Tom Sawyer

For those of you that have HSBC Online Savings Accounts in Australia, watch out for the change in thresholds to get the higher interest rate. It is now moving from $2000 to $5000 in late December.
With First Direct in the UK setting minimum account balances this week as well I am not that impressed with whole HSBC group. So much for cutomer loyalty.

renth

BankWest Telebank Saver a/c is paying 6.8% at the moment, worth a look.

sassie

We have an online savings account with them, but to be honest, don’t actually use it as a savings account, as we rarely keep more than $2,000 in it at the moment anyway. We use ING direct as our savings, which is linked to our HSBC account, it pays a lot higher interest at 6% and theres no minimum amount to earn the high interest.

Tom Sawyer

we have a couple of INGs as well for savings. We use the OSA as the day to day "current" accounts, so going to look round and see what else there is to offer in the cheque accounts.

gedge

where'd did that come from? i haven't seen anything about it

Tom Sawyer

On my latest statement and is also on the rates info section on the website. I've e-mailed them in my Victor Meldrew way, not that it will make any diffrence. Seems odd to do this whilst rates are rising.

Wol

I've just looked at the website and it says nothing about the "minimum" going to $5000.

It *does* show a higher rate if your savings are above $500,000 - perhaps you've mistaken this?

The minimum for the *normal* higher rate is still $2000, according to the site.

Wol

Oops!

Going further down the links shows what you say is correct! The "front" page still shows the old payment regime, which is as far as I went initially.

Sorry!

h2oskineil

What is the 'new' minimum account balance with First Direct? I have not been informed of any changes.

Neil.

Dreamy

First Direct are going to introduce a £10 monthly charge for current accounts, unless you fill the following criteria:

Have a minimum of £1500 paid in monthly
or
Have a balance of at least £1500
or
Have another First Direct product (eg savings account, credit card, insurance etc)

http://www.easier.com/view/News/Fina...cle-83471.html

its been all over the news in the UK this week

Lynne