before applying: business loan calculator, unsecured business loan calculator, asset finance calculator, and invoice finance calculator.

Funding Agent's view on HSBC UK Bank plc

HSBC UK Bank plc offers a comprehensive range of business financing options with strong digital tools and global trade expertise. Its products suit established SMEs and mid-market firms with scalable capital needs. Newer businesses or those seeking unsecured lending with rapid decisions might consider alternatives. Explore your options and find detailed advice on how to qualify for a business loan, compare business loans, or use our business loan calculator to assess suitability before applying.