Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the McAfee offer not available for Mac users?
We are conscious of digital exclusion and make a point of enabling Internet Banking services across a range of platforms including Mac and Linux, so when we negotiated this 'free for a year' security suite we specifically asked for it to cover as wide a set of operating systems as possible. However, the commercial reality is that so few Mac or Linux buy such security suites, that McAfee have recently dropped their non-PC security application from their current product offering.

The www.getsafeonline.org internet security website, of which HSBC is a founder partner, contains good advice, aimed at Mac users, by Mac experts.

Is the McAfee software compatible with Vista 32/64 bit?
Yes. But please note that we are unable to offer advice on technical issues. For such advice please contact McAfee directly on http://service.mcafee.com.

I have already installed antivirus software. Should I also download McAfee? You should not run two anti-virus programs at the same time, as they tend to trip over each other. Please therefore uninstall your existing software if you wish to try the Mcafee security suite.

When I tried to download McAfee I was asked to pay. Why?
In order to qualify for this offer you do need to be logged into Personal Internet Banking and then follow our link to McAfee. Only use the download button shown on that page. If you have previously registered with McAfee, then they will already hold your email address. This means that when you try to download the software you will be advised of a charge. If however you use a different email address there will be no charge.