Your bank account's unique number.
Your available balance is the money you have available to spend, taking into account any pending payments and excluding any cheques that haven’t yet cleared.
From 24 November 2019, it does not include any arranged overdraft limit.
You can use automated teller machines (ATMs) to:
withdraw cash from your account
pay in cheques
pay bills
get statements
Using an ATM is usually free. Make sure you read the signs on the machine closely to check you won't be charged a fee.
Your current account balance is the amount you are either in credit, or in debit (overdrawn). This balance may include transactions that are still being processed.
From 24 November 2019, it does not include any arranged overdraft limit.
This type of account offers the ability to:
send money
withdraw cash
set up standing orders
set up Direct Debits
However, basic bank accounts do not offer connected overdrafts.
This stands for Bank Identifier Code and is a number that identifies your bank. It's needed if you want to send or receive money from outside the UK. If you bank with HSBC, you'll find your BIC on your bank statement.
Credit is the amount of money you have available in your bank account.
When your account is in debit, it's overdrawn. Your account is debited when money is withdrawn from it.
You can use a debit card to make cash withdrawals from ATMs, as well as to pay for goods and services in person, online or over the phone. When you use your debit card, the amount of the transaction is debited from your current account.
Money paid into your account.
A payment from your bank account to another account on a date, or dates, agreed by yourself and the recipient. Unlike a standing order, the amount paid by a Direct Debit can be changed by the recipient, but they have to give you notice of this.
EAR stands for Equivalent Annual Rate. It's the rate you would pay on your overdraft if interest was charged annually on the amount you owe. It doesn't take into account any fees.
Known as the FCA, this is the body that regulates the financial services industry in the UK, including banks and building societies. The FCA's role is to protect customers, businesses and the economy by ensuring UK financial markets are honest, fair and effective.
This stands for International Bank Account Number. It identifies accounts held at any bank in any country, or region. If you're an HSBC customer, you'll find your IBAN on your bank statement.
An account held by more than one person.
Most current accounts allow you to apply for an arranged overdraft. This is a way of the account provider and you agreeing in advance that you may borrow money when there is no money left in your current account. The arranged overdraft limit – which is the maximum amount you can borrow – is based on your credit rating and how much you can afford. There will usually be a cost for using an arranged overdraft in the form of interest and sometimes fees.
The company, or person, you're paying.
Payments or deposits you've made – for example, by cheque or debit card – that haven't yet cleared, or been debited to your account.
This is a payment you've agreed that a business can take from your debit or credit card when needed. It’s also known as a recurring payment or a continuous payment authority (CPA). Recurring payments are different from Direct Debits and standing orders because your instruction is with the business, not the bank. They can vary in amount and frequency.
This is a six-digit code that identifies your bank branch.
A regular payment you make from your bank account. Unlike Direct Debits, the amount paid by a standing order is fixed and you're the only one who can change it.
Your bank statement shows all the transactions that have taken place over a set period of time. It also shows any interest and fees that have been added to, or deducted from, your account. You can access your bank statements online, or have paper statements sent to you by post.
When you send money between your own accounts, for example from a current account to a savings account.
Taking money out of your account.
