Transfers and Payments

What is a standing instruction?

When you make a standing instruction, you authorise the Bank to transfer funds on your behalf to another account, or to make a specific payment to a third party on a specified day at regular intervals.

What are the benefits of making a standing instruction?

With a standing instruction you don't need to make repeated individual payments yourself.

What is the difference between an autoPay instruction and a standing instruction?

autoPay allows you to make payment regularly from an HSBC account to someone else. 

It is most commonly used for bill payments/regular payments.

A standing instruction allows you to transfer funds for a fixed amount at regular intervals to other banks’ account.

Can I make fund transfers to anyone I choose?

Yes, as long as you know the full bank account details of the person or company you want to send money to. You can transfer funds to HSBC accounts and to accounts held with other banks, both in Hong Kong and overseas. There are some restrictions on renminbi transfers to China however - find out about Renminbi Services.

There are two fund transfer options available to you. To transfer larger amounts on a regular basis, register the destination account and use the registered transfer service. For smaller ad hoc transfers, use our non-registered service.

Can I make fund transfers in foreign currency?

Yes. You can make foreign currency transfers to or from a foreign currency account. To make a transfer either in a foreign currency or to a foreign currency account in Hong Kong, simply select the service you require from the options listed on the Transfers – Hong Kong page and choose your required currency.

When transferring money to an overseas account, you can select the currency you wish to transfer funds in using the currency menu displayed on the transfer instructions page.

When can I make changes to a forward-dated transfer instruction?

(Applicable to old version of Internet Banking)  You can make changes anytime before the transfer is processed.

(Applicable to new version of Internet Banking) You only can delete forward-dated transfer instruction and place a new one. 

How do I modify or delete a scheduled fund transfer?

(Applicable to old version of Internet Banking)  To change a forward-dated transfer instruction, click Modify. Delete a forward-dated instruction with the Delete button.

(Applicable to new version of Internet Banking) You cannot modify scheduled fund transfer, please click “Delete payment” in your instruction at “Manage future payment” page  under “Move Money” to delete existing instruction and then place a new one.

What are the cut-off times for global payments via telegraphic transfer on HSBC Online Banking and HSBC HK Mobile Banking App?

Transfer instructions are processed between 8.15am and 5.55pm, Monday to Friday, and 8.15am to 11.55am on Saturday, excluding Hong Kong public holidays.

You can send transfer instructions whenever you like but requests received outside the times listed above are processed on the next business day.

Applications for same day value are subject to cut-off times related to the time zone of the destination and/or the requirements of the settlement banks. This means that your account may be debited before the value day. We are not liable for any interest expense or loss incurred as a result.

What is the cut-off time for outward telegraphic transfer in Renminbi?

We process outward telegraphic transfer instructions in Renminbi from 8.15am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Hong Kong public holidays).

You can send us transfer instructions whenever you like but requests received outside these times are processed on the next business day.

Processing of outward telegraphic transfer instructions in Renminbi is subject to the schedule of the Renminbi clearing bank. For example, they will not process payments during holidays in mainland China, such as Labour Day and National Day.

Do I need to pay a fee when making a transfer to an overseas account?

A local service charge will be applied to all global payments via outward telegraphic transfer. This fee is waived for HSBC Jade and HSBC Premier customers doing transfers via HSBC Online Banking and HSBC HK Mobile Banking App to their own HSBC accounts overseas (including joint accounts).

If you request for any overseas handling charges to be paid by yourself rather than by the payee, an overseas service charge will be deducted from your account separately at a later date, once the charge has been charged back by the overseas banks. This can include charges levied by the payee's bank and any other banks used to send the transfer.

We'll tell the overseas banks how you prefer to pay overseas charges. The final charge settlement will be subject to the practice adopted by the overseas banks.

See the latest Fees & Charges

Are there any limits on fund transfers?

If you've already registered the destination account with us, the daily limit is HKD3,000,000 per account. For more information, go to My Details and select View and Maintain Registered Transfer Accounts.

For transfer to non-registered account, the maximum daily transfer limit is HKD400,000. This limit is shared by Phonebanking, Internet Banking, local ATM and overseas ATM. The maximum sub-limit for Phonebanking, local ATM and overseas ATM are HKD50,000 respectively, and HKD400,000 for HSBC Internet Banking.

Note: If you submit more than one transfer request in the same day, the available transfer limit will be your daily transfer limit less the amount of the transfer that you have already requested/made.

How can I change my daily transfer limits?

You can change your limit anytime through HSBC Online Banking. Simply find 'My Banking' menu and select 'Daily payment and transfer limits'.

For security reasons, you'll need to handle limit increase requests in person at an HSBC branch or by using your Mobile Security Key/Security Device through HSBC Online Banking.

To keep your money secure, if you don't make any payments or transfer for a certain number of months, we'll reset your payment limits to zero. You can raise these limits by visiting a branch or by using your Mobile Security Key/Security Device through HSBC Online Banking.

Why do I get an error message saying that 'Message to Recipient/Recipient's Bank contains invalid character. Please re-enter.' when I click 'Go'?

You'll get this error if you enter characters that are not supported, such as '–' or '!', in the Message to Recipient/Recipient's Bank box. The message should only contain:

• Numbers (e.g. 1,2,3)
  
• Letters (e.g. A, B, a, b)
• The following special characters: ? : . , ( )

For fund transfer requests, what is the maximum number of characters allowed in the payee fields?

How long does it take to process local fund transfers?

Transfers within HSBC can be done instantly if you select today as the transfer date. In general, Hong Kong dollar/Renminbi transfers to other local banks can be done instantly . For transfers in euros or US dollars, the cut-off time is 5.45pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Hong Kong public holidays).

For all types of foreign currency transfers  or Renminbi transfer, requests received after the cut-off time will be processed on the next business day or on the day you specified in your instructions.

Are there limits on local fund transfers?

If you've already registered the destination account with us, the daily limit is HKD3,000,000 per account. For more information, go to My Details and select View and Maintain Registered Transfer Accounts.

For transfer to non-registered account, the maximum daily transfer limit is HKD400,000. This limit is shared by Phonebanking, Internet Banking, local ATM and overseas ATM. The maximum sub-limit for Phonebanking, local ATM and overseas ATM are HKD50,000 respectively, and HKD400,000 for HSBC Internet Banking.

Note: If you submit more than one transfer request in the same day, the available transfer limit will be your daily transfer limit less the amount of the transfer that you have already requested/made.

Are there any limits on money transfers between accounts encoded on the SAME account card ?

These are considered transfers between your own accounts and so there are no limits. However, a transfer to one of your accounts that is not encoded on your account card (for both debit and credit cards) would be considered a transfer to a non-registered account and subject to limits.

How much does it cost to make transfers through HSBC Online Banking and HSBC HK Mobile Banking App?

Making Hong Kong dollar/Renminbi transfers to most of the banks in Hong Kong is free*.

Making foreign currency or Renminbi transfers to some Hong Kong banks will be charged HKD50. The amount will be confirmed on the Instruction Acknowledgement, which you will see in the HSBC Online Banking and HSBC HK Mobile Banking App message centre.

For overseas funds transfers, there is a local service charge of HKD50. For Renminbi Telegraphic Transfer to HSBC Group / branches in mainland China through HSBC Online Banking and HSBC HK Mobile Banking App, the service charge is waived. For overseas funds transfers via HSBC Global Transfers, the service is free for HSBC Jade, HSBC Premier and HSBC One customers making online transfers to their self-named or third-party overseas HSBC accounts (including joint accounts).

See the latest Fees & Charges

Please note that payees banks and any other banks used to send the transfer (both local and overseas) may impose additional charges, you can contact them directly about their fees.

* There is no charge from us if you pay money to, or receive money from accounts of other banks via FPS, but other banks may have different charging policies.

How do I register accounts for fund transfers? 

Learn how to set-up a payee for fund transfers with Personal Internet Banking. (You will need your Security Device or Mobile Security Key.)

How can I delete an account I registered for fund transfers? 

You can view the details of your registered accounts and also add or delete accounts via Personal Internet Banking using your Security Device.

How can I change my transfer limits for registered payees?

To raise or lower your transfer limits for registered payees, log on to HSBC Online Banking and select ‘Daily payment and transfer limits’ under the ‘My banking’ menu. Please note that to raise your limit you will need to use your Mobile Security Key or Security Device.

What currencies can I use for overseas fund transfers? 

Any currency supported by both the sending and receiving accounts.

How do I make a Hong Kong dollar / renminbi transfer to a non-HSBC account?

1) Log on to your internet banking and select ‘Pay or Transfer’ under ‘Move money’ in ‘My banking’.

2) Choose which account you would like to transfer from and what type of transfer you want to make.

3) Decide if you want to pay someone via their mobile number, email address, FPS identifier or account number.

(To pay by bank account number, choose a bank from the pull-down menu. Then enter the account number and account holder's name.)

How do I make a Hong Kong dollar transfer to a registered account?

By selecting the account holder's name and account number from the pull-down menu and then entering the transfer amount.

Will my account name appear on the recipient's account details?

Your account name will only appear on the recipient's account details if their account is within HSBC. However, it will not appear if the recipient's account is a HKD Passbook Savings account.

How far in advance can I schedule a transfer?

Anytime from 1 to 45 days.

What happens if I have set up a transfer for a future date, but on that date I don't have enough funds in my account to cover the transfer?

In this case, the transfer will not be made. We will inform you by email that we have been unable to make the transfer.

We strongly recommend that you check your Personal Internet Banking email on the actual transfer day to confirm the status of your transfer request.

What should the payer put if I want to receive money via account number?

Please advise your payer to choose HSBC (bank code 004) as the payee’s bank or receiving bank, then enter your 10- or 12-digit HSBC account number in the payee account number field. The first 3 digits of your HSBC account number is the branch code, followed by a 7- or 9-digit account number.

What is the exchange rate for global payments after cut off times?

You can quote the exchange rate at anytime. The exchange rate indicated by the bank only applies to immediate transfers. The exchange rates executed for future-dated transfers or transfers after cut off times (Monday to Friday 8:15am - 5:55pm, Saturday 8:15am - 11:55am, excluding public holidays) will be based on the exchange rate indicated by the bank on the day the instruction is effected.

If you're quoting an exchange rate outside of the normal trading hours (Monday 7:00am HKT to Saturday 4:15am HKT during US daylight saving or 5:15am HKT during non-US daylight saving) or on Hong Kong public holidays, the rate provided will have a wider bid/ask difference.

Is the bank able to confirm the payee account number so my instruction is not rejected?

We are unable to verify payee account information. Verification procedures adopted in different banks/countries may vary. For example for some banks, both account number and account name are used to verify inward remittances; . Customer is advised to ensure payee account information provided is complete and correct. 

What information do I need to send money?

Depending on the country/territory you are sending to, you'll need one or more of the following details:

• Bank code/sort code
• SWIFT code / BIC (Bank Identifier Code)
• IBAN (International Bank Account Number)
• Account number
• Payee full name
• Payee address
• Purpose of payment

The usual way to obtain the bank details is to contact the payee directly and request the details from them. 

What currencies are supported?

Send money via SWIFT in currencies including:

• Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Renminbi (RMB)
• Euro (EUR)
• Pound Sterling (GBP)
• Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)
• New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Singapore Dollar (SGD)
• Thai Baht (THB)
• United States Dollar (USD)

and others.

If your desired currency is not listed on HSBC HK Mobile Banking App, please proceed to HSBC Online Banking.

When will my change to an autoPay order take effect?

Modification or deletion of existing autopay transactions will submit to merchant within 2 working days. The effective date is depends on the process from merchant.

How do I cancel an autoPay instruction with a 'Pending Set Up' status?

Simply click the Details button, then click Cancel. The transaction will then be cancelled.

How do I cancel my request to modify/edit or delete an autoPay instruction?

Simply click the Details button, then click Cancel. The pending modification or deletion instruction will then be cancelled.

What is the lead-time for setting up autoPay instructions?

The lead-time for setting up new autoPay instructions depends on the arrangement with particular merchants or recipients. Please check the lead-time with the merchant or recipient in question.

I can't find my autoPay recipient in the pull down menu. What should I do?

You can set up autoPay instructions no matter the recipients maintain accounts with HSBC or not. 

To set up an autoPay to someone not in the pull down menu, select “Others Beneficiary, please specify…” in Category box. Then choose the bank code and enter the recipient’s bank account number and name.

Who can apply for a PLUS ATM chip card?

If you have an HSBC Integrated Account - such as HSBC Premier, HSBC One or our Personal Integrated Account - you can apply for a PLUS ATM chip card.

If I don't have an HSBC Integrated Account, can I apply for a PLUS ATM chip card?

To use the PLUS ATM chip card you must have an HSBC Integrated Account.

For details on the benefits of our integrated accounts or to open an account, call Customer Services on (852) 2233 3000 or visit any HSBC branch in Hong Kong.

Why is my UnionPay ATM chip card linked to my savings account and the PLUS ATM chip card to my current account?

Some overseas ATMs can't access multiple accounts. They can only connect to the primary account listed on the front of your card.

To allow you to access both your Hong Kong dollar savings and Hong Kong dollar current accounts overseas, we use your Hong Kong dollar savings account as the primary account for your UnionPay ATM chip card and your Hong Kong dollar current account as the primary account for your PLUS ATM chip card.

To use the PLUS ATM chip card abroad you'll need to activate the overseas ATM withdrawal limit before your departure as the default overseas ATM withdrawal limit is zero. You will also need to maintain sufficient funds in your Hong Kong dollar current account

How can I apply for a PLUS ATM chip card?

At any HSBC branch in Hong Kong or send a completed enrolment form to PO Box 72677, Kowloon Central Post Office, Kowloon.

Download the PLUS ATM chip card enrolment form [PDF].

When will I receive my new PLUS ATM chip card?

We'll send your ATM PIN and card collection information within 5 working days of receiving your application.

The UnionPay ATM chip card and PLUS ATM chip card look similar. How can I tell them apart?

You can differentiate the two cards based on these features:

My child has a UnionPay ATM chip card through their HSBC Premier - Junior Pack account. Can they apply for a PLUS ATM chip card?

We now only issue PLUS ATM chip cards to HSBC Premier Junior Pack cardholders. Your child can continue to use their existing UnionPay ATM chip card until the card expires or you can switch to a PLUS ATM chip card now. The PLUS ATM chip card for Junior Pack has to be activated within three months upon card issue date. The existing UnionPay ATM chip card will be deactivated once you activate the new card.

To apply for the PLUS card, Junior Pack account holders can call HSBC Premier on (852) 2233 3322 or visit any HSBC branch.

What are the fees for withdrawing cash with my ATM card in Hong Kong and abroad?

The ATM cash withdrawal fees per transaction are as follows:

There is a difference in fee due to the usage of different networks.

Transaction fees change from time to time. You can get the latest figures by reading our Bank Tariff Guide

Can I keep using my UnionPay ATM chip card if I apply for a PLUS ATM chip card?

Yes, you can continue to use your current UnionPay ATM chip card even after we've issued your PLUS ATM chip card.

If I have already linked my bank account to my Visa or MasterCard credit card, do I still need to apply for a PLUS ATM chip card?

While some overseas PLUS network ATMs can access your bank account through your linked credit card, others will only be able to access your Visa or MasterCard credit card information. In that case, you would end up withdrawing cash from your credit card account and incur a cash advance fee. To enable you to operate both Hong Kong dollar savings and Hong Kong dollar current accounts overseas, the UnionPay ATM chip card is linked to your integrated Hong Kong dollar savings account while the PLUS ATM chip card is linked to your integrated Hong Kong dollar current account.

I could use my old magnetic stripe ATM card at PLUS and Cirrus network ATMs. Can I use these networks with my new UnionPay ATM chip card?

Your new UnionPay chip card can't be used on the PLUS/Cirrus network.

Your new ATM chip card can be used at:

• All HSBC ATMs, except those in Argentina, Brazil, France, Greece, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand and Turkey
  
• All Hang Seng ATMs
• UnionPay ATM and POS network in Hong Kong, China and many other countries/regions with exception of some UnionPay ATMs that are in the process of upgrading

If you have any questions, please contact us.

If you are travelling to a country/region where the UnionPay chip card is not supported, you may want to:

• Prepare enough cash in the local currency before you travel
  

Apply for an HSBC PLUS ATM chip card or link your Visa or MasterCard credit card to your HSBC account so you can access PLUS and Cirrus network ATMs abroad.

How do I link my Hong Kong dollar Visa or MasterCard to my HSBC account so I can use my credit card at overseas ATMs?

You can link your HSBC issued credit card to your bank account by calling HSBC phone banking at (852) 2233 3000 or by visiting a HSBC branch in Hong Kong. If you apply by phone, the processing time of your request will be two working days. Branch applications take four working days to process.

Once processed, you'll need to activate the link by visiting an HSBC or Hang Seng ATM in Hong Kong and using your credit card to make a withdrawal, transfer or balance enquiry.

If you don't have an ATM PIN for your credit card, you can apply for a new PIN at a branch or through Personal Internet Banking. If you have a phone banking PIN you can also request an ATM PIN by phone (Quick key: 5 then 3 then 3).

As a final step, you'll need to set an overseas ATM daily withdrawal limit for your credit card. You can do this through Personal Internet Banking, mobile banking, phone banking, at a branch or at an HSBC or Hang Seng ATM in Hong Kong.

How do I use my bank account-linked credit card at an overseas ATM?

You can use a linked credit card to withdraw money from a PLUS or Cirrus network ATM overseas. In most countries/regions, the ATM will give you the option to access these accounts:

• credit card account
  
• checking account or current account
• savings account

If the ATM you're using doesn't show these options, then any cash withdrawal you make will come from your credit card account. It will be treated as a cash advance and subject to a fee.

What makes chip cards more secure than magnetic stripe cards?

Chip cards include both a magnetic stripe and an embedded microchip. The data on the microchip is much more difficult to steal and use for unauthorised transactions when compared to a magnetic stripe.

While chip cards help protect you from fraud you should still keep your card safe and protect your PIN at all times

What is the daily withdrawal limit on my ATM card?

The maximum limits¹¹ shared for both local and overseas withdrawals are:

• HSBC Premier Card                      HKD80,000
  
• Other personal customer cards    HKD80,000

Withdrawing the maximum amount may require a few transactions, depending on the dispensing limit of the ATM.

To strengthen security controls for ATM services, the overseas ATM daily withdrawal limit (including cash advances) for all ATM and credit cards was pre-set to HKD0. If you have not yet set the ATM withdrawal limit, please do so for your credit card(s) or ATM card(s) through Personal Internet Banking, phone banking, HSBC Mobile Banking, any HSBC branch or any HSBC/Hang Seng ATM in Hong Kong.

¹¹If you wish to withdraw the maximum amount, you may have to do so more than once, depending on the dispensing limit per transaction of the ATM used.

What is the daily transfer limit for my ATM card? How can I activate the overseas ATM daily transfer limit?

The daily transfer limit refers to the maximum amount you can transfer to HSBC accounts that are NOT linked to customers' ATM/credit cards or Hang Seng accounts from HSBC or Hang Seng ATMs in Hong Kong.

To find your daily transfer limit, log on to Personal Internet Banking and go to My HSBC then to Maintain My Details. You can check your ATM transfer limit under View and Set Transaction Limit.

To strengthen security controls for ATM services, the overseas ATM daily transfer limit was pre-set to HKD0. If you have not yet set the ATM transfer limit, you can activate via Personal Internet Banking and our branches in Hong Kong.

How can I activate the 'Overseas ATM Daily Withdrawal Limit' (including cash advance) and 'Overseas ATM Daily Transfer Limit'?

For your security, the overseas daily withdrawal limit and overseas transfer limit for all ATM and credit cards is HKD0.

You can set a new overseas withdrawal limit through:

• Personal Internet Banking
• Phone banking
• Mobile Banking
• HSBC branch in Hong Kong
• HSBC or Hang Seng ATMs in Hong Kong

To set a new overseas transfer limit log on to Personal Internet Banking or visit a HSBC branch in Hong Kong.

What is the maximum ATM daily withdrawal limit for the HSBC Premier Junior Pack Cash Card or Cash Card Beneficiary Card? How can I activate the overseas ATM daily withdrawal limit?

The maximum ATM daily withdrawal limits shared with both local and overseas withdrawals are as follows:

Withdrawing the maximum amount may require a few transactions, depending on the dispensing limit of the ATM.

You can activate overseas withdrawals on behalf of your child or family member by visiting a HSBC branch in Hong Kong. HSBC Premier customers can also activate withdrawals by phone banking.

The family member who holds the card can also activate overseas withdrawals themselves at a HSBC or Hang Seng ATM in Hong Kong.

How long does it take to activate overseas ATM withdrawals? Can I activate more than one card at a time?

To activate overseas withdrawals for multiple cards, you can select All cards at HSBC or Hang Seng ATMs in Hong Kong - this takes two working days to process.

Or if you're using Personal Internet Banking or mobile banking you can select multiple cards for activation - this will be processed instantly.

If you've registered your mobile phone number with us we'll confirm the activation by SMS text message. You can also check whether your request was processed via ATM, Personal Internet Banking, mobile banking or phone banking.

Reminder note: If you wish to withdraw the maximum amount, you may have to do so more than once, depending on the dispensing limit per transaction of the ATM used.

Can my charity donation eReceipt be used for tax reduction purposes?

Yes, it is officially accepted proof for tax purposes. The eReceipt is retained for up to 24 months for your reference. You can save it or print for your records.

If I do not provide the name of the donor can I request a charity donation eReceipt?

No, you must provide the donor's name if you request a donation eReceipt. The donor's name is essential if the receipt is to be used for tax purposes.