Part of our HSBC UK — Complete Guide 2026 hub.
HSBC UK’s standard current account is free to hold, but charges apply for overdrafts, international spending, and certain payment types. Here’s a clear breakdown of every fee you’re likely to encounter as an HSBC customer in 2026.
HSBC UK Fees at a Glance
| Charge | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard Bank Account monthly fee | £0 |
| HSBC Advance monthly fee | £0 (eligibility criteria apply) |
| HSBC Premier monthly fee | £0 (eligibility criteria apply) |
| Arranged overdraft interest | ~39.9% EAR |
| Unarranged overdraft | ~39.9% EAR |
| UK ATM withdrawal | Free |
| Overseas ATM withdrawal | 2.99% non-sterling fee |
| Foreign card transaction | 2.99% non-sterling fee |
| Faster Payments | Free |
| CHAPS payment | Fee applies — check HSBC website |
| Standing orders | Free |
| Direct debits | Free |
Monthly Account Fees
HSBC’s standard Bank Account carries no monthly fee. It’s a basic current account with a debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to HSBC’s branch network.
HSBC also offers more feature-rich accounts with eligibility criteria rather than fees:
HSBC Advance
HSBC Advance is free to hold but requires you to pay in a minimum amount each month (typically £1,750) or have a qualifying mortgage or investment with HSBC. Benefits include access to a preferential Regular Saver rate and some additional banking features.
HSBC Premier
HSBC’s top-tier account, designed for higher earners or those with significant HSBC product holdings. To qualify you typically need to earn above a set income threshold and pay it into your HSBC account, or hold a qualifying mortgage or investment. Benefits include a dedicated Premier Relationship Manager, worldwide travel insurance, and fee-free international transfers in some cases. No monthly charge, but the eligibility bar is high.
Overdraft Fees
HSBC charges interest on overdraft usage rather than flat daily fees. The arranged overdraft rate is approximately 39.9% EAR for most accounts — in line with most high-street banks following the FCA’s 2020 overdraft pricing reforms.
Key points:
- Interest is calculated daily on the overdrawn balance
- Unarranged overdraft usage (going beyond your agreed limit) is charged at the same rate
- You can check your overdraft limit and current usage in the HSBC app under Account details
- Setting up low balance alerts in the app can help you avoid unintentional overdraft use
If you regularly use your overdraft, it’s worth comparing HSBC’s rate against alternatives — some challenger banks offer lower overdraft rates or interest-free buffers.
Foreign Transaction Fees
HSBC charges 2.99% on all non-sterling transactions, including:
- Debit card purchases made abroad
- Online purchases billed in a foreign currency
- ATM withdrawals overseas
At 2.99%, HSBC’s overseas fee is slightly above the 2.75% charged by banks like NatWest and Lloyds — and significantly above fee-free travel accounts. For a £500 spend abroad, HSBC would charge approximately £15 in fees.
Alternatives for overseas spending:
| Provider | Overseas Fee |
|---|---|
| Starling Bank | Free (ATM: free up to £300/month) |
| Chase UK | Free (ATM: free up to £1,500/month) |
| Wise debit card | Small conversion fee only |
| Monzo | Free within monthly allowances |
Many HSBC customers keep a Starling or Chase account specifically for travel use.
Transfer and Payment Fees
- Faster Payments — free, processed 24/7 including weekends
- CHAPS — same-day guaranteed transfers carry a fee (check the HSBC website for the current charge; typically in the range of £17–£25)
- International transfers (SWIFT) — fees vary depending on currency and destination; check the HSBC website or call 03457 404 404
- Standing orders — free to set up and cancel
- Direct debits — free
Note on HSBC Premier international transfers: HSBC Premier customers may receive preferential rates or fee-free international transfers depending on the destination currency. Check the terms of your Premier account.
HSBC Advance and Premier — Additional Benefits vs Fees
If you meet the eligibility criteria, HSBC Advance and Premier represent good value since they’re effectively free accounts with added benefits. However, if you fall below the qualifying threshold after opening, HSBC may move you to the standard Bank Account — worth being aware of if your income or product holdings change.
How to Check Your Current Fees
Fee schedules can change. The most reliable sources are:
- The HSBC app — go to Account details or the dedicated fees section
- Your account’s Terms and Conditions document
- The HSBC fees page on the HSBC website