Key features:
HSBC’s Everyday Global Account is something super special. For starters, you can have your salary deposited into it, pay bills with it and spend at your local shops, just like you would any other everyday transaction account. There's no minimum deposit or minimum balance requirements and you can also make unlimited free transactions online, over the phone, via EFTPOS, BPAY or direct debits, as well as using HSBC ATMs fee-free.
But where the Everyday Global Account really stands out is that it allows you to keep up to ten currencies in one bank account, including AUD, USD, EUR, SGD, NZD, JPY GBP, CAD, HKD and CNY (currency restrictions apply). That way, you can use the linked Visa debit card around the world, and pay in the local currency.
There are a couple of options for how to do this - first, you can exchange currency online and access real time exchange rates. Doing this means the local currency is sitting ready in your account, and any spend will be deducted from that currency’s balance.
The other option is for the funds to be automatically converted from your Aussie dollar balance when you make a transaction. This option is handy if you aren’t able to make an exchange beforehand, or need to pay in a currency other than the 10 you can have in your account. Just keep in mind that in this case, you won’t know which exchange rate you’re getting.
The account comes with no overseas ATM* or transaction fees, whether you’re spending online at your favourite international shops, or withdrawing cash at over 2 million ATMs around the world. Plus you can make purchases using Paywave, Google Pay and Apple Pay.
The Everyday Global Visa Debit Card also comes with the same security as a credit card, including Visa Zero Liability, to keep your spending safe.
*HSBC charges no ATM fees, but some ATM providers may charge a separate fee.
Who it's good for:
If you travel often or love to shop online at global retailers, then the HSBC Everyday Global Account is tailor made for you. It might also be a top pick for anyone else who needs an account they can use in Australia or overseas, like expats juggling banking in two countries.
Any catches?
If you’re planning to spend up big, keep in mind that there is a $1,000 daily ATM withdrawal limit, though you can request for this to be bumped up to $2,000.
One other thing to remember is that real time currency exchange rates are available only between 8am Monday and 11.59pm Friday Australian Eastern Standard Time (excluding public, currency and US holidays). This won’t stop you from using your card to pay outside of these hours, but it means the conversion will be at the current HSBC exchange rate at the time of the purchase.
So, say you want to make a purchase on a Sunday and don’t have enough of the local currency. You won’t be able to make the exchange before making a purchase, instead it will be automatically converted from your Australian dollars account and you'll get the exchange rate available at the time.
