To the point
HSBC Canada launches HSBC EasyID to simplify online credit card and chequing account applications.
HSBC Bank Canada aims to differentiate itself from the competition in Canada by offering unique products such as:
- The HSBC World EliteMD MastercardMD: one of the only credit cards in Canada with no foreign transaction fee, offering $100 in travel credit each year and up to 6 points per dollar for travel
- The HSBC Travel Rewards Mastercard®: a no annual fee credit card for travellers.
- The HSBC +Rewards™ Mastercard®: one of the credit cards that offers both rewards and a low-interest rate
- HSBC Premier and HSBC Advance chequing accounts, perfect for international customers
However, a recurring problem was the need for many new customers to visit an HSBC branch for an identity verification process.
This process is common for most institutions in Canada to prevent any risk of fraud related to online applications. Although inconvenient, this process was only a formality for residents of large urban areas such as Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Vancouver, Toronto, etc., with HSBC branches.
However, we have seen members of the Milesopedia Facebook group being much more embarrassed: the nearest branch being several hundred kilometres away!
The HSBC EasyID process
Now, the process of opening an account online, whether for a credit card or a chequing account, will be greatly simplified with HSBC EasyID.
HSBC EasyID provides instant identity verification. Before you start, you’ll need to have one of the following pieces of I.D. on-hand (make sure the I.D you are using hasn’t expired):
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Provincial government Issued I.D.
Next, here is the HSBC EasyID application process – when applying for the HSBC World Elite® Mastercard® for example:
- You will start by entering your information
- If you do not apply from your mobile phone, you’ll then be asked to switch to your mobile phone to continue your application by validating your identity with one of the pieces of I.D above
- You will take a picture of your ID with your mobile phone
- You will take a selfie or a short video
- You will then be sent back to your computer (or can continue the application from your mobile phone) to answer a few more questions
HSBC Canada told us that the HSBC EasyID process would be available to as many people as possible. However, in exceptional cases, a branch visit cannot be avoided.
Current HSBC offers
HSBC World Elite® Mastercard®
The HSBC World Elite Mastercard is an excellent no-conversion-fee credit card for foreign currency purchases, especially for your travel purchases.
For a limited time, you can get:
- Up to 110,000 points* (a $550 value in travel rewards) if you live in Quebec and with no minimum purchase!
- Up to 80,000 points* (a $400 value in travel rewards) and first-year annual fee waiver if you live outside Quebec
With the HSBC World Elite® Mastercard®, you can earn:
- 6 points per dollar for travel purchases (flights, hotels, Airbnb, all-inclusive, etc.)
- 4 points per dollar for grocery, gas or drugstore purchases
- 2 points per dollar for all other purchases (including Costco)
This means a 1 to 3% return, depending on your purchases!
You can easily redeem your points on any travel purchase made with the HSBC World Elite Mastercard (flights, hotels, Airbnb, all-inclusive, etc). But you can also transfer your points to three airline loyalty programs: British Airways Executive Club, Asia Miles and Singapore Airlines Krisflyer.
In addition, the HSBC World Elite Mastercard comes with:
- $100 Annual Travel Credit (for airport lounges, for example)
- Access to Boingo WiFi hotspots around the world
- 10% discount for hotel bookings on Expedia or Agoda
- Premium insurance for your travels and purchases
Finally, the HSBC World Elite Mastercard does not charge any conversion fees for foreign exchange transactions: you save 2.5% for each transaction.
HSBC Travel Rewards Mastercard
With the HSBC Travel Rewards Mastercard®, you can earn 25,000 points as a welcome bonus with no minimum spending (for Quebec).
With this no annual fee credit card, you get:
- 3 points per dollar on travel purchases
- 2 points per dollar on gas and everyday transportation purchases
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
You can use your points to pay for travel or to get many other rewards.
In addition, you will get Trip Interruption Insurance, Baggage Delay Insurance, Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance, Extended Warranty Insurance and Purchase Insurance.
HSBC +Rewards™ Mastercard®
With the HSBC Travel Rewards Mastercard®, you can earn 25,000 points as a welcome bonus with no minimum spending (for Quebec).
With this no annual fee credit card, you get:
- 3 points per dollar on travel purchases
- 2 points per dollar on gas and everyday transportation purchases
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
You can use your points to pay for travel or to get many other rewards.
In addition, you will get Trip Interruption Insurance, Baggage Delay Insurance, Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance, Extended Warranty Insurance and Purchase Insurance.
Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
