HSBC Advance debit card: everything you need to know

Thinking of opening an HSBC Advance account, or just signed up? You’ll need to know what you’ll get with your new account. And one of the most important is your debit card.

In this guide, we’ll run through everything you need to know about the HSBC Advance debit card. This includes where you can use it, whether there are any fees and how to manage your card.

We’ll also look at how the card works abroad. If you’re looking for a low-cost way to spend, shop and withdraw cash overseas, the Wise card could be the ideal alternative.

We’ll show you how it works later. For now, let’s get back to the HSBC Advance debit card.

HSBC Advance account - an overview

To get the HSBC Advance debit card, you’ll need to open an HSBC Advance current account. This offers all the features and services you’d need for everyday banking, for no monthly fee.

Features include:¹

• Access to the HSBC mobile banking app. You can also manage your account through online, phone or in-branch banking.
• Access to a Regular Saver account offering an interest rate of 5% AER/gross - save between £25 and £250 a month for a fixed 12-month term.
• Optional arranged overdraft with a minimum of £1,000
• Discounts on shopping, travel, dining and experiences with the home&Away offers programme
• Free international account opening
• Emergency cash transfers up to $10,000 USD to any HSBC branch worldwide.

HSBC Advance debit card - features

So, what can you do with your new HSBC Advance debit card?

It’s a contactless Visa debit card, which you can use for online shopping and spending in real-world shops, restaurants, bars, transport hubs and much more. In fact, you can use it everywhere that Visa payments are accepted.

You can also add your HSBC Advance card to mobile wallets such as Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. This allows you to make contactless payments using just your phone, without the need to take your physical debit card out with you.

There’s also the chance to earn rewards on spending with your HSBC debit card. When you open a current account, you’re automatically signed up to the HSBC home&Away programme.¹

This gives you exclusive offers on shopping as well as travel, dining and experiences when you spend on your card. You’ll simply need to browse offers online or in the HSBC app.

Card security features

Your HSBC Advance debit card comes with a few security features built in with the bank. This includes:

• Verified by Visa (Visa Secure) - an additional layer of security when shopping online, protecting your account from unauthorised use.
• Card controls in the HSBC mobile banking app - freeze your card temporarily if you lose it or suspect it’s been stolen.
• A 24/7 fraud team monitoring transactions for suspicious activity.

How to activate an HSBC debit card

If your HSBC card has just arrived in the post, you’ll need to activate it before you can use it. You can do it in one of the following ways:²

• HSBC mobile app - tap on ‘Manage cards’ from the ‘Account details’ page and follow the prompts.
• Online banking - go to the HSBC website and log in, then click on ‘Manage’ and then ‘Activate card’. You’ll need to be registered for online banking first.
• Phone - simply call 0800 783 5263.
• ATM - this option is only for replacement or renewal cards, which can be activated by withdrawing cash or carrying out a balance enquiry at a cash machine. You won’t be able to activate your first HSBC debit card at an ATM.

HSBC debit card limits

Before using your HSBC Advance card, it’s useful to know about any limits for spending or cash withdrawals. Here’s what you need to know:³

Transaction type	Limit
Withdrawing cash	£500 per day
Contactless card payments	£100 per transaction
Chip & PIN card payments	No limit

The limit for daily ATM withdrawals is higher with the HSBC Advance account, compared to other HSBC current accounts. You can withdraw up to £500, while for other accounts the daily limit is £300.

Does the HSBC Advance debit card work abroad?

Yes, you can use your HSBC debit card anywhere that Visa payments are accepted. This means you can take it on holiday with you, shop worldwide and withdraw cash at ATMs both in and outside the UK. You don’t need to notify HSBC before you go.

But just a word of warning - there are fees for using your HSBC debit card overseas and for spending in other currencies. We’ll look at these next.

Are there any fees with the HSBC Advance debit card?

There’s no fee to get your first HSBC Advance debit card, and no monthly fee for the linked current account either.

There are some other fees and charges you need to know about though. Let’s take a look:⁴

Transaction type	Fee
Debit card payments in a foreign currency	2.75%
Cash withdrawal in foreign currency outside the UK	2.75% (min. £1.75, max. £5)

There are no fees for using your debit card for spending or cash withdrawals in GBP within the UK. You’ll just need to watch out for ATM operator fees, as some non-HSBC cash machines may charge you for withdrawing cash.

Save money on overseas spending with the Wise card

Looking for low-cost holiday spending without the foreign transaction fees? Check out the Wise card.

If you live the international life, this card is for you. It lets you spend like a local in 150+ countries worldwide, with your pounds automatically converted to the local currency at mid-market exchange rates. There’s only a tiny conversion fee to pay, or it’s free if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Get your Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7 when you open a Wise account, which has no monthly subscription fees at all.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

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And that’s it - all the facts and figures about the HSBC Advance debit card at your fingertips.

After reading this, you should be all clued up on how and where the card works, how much it costs and the limits for ATM withdrawals and spending.

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Sources used:

1. HSBC - HSBC Advance Bank Account
2. HSBC - Your HSBC Visa Debit Card Guide
3. HSBC - Help - Using your card
4. HSBC - Advance Account Fee Information Document

Sources last checked on date: 31-July-2023