HSBC

HSBC customers are spoilt for choice when it comes to contacting customer support. The HSBC contact centre hotline operates round the clock giving account holders 24/7 access to customer support. In addition, HSBC customer can contact a personal banking representative directly by email or by using the online enquiry form. HSBC also gives its customers the option of directing customer enquiries through Twitter. Customers also have the option of chatting directly with HSBC customer support through the online chat function on the HSBC website.

• Customer service (phone, email branch)

• Mobile app

• Online banking

• Live Chat

Borrowers wanting to apply for an HSBC home loan can either complete an online enquiry form, pop into a branch or call through to the Contact Centre for more support. Before applying for an HSBC home loan, consider what you can afford to borrow and what other costs you need to factor in. To apply for an HSBC home loan, you will need to supply the following information:

• Proof of identity by providing 100 points of identification.
• Proof of income and employment including employers contact details.
• Provide a list of debts, assets and liabilities.

HSBC home loans are popular options for investors buying property using foreign currency (expatriate home loans and market linked home loans) thanks to the bank’s large presence in Hong Kong.

However, it also offers a range of other home loans, including owner-occupier home loans, local investor home loans, construction loans and lines of credit.

HSBC offers home loans to suit a variety of borrowers in Australia:

• Investors
• First homebuyers
• Renovators
• Upgraders
• Refinancers
• Seniors (home equity loans)

Borrowers can also choose from a variety of interest rate options on HSBC mortgages:

• Principal-and-interest home loans
• Interest-only home loans
• Split home loans
• Variable interest rates
• Fixed interest rates

Some HSBC home loans come with limited-time interest rate discounts and other introductory offers. HSBC Premier home loans also offer additional benefits to customers who meet the eligibility requirements.

HSBC home loan rates range from moderately low to high depending on the type of borrower and home loan. Generally speaking, owner occupiers paying principal and interest receive the lowest interest rates while investors paying interest only receive the highest interest rates.

Home loan rates can also vary based on whether they are variable or fixed, and how much of a deposit is put down.

Typically, HSBC borrowers who can make large deposits can also negotiate lower interest rates. With this in mind, HSBC home loans are generally geared towards customers with existing capital – although high-LVR loans are available in some circumstances.

In terms of fees, upfront fees tend to be high, while ongoing fees tend to be very low. A discharge fee may also apply at the end of the loan term. Loan repayments can be made weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

HSBC offers a range of home loan options, primarily aimed at overseas and local investors. However, it also offers home loans for first homebuyers, upgraders and refinancers.

While some HSBC home loans come with moderately low interest rates, others attract high interest rates – so it’s important to compare what’s on the market before deciding if an HSBC home loan is the most suitable option.

Similarly, some HSBC mortgages come with an offset account and redraw facility while others don’t, meaning the level of flexibility depends on the type of home loan chosen.

Although HSBC is an established and well-known bank, it isn’t necessarily the cheapest when it comes to interest rates and fees. Borrowers may get the most value out of their home loan by taking advantage of rate discounts, special offers or other benefits through HSBC Premier.