FAQ - common questions answered
Click the 'plus' symbol or text for more information.
Click the 'plus' symbol or text for more information.
Why bank or invest offshore with HSBC Bank International?We offer:
- Access to your money anywhere in the world, in a range of currencies
- Tax-efficient offshore savings and investments†
- A name you can trust
† All interest is currently paid gross. However, if you are residing in the EU, credit interest may be subject to a retention tax. As an alternative, you can opt to have your account details reported ultimately to your local tax authority. Learn more
Offshore banking / investing is simply banking or investing in a jurisdiction other than the one in which you live.
Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are established offshore centres.
You could benefit if you're planning to move or retire abroad, or are already living in another country. You may also benefit if you have homes or commitments in more than one country.
If you live in a country which is politically or economically unstable, you may choose to place your money offshore in order to protect your assets more effectively.
You can choose to have your offshore account with HSBC Bank International opened in either the offshore jurisdiction of Isle of Man or Jersey, Channel Islands. You will be able to specify where you would like to have your account opened when you fill in our account application form.
For further information on the offshore jurisdictions of Isle of Man or Jersey please call us on + 44 1534 616 111.
Some countries require residents to declare their income on a worldwide basis, where tax is payable on all your income. In certain circumstances the income of an entity which you control may also be taxable.
For this reason, most countries have no restrictions on where your business interests, investments or bank accounts may be located. It's your responsibility to report income to your appropriate tax authority.
For more guidance on specific countries, take a look at our Global Tax Navigator.
Bank accounts
- Usually the first account people open with us
- Minimum opening balance: £5,000, US$10000 or €10000
- Preferential rates on many Premier savings accounts, subject to standard interest rates being more than 0%
- The advice and insight of our Premier Relationship Managers
- Minimum required to be held in savings and investments with us: £60,000 (or currency equivalent)
- A full private banking relationship to support every aspect of your wealth management
- Minimum required to be held in savings and investments with us: £1million (or currency equivalent)
- You can make lump sum investments from just £/US$/€5,000
- Or you can make regular investments into an investment plan from just £/ US$/€200 a month subject to achieving a minimum investment of £/US$/€2,000
Investments - International Wealth Management
- You can make lump sum investments from just £25,000 (US$/€50,000)
- Or you can make regular investments into an investment plan from just £/ US$/€200 a month subject to achieving a minimum investment of £/US$/€2,000
Absolutely. Our Internet Banking service gives you direct control over your money, from anywhere in the world, anytime.
You never actually need to visit us in person. You can manage your money remotely, from wherever you are.
You can also give instructions to top up, sell or switch many of your HSBC International investments online.
Bank Accounts - sterling, US dollar or euro
There's no account opening fee for our Offshore Bank Account, and savings accounts. However, for Offshore Bank Accounts a minimum relationship balance of £25,000 (or currency equivalent) must be maintained, to prevent a £20 monthly service charge from being applied to your account. Click here for more information.
Bank Accounts – other currencies
If you would like a current account in a currency other than sterling, and require a chequebook, then our Cheque Deposit Account is the account for you. This account has a maintenance fee of the currency equivalent of £15, every 6 months.
Investments
Initial Charge
There is an initial charge for all new investments.
This is reflected in the difference between the offer price at which you buy shares and the bid price at which you can sell.
The difference between the offer and bid prices is commonly referred to as the ‘bid – offer spread’.
The initial charge for each of our funds is as follows:
- US Index Fund - 1% (for investments via our website)
- Freedom sub-funds - 5.25%
- International Select Fund – 5.25%
- Capital Secured Growth Funds – the charges are contained within the brochure published for each launch
Annual management charge
There's also an annual management charge to cover investment management and administration costs.
This fee is calculated on a daily basis and deducted from the capital value of the fund. The charge varies between different funds and fund classes, and you'll find the details in the fund brochure and prospectus.
Browse products and services by currency:
sterling / US dollars / euro / other
Our advisers can offer help and guidance on everything from investments to life cover, including saving for the future, mortgage protection, and retirement and estate planning. Request a financial planning review
Our International Wealth Managers are able to offer you a choice of investments from a wide range of well-established and reputable companies.
We aim to ensure that any investment we recommend meets your requirements in terms of investment performance, financial stability and service.
Absolutely. It’s up to you how you invest.
If you want, you can build up your investments through a series of small, regular monthly payments over time.
Contributions can be made direct from your account by standing order, eliminating unnecessary administration on your part.
You'll find the latest share prices on this website.
We'll send you an update about the performance of your investment every six months. Internet Banking customers can also monitor the value of investments online.
