Reviews

This used to be a great bank. Alas, things have gone downhill. First they slashed the interest rates without telling anybody (until you get a nasty surprise in your statement).

That is pretty insignificant compared to the second problem. They are closing down their operations in the Czech Republic (except for corporate customers). Customers have two months to get their money out.

Goodbye HSBC.

I have shopped around for an alternative, and found that GE Money Bank now offers a pretty good "premium banking" package. No monthly fees, high interest rates, and good service. And they are expanding. So, fingers crossed they do not go the way of HSBC.

This must be the best bank here. Having become sick of long lines, high fees, and poor service at CSOB and CS, I decided to switch.

Until March of this year, HSBC only offered business banking. Now, they offer personal banking.

There are two branches - I joined the one near Namesti Republiky. When I entered, the receptionist recognised how awful my czech was, and switched to fluent english. When I explained I wanted to open a bank account, she offered me a drink and a newspaper as I waited.

Within a couple of minutes, the bank manager arrived and took me to a private office. The whole process took about 30 minutes - mostly while I kept seeking assurance that there really were indeed no banking charges of any kind. For example, all ATM througout Europe (and many other countries) are completely free, even those not belonging to HSBC, And, yes, the interest rate was 3%. And yes, I there is 24 hour phone banking, and internet banking far better than the other banks I belong to.

In short, the service is unlike any bank I have seen here. The professionalism (and English fluency) of the staff is exceptional.

Goodbye CSOB, you lost a client. And hello HSBC. If only the ratings went all the way up to 11 - you would deserve it.