HSBC launches Early Bird Student Bank Account

HSBC has launched a new bank account for final year high school students preparing for university. The HSBC Early Bird Student Bank Account is available to students from the age of 17 and has most of the features of the HSBC Student Bank Account, including:

Internet banking 24/7 enabling customers to access and manage their money at any time;

An international Debit Card and access to local currency at over a million cash machines worldwide;

A standing order / Direct Debit facility;

Quarterly statements;

A cheque book, if required;

Mobile banking, so they can check their balance and get mini statements on their mobile;

Mobile phone top-ups at HSBC cash machines;

Online budgeting tools to enable students to manage their finances;

Access to student advisors across the HSBC branch network, including specialist student zones and on-campus branches in key university cities.

Once they turn 18 and they have confirmed places at university, they are entitled to the following additional features:

Up to £2,000 interest free overdraft;
£1,000 interest-free in the first year;
£1,250 in the second year;
£1,500 in the third year;
£1,750 in the fourth year; and
£2,000 in the fifth year (depending on the course studied);
No overdraft fees;

Two years worldwide travel insurance to cover their first two student summers1 (full terms and conditions of the policy available in branch or online);

Overdraft limit alerts at HSBC cash machines;

Variable credit interest on the first £1,000 in their account during the first year at university;

Environmentally friendly option available, students can choose to turn off their paper statements;

Optional student credit card2 with typical 18.9 per cent APR (variable) and a credit limit of up to £500.

Lucy Payne, HSBC's Youth Manager said: "Getting ready for uni generally means running around to get everything ready and sorted before they start. Now with HSBC's Early Bird Student Bank Account, that's one less thing they'll have to worry about. We know it's more important to provide our customers with a straightforward and honest service, rather than so many of the gimmicks offered these days, which is why we offer students a service that will help them get through their university years with peace of mind, knowing they will always have access to the help and advice they need."

To help students get to grips with their finances, HSBC has also developed a student website, talkingmoney.hsbc.co.uk providing advice and an interactive online service to all students, irrespective of whether they bank with HSBC or not. The site is designed for students and recent graduates to share their experiences online and advise on a variety of issues including courses and the work involved, the worries over student accommodation, finances, banking, budgeting and part time work.