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HSBC wire transfers review

The ins and outs of transferring funds around the globe with this provider.

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With HSBC’s Global Transfers, you can transfer funds between your eligible HSBC deposit accounts with no transfer fee. Or you can use HSBC’s Wire Transfers option to make an international wire transfer to someone else’s bank account — but for a fee. Whichever option you choose, you’ll first need to have a bank account with HSBC.

How do I make an HSBC international transfer?

To initiate a wire transfer, you must first be an HSBC Personal Internet Banking customer. Then:

  1. Log in to your HSBC Personal Internet Banking account.
  2. Select the My HSBC tab and click Pay or transfer under the Move Money section.
  3. Select the account you wish to make a payment from, then click the New Payee tab.
  4. Click the Wire transfer tab and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the wire transfer request.

HSBC wire transfer fees

HSBC transfer fees depend on how you’re sending the transfer and whether you’re sending or receiving an international wire transfer. Some accounts allow for free international wire transfers between HSBC accounts, but others use HSBC’s default fee schedule:

OutgoingIncomingBetween qualifying HSBC accounts
Domestic wire transfer$35$15Free
International wire transfer$35$15Free

Note: Wire transfer fees from May 2020.

A notable advantage of using the HSBC Global Transfers service is that no fees apply to your international transactions — but this only applies to transfers between your own HSBC accounts.

However, a service fee is charged by the bank for every international wire transfer you send. You’ll be able to review any charges that apply to each transfer before you make your transaction.

HSBC exchange rates

You’ll need to consider the exchange rate that applies whenever you send money overseas, and HSBC updates its rates frequently to keep pace with market fluctuations. You’ll be able to review the live exchange rate that applies to each transaction before you make a transfer — but using the global transfers service to send money between your accounts entitles you to preferential exchange rates from the bank.

Must read: Who charges less

Independent transfer services usually win out over banks when it comes to fees. There are several providers who will send a transfer for free with competitive exchange rates, including OFX, Xe and Wise.

Transfer limits and available countries

As HSBC is an international bank, you can use the Global Transfers service to send funds to eligible HSBC deposit accounts in more than 45 countries around the world. The maximum amount you can send per day using this service is $200,000.

With wire transfers, you can send your funds to financial institutions in most countries around the world. However, there are some countries where US banks will not send your funds, such as:

  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Cuba
  • North Korea

See how other services compare to HSBC

Our table lets you compare the services you can use to send money abroad. Compare services on transfer speeds and fees, then click Go to site when you're ready to send.
1 - 12 of 12
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Airwallex
Airwallex
Within minutes
$0
After spending $15k in your first 90 days, receive a one-time $500 bonus that will automatically be credited to your account on any FX conversion.
Airwallex can help you make business payments to 150+ countries in 60+ currencies.
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
CurrencyTransfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
Xe Money Transfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
Currencies Direct (business)
24 hours
$0
Minimizes costs of international transactions and offers custom solutions for business clients. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
Xe
Within minutes
$3
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
Currencies Direct
24 hours
$0
CurrenciesDirect makes transferring money abroad simple with bank-beating exchange rates. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
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What types of transfers can I make with HSBC?

  • Wire Transfers. Send money from your HSBC deposit accounts to other people, businesses and financial institutions around the world. Initiate a transfer through your online account, completing an online transfer request form with your recipient’s name, address and bank account number. You’ll also need to supply your recipient bank’s routing number or SWIFT code.
  • Global Transfers. HSBC Premier and Advance account holders can use HSBC’s Global Transfers, which allows you to send up to $200,000 per transaction per day between your eligible HSBC deposit account (except CDs and online payment accounts) and your HSBC accounts throughout the world. No fees are attached to these transfers, and you can initiate them by logging on to your personal Internet banking account.

Whichever option you choose, HSBC transfers the funds to your recipient’s account as soon as possible. Wire transfer requests received by 4:15 pm ET are processed on the same day, while transfers requested after 4:15 pm ET are processed the next business day.

Pros and cons of using HSBC

Pros

  • Trusted global bank. HSBC is one of the biggest banks in the world.
  • Secure and convenient. Whether you’re sending HSBC global transfers or an international wire transfer, HSBC offers safe and easy international money transfer solutions.
  • Same-day transfers. International wire transfers initiated before 4:15 p.m. ET are processed by HSBC Bank USA on the same day.

Cons

  • Wire transfer fees. You’ll need to pay a service fee for each international wire transfer you send to a non-HSBC account or an HSBC account that does not belong to you. Check the prepayment and receipt disclosures associated with your account to confirm the fee you’ll pay for each transaction.
  • Security device. You may be required to obtain an HSBC security device that requires two-factor authentication to make a transfer. You have the option of using a digital device via the HSBC mobile banking app or a portable physical device.

HSBC SWIFT/BIC information

Bank nameSWIFT/BICBank addressRecipient’s nameRecipient’s account number
HSBC BankMRMDUS33452 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10018Beneficiary’s name as it appears on the bank statementComplete bank account number

More about HSBC?

Established in London by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in 1991, HSBC Holdings is a multinational financial services provider with roots dating back to the 1860s. The third-largest bank in the world in terms of assets, HSBC has operations across 80 countries and territories around the world.

HSBC Bank USA services more than 2.4 million customers across the US, from retail and commercial banking to wealth management, asset management and more. HSBC Bank USA has more than 230 branches throughout the US.

What other products does HSBC offer?

  • Checking and saving accounts. Manage your ongoing financial needs, from basic accounts with essential features right through to high-end accounts that help you get more out of your money.
  • Credit and debit cards. Whether you’re looking for a platinum-level rewards card or a basic card for emergency purchases, you’ll find a card with HSBC.
  • International banking solutions. From international mortgages to helping those who are relocating overseas, HSBC Bank USA offers a wide range of international banking services.
  • Mortgages and home equity loans. Own your next home sooner or take advantage of the equity in your current property with a range of flexible mortgage solutions.
  • Investment products. Invest in mutual funds, fixed-income products, ETFs, equities and more with help from HSBC.
  • Insurance. HSBC Bank USA offers life insurance, long-term-care coverage and disability insurance.

Bottom line

Whatever the reason you need to transfer funds across international borders, HSBC offers two money transfer options that may be worth considering. But before you decide on the right solution for your funds transfer needs, compare the features and benefits of a range of providers.

Frequently asked questions