{"id":514244,"date":"2025-02-05T10:19:20","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T10:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?p=514244"},"modified":"2026-02-06T16:19:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T16:19:45","slug":"hsbc-global-money-account-review-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/hsbc-global-money-account-review-2","title":{"rendered":"HSBC Global Money Account review"},"content":{"rendered":"

HSBC is offering a multi-currency debit card designed to cut your foreign transaction fees when you’re abroad. If you want information on HSBC’s other accounts, check out our guide to HSBC’s current accounts<\/a> to see more. <\/p>

It lets you convert and store up to 18 different currencies in virtual wallets, which can all be managed through HSBC’s app.<\/p>

What is the HSBC Global Money Account?<\/h3>

The Global Money account is only available in HSBC\u2019s mobile banking app. Using the app, you can convert pounds sterling into 18 different currencies, which can then be stored in virtual wallets within the account.<\/p>

It\u2019s a fairly new account that was launched in October 2022, allowing HSBC customers to enjoy fee-free spending while abroad. <\/p>

By comparison, many bank accounts will charge foreign transaction fees of up to 3%, which can quickly add up. Find out how to avoid non-sterling transaction fees<\/a>.<\/p>

It also offers a multi-currency debit card to use when you\u2019re abroad \u2014 though you have to request this separately after the Global Money account has been opened.<\/p>

How does it work?<\/h3>

Once the account is open, you\u2019ll immediately get access to a digital card, which you can add to things like Apple Pay or Google Pay. But if you want a physical card then you have to order one through the app, which will be delivered to your home address.<\/p>

You can add pounds to the account through the app and swap them for another currency. Your card can be used like a normal debit card and HSBC won\u2019t charge you foreign transaction fees for spending and withdrawing cash. <\/p>

If you\u2019re abroad and paying for something in the local currency, the account will automatically deduct money from the wallet that contains that currency (provided you have already loaded it into your account). So if you\u2019re paying for something in euros, it will automatically deduct funds from your euro wallet. <\/p>

But if you don\u2019t have funds in a particular currency, the account will deduct money from your pounds sterling balance instead.<\/p>

What currencies can you hold?<\/h3>

Once you\u2019ve added sterling to your Global Money account, you can convert it into different currencies. Each type of currency will be held in its own wallet. <\/p>

You can then hold onto the currency for as long as you want, meaning you might be able to take advantage of favourable exchange rates months before you go away. <\/p>

So, for example, if you have booked a holiday in April but the exchange rate is looking good in January, you can convert currency and transfer it to your wallet ready for your trip.<\/p>

You\u2019ll find the full list of supported currencies on HSBC\u2019s website. <\/p>

What are the eligibility requirements?<\/h3>

This account is not open to everyone – to be eligible you have to have an active current account with HSBC. <\/p>

Certain types of HSBC current accounts are excluded from this, such as its basic bank account, Amanah, Appointee and MyAccount.<\/p>

You also need HSBC\u2019s mobile banking app (you can\u2019t open or use the account without it), plus a valid email address.<\/p>

How to open an account<\/h3>

You must have the HSBC banking app to be eligible for this account. It\u2019s an app-based account so the only way to apply is through the app.<\/p>

To get started, you need to:<\/p>