HSBC: From USA --> To UK [Costs / Discounts]

I'm considering opening an HSBC Account in the US in anticipation to my move to the UK within 6 months and later opening an HSBC account in the UK, whether the PASSPORT Account or any other way.

Has any one had a recent and decent good experience with such related matters?

On HSBC US Website, I notice that for A PLUS Checking Account, one benefit (with footnote #6) says:  "50% discount on International Banking Center Services for facilitating the opening of HSBC accounts in qualifying countries outside of the United States."

Has anyone made use of this?
I know PASSPORT is £60, and I've 'heard' about a $200 fee for opening abroad account in UK.   
With the 50% does that mean it would only be $100. 
And would the 50% apply to the opening of a passport account?

I tried calling HSBC on the phone but the person was not aware, although they did not sounds like they were in the US...
I will try calling again tomorrow AND/or visiting a branch... 

Am I on the right track here, or are there other better ways?

THANK YOU!!

Stacey in NY.

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=49354.0

Does any one know if the difference is that the $200 accounts can be opened immediately while for the Passport account you have to actually go finalize the opening by visiting a branch in the UK after arriving?

Has Anyone who opened a PASSPORT Account used the RED24 (www.red24.info/relocate) Relocation Services and did they find them useful?

If not, I think opening a regular account for $100 ($200 * 50% off) seems better than opening the passport account for $90 (£60 *1.5), given than some people say that the PASSPORT Account can seem like a joke when it comes to proof of address...

Is that so?

Regular HSBC UK account for $100? Tell me more.

Well, I 'll confirm that to you when I've actually done it...
I went to a branch today and asked about opening a PLUS Checking Account and getting 50% off new accounts abroad.  The lady didnt knonw so she called someone and they told her it was only for online apps.   So I completed my application online (after calling HSBC US and the International Banking Center to confirm that I would get 50% off on the $200 fee.  they said yes.  Plus I also opened my account through the link offer at http://www.us.hsbc.com/checkit which give me an additional $75 cash back.  So I'm hoping that in essence it costs me $25 to open the UK Account abroad...   but, we'll have to wait and see because you never know.

I just went today to my local branch near work, with the intent of opening up the passport account as I don't have a perm. uk address yet.  Anyway, the customer service agent informed me that if I just got a letter from my employer confirming I am at the current temporary address (with a friend) they can open up the better account (I forget what it's called, but just need a minimum of 500 deposited each month, which would be my paycheck, anyway) account tomorrow using my passport, the confirmation letter, and that's it.  I'm bringing along my job contract and HSBC US bank statements just in case as they prove my address at home, but that's it.  No fees and all the other opportunities for getting uk credit cards/overdraft, etc.

Passport doesn't include a checkbook, which bothered me.  Not that I'd be writing any for anything but rent, but I like to have one. 

NYStacey, what is the premise for the 50% off? I mean, how where and how do I find this info, so I can ask for it, too when I call HSBC International?

Thanks!

go to the hsbc us website, select or browse through to the PLUS Checking Learn More Page, and it will have several footnotes.  I believe Footnote #6 is the one.  Let me know if that worked for you.  Don't for get the extra $75, offer ends end of Jan09.  Plus Checking required a big minimum however, which is or may be an inconvenience.

I wonder if you can also open an HSBC UK Credit Card through them.  I guess I'll have to ask them that next, as I guess the fee is for not one but any number of accounts...