Switching to HSBC

After you choose your new account and apply online, you're ready to switch. We'll send you a welcome pack in the post with all the details, but if you want to start now you can read the four steps and download the forms here.

Step 1: Complete the switching form

Fill in this form with the details of your existing account, and either drop it in your local branch or send it back to:

HSBC Bank Plc
Harry Weston Road
Coventry
CV3 2TQ

Switch your Direct Debits and standing orders (PDF) PDF download. This link will open in a new browser window.

You'll also receive this form in your welcome pack.

Step 2: Tell your employer

Fill in this form with your old and new bank details so your salary or other regular credit can be paid into your new account.

Send it to the person at work who will redirect your salary, or whoever needs to redirect any significant credit you may be receiving.

Switching your salary/other credit (PDF) PDF download. This link will open in a new browser window.

You'll also receive this form in your welcome pack.

Step 3: Confirm your Direct Debits and standing orders

Once we've received your switching form we'll get the details of your Direct Debits and standing orders from your old bank. We'll send you a list so you can confirm that you'd like them to continue.

We'll let you know the date from which they will be live and set up on your new HSBC account(s).

Step 4: Close your existing account

After we confirm the transfer of your Direct Debits and standing orders, you can notify your old bank to transfer the balance and close the account, if you wish to.

Send the "Closing your existing account" form directly to your existing bank.

Closing your existing account (PDF) PDF download. This link will open in a new browser window.

You'll also receive this form in your welcome pack.

Please Note:

• We rely on the organisations you pay by Direct Debits to change their records and respond in a timely manner to our requests.
• We also rely on your previous bank or building society to respond within agreed timescales.
• Your employer/pension provider is responsible for changing their records (following your advice) and paying your salary or pension into your new account.
• Your old bank should, within a reasonable time, refund any charges or interest that you had to pay to the old bank due to a delay or mistake made during the switching process.
• If you wish to switch your savings to HSBC, simply open a savings account with us and then transfer the balance from your original savings provider.

Your Direct Debits and standing orders should all be transferred within a month of when we receive your switching request. Here's how it all happens:

Account opening: 1 working day

Your new HSBC account opens. This is when you should complete the "Switching your Direct Debits and standing orders" form.

Your details: 3-5 working days

Your current bank will send us details of all your Direct Debits and standing orders.

Confirmation letter: 6-10 working days

We send you a letter telling you your Account transfer date, usually 1 calendar month from the date you completed the "Switching your Direct Debits and standing orders" form.

The letter also contains a list of the Direct Debits and standing orders that are being transferred from your old bank. You can review them and make amendments if you need to, then send it back to us.

Ready for transfer: 11-15 working days

As soon as we receive your confirmation, we'll make any amendments you've stated, then we'll set up your Direct Debits and standing orders and also notify any organisations you have Direct Debits with that your bank account details have changed.

Account transfer date: approx. 1 calendar month

All your standing orders will be set up and your Direct Debits will be live (providing the organisations with which you have Direct Debits have updated their details).

We recommend you review your account for the first month to ensure all payments go out as usual. This helps make sure that all the organisations have responded to our requests.

Your account transfer date is usually one calendar month after we receive your request. If this falls at the beginning or end of a month, it may be slightly put back to ensure you meet any regular payments.