HSBC
Service: HSBC Bank Australia
Technology: HSBC Internet banking is a browser-based offering, covered with 128-bit SSL encryption, compatible with both PC and Mac. The Web site supports Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0 for PC and Internet Explorer 5.1.6 and 5.2.2 for Mac. Netscape 4.7x and above (but not version 6 or 7). The Web site also requires screen resolution 600 x 800 (640 x 480 resolution users should still be able to view all content, but vertical and horizontal scroll bars may need to be used).
Balances/transaction updates: Transactions between HSBC Bank Australia accounts are processed immediately. To ensure an overnight payment, requests must be received by 4pm that day. Otherwise, the payment will be the next night, BPay requests prior to 6pm AEST are processed the same day (6pm is BPay cut off time).
Average downtime for 2002: Less than 0.5 percent.
Average transaction time: Depends on the type Internet connection, and the transaction being carried out, most transactions are completed between 30 and 60 seconds.
Account integration: Total Wealth Summary Page: Allows customers to view their total financial picture, providing a consolidated view of all of accounts, investments, assets and liabilities. Additional liabilities and assets can be added by clicking 'edit' and entering the details. Customers can also view current exchange rates and see if they have new messages from HSBC, such as payment confirmations. HSBC also offers an account summary page: provides customers with an overview of HSBC accounts. An Account Details screen contains information about the account such as debit interest, credit interest and credit tax for the previous financial year.
Consumer services:
- Information about everyday accounts
- Investment accounts and loan accounts including a history of transactions
- Facility to transfer to accounts with HSBC Bank Australia, to other local banks within Australia or up to 48 different countries around the world
- Scheduled payments
- BPay services
- Term deposit applications/maturity instructions
- Change Internet PIN
- Cheque tracking and stopping
- Update personal account detail
- Download transaction history details to Microsoft Money and Quicken
- Send secure messages for account related enquiries
- Request for previous statements
- Access to MLHSBC share trading.
Company services: Online business banking offers a full complement of currency trading, finance, business transactions, investment banking and managed funds.
Extras: Insurance quotes, Online Savings account applications, download application forms for Personal Loans and Visa cards, investments and broking details if from MLHSBC.
Unfortunately, the reviews only give the features of the banking sites. I have an HSBC, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ and UK based First Direct bank account.
I can say for a fact that the HSBC online banking facility is very poor in comparison to the others with possibly the worst most cryptic transaction list of all the institutions I know of! Looking at the transaction list is totally cryptic and users have to click on every transaction to see what it is - even an ATM withdrawal!!! Not only that but HSBC is extremely slow. However, their online savings account is excellent and offers me the most attractive interest rates.
My favourite is Commonwealth Bank Netbank for it's simplicity and speed. ANZ is also good but has far more clutter on the screen.