HSBC Expat Banking for Canadians Moving to the UK
Moving from Canada to the UK can be much easier when your banking is organised early. HSBC Expat may be useful for Canadians moving internationally, managing money across currencies, or wanting to organise their UK finances before arriving.
Through the Canadians in London partner route, eligible applicants can use referral code PDL when applying to HSBC Expat.
If you are applying to HSBC Expat after finding the service through Canadians in London, please enter partner code PDL when prompted.
This helps HSBC Expat identify applications through the CIL partner channel and allows CIL, where appropriate, to liaise with HSBC Expat’s account management team if an applicant needs help finding the right contact or their application requires follow-up.
During the application, look for: Got a referral or offer code?
Then select: From an HSBC partner
And enter: PDL
How to apply
Visit the HSBC Expat application page to start your application.
When asked whether you have a referral or offer code, select the HSBC partner option and enter referral code PDL.
Complete the application directly with HSBC Expat. HSBC Expat will review your eligibility, application and required documents.
Sole and joint applications
For sole applicants, HSBC Expat may direct you to complete the process through the HSBC mobile app.
For joint applicants, the application route may differ and may be completed online depending on HSBC’s current process.
If you want your application linked to the CIL partner route, make sure referral code PDL is entered when prompted.
Why apply through the CIL partner route?
Applying through the CIL partner route may help eligible applicants access a clearer onboarding pathway with HSBC Expat.
We provide
A dedicated HSBC Expat partner route for CIL members with
help identifying the correct HSBC Expat contact - if your application requires follow-up & partner onboarding support.
What HSBC Expat offer
HSBC Expat provides international banking services for people living, working or moving abroad. Its Expat Bank Account is designed for people managing money internationally.
What HSBC Expat offers to eligible applicants:
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Sterling, US dollar and euro current accounts
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Selected multi-currency savings options
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Online, mobile and telephone banking
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International banking support
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Foreign exchange and international payment services
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Access to wider HSBC Expat products and resources
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Some HSBC Expat services, including savings, foreign exchange, investments, wealth management and mortgages, may involve regulated financial products.
Is HSBC Expat right for everyone?
HSBC Expat will not be the right option for everyone.
If you do not meet HSBC Expat’s eligibility criteria, or if you want to compare alternatives, you may wish to look at other providers, including UK high-street banks, digital banks, Wise and other international account providers. Wise is often used for international transfers, multi-currency balances and spending between countries, but it is not the same as a full UK high-street bank account. Explore Wise
Fees, exchange rates, account features, eligibility and protections can vary, so always check each provider’s own terms before choosing a banking or money transfer option.CIL does not assess suitability and does not recommend one provider over another. Explore other currency exchange options
Canadians in London provides general information and community signposting only. We are not a bank, financial adviser, mortgage broker, investment adviser, tax adviser or currency adviser, and nothing on this page should be treated as personal financial advice or a recommendation. HSBC Expat is a commercial partner of CIL, and we may receive a referral fee, sponsorship payment or other benefit where eligible applicants apply using our partner referral code. CIL may help direct applicants to the relevant HSBC Expat contact where appropriate, but we do not assess applications, approve accounts, influence eligibility decisions or act on behalf of HSBC Expat. Wise and other providers may also be mentioned for comparison purposes, but all products, fees, eligibility checks, account approvals, protections and regulatory disclosures remain the responsibility of the relevant provider. Please review each provider’s official information and seek independent professional advice where needed.
PDL
Introducing HSBC Expat
An HSBC Expat bank account connects your life abroad with your finances in other parts of the world. It's the one banking relationship you'll always have as an expat, no matter how many times you move.
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Current accounts available in pound sterling, US dollar and euro
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Choose to open additional savings accounts in up to 19 currencies
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Manage foreign currencies and enjoy exclusive rates with our HSBC Expat FX app
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Easy access to your accounts with our mobile banking app, online banking and telephone banking
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Complimentary travel security services from Crisis24
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Receive personal support from our offices in Jersey (Channel Islands) and Hong Kong
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Set up local bank accounts ready for when you arrive in a new country
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Access to insights and expat planning resources including Expat Country guides and tax guidance
Is HSBC Expat for you?
An HSBC Expat account would benefit you, if:
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You've recently moved or are planning to move abroad
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You expect to move regularly between different countries / regions
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You make regular international payments, or have assets abroad
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You have family abroad, such as children studying oversea
HSBC Premier
To open an HSBC Premier account you must be over 18 and:
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Live in an eligible country or region
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Earn a salary of at least £120,000 (or currency equivalent), or hold £50,000 with us
Frequently asked questions
Does CIL decide whether my HSBC Expat account is approved? No. HSBC Expat is responsible for all eligibility checks, approvals, onboarding decisions, account terms and regulatory disclosures.
Does CIL provide financial advice? No. Canadians in London provides general information and partner signposting only. We do not provide financial, banking, mortgage, investment, pension, tax or currency advice.
Does CIL earn anything from this partnership? HSBC Expat is a commercial partner of Canadians in London. CIL may receive a referral fee, sponsorship payment or other commercial benefit when eligible users apply through the CIL partner route. This helps us keep our community guides, events and resources free to use.
Do I have to use the CIL referral code? No. You can apply directly with HSBC Expat or compare other providers. The code simply links your application to the CIL partner route where available.
Can CIL help if my application is delayed? CIL cannot manage, approve or intervene in applications. Where appropriate, we may be able to help direct CIL members to the correct HSBC Expat partner contact.
HSBC Expat will not be the right fit for everyone, and some Canadians may also wish to compare digital providers such as Wise, alongside UK high-street banks and other international account providers. Wise is often used for international transfers, multi-currency balances and spending between countries, but it is not the same as a full UK high-street bank account. Fees, exchange rates, account features, eligibility and protections can vary, so always check Wise’s own terms and compare options before choosing a provider.
Important information
Canadians in London provides general information and community signposting for Canadians moving to or living in the UK. We are not a bank, financial adviser, mortgage broker, investment adviser, tax adviser or currency adviser. Nothing on this page should be treated as personal financial advice or a recommendation that any provider is suitable for your circumstances.HSBC Expat is a commercial advertising partner of Canadians in London. CIL may help introduce eligible applicants to the HSBC Expat partner route and, where appropriate, liaise with HSBC Expat’s account management team to help flag applications or direct applicants to the correct contact. CIL does not assess applications, approve accounts, influence eligibility decisions or act on behalf of HSBC Expat.Wise is also listed as an alternative provider that some Canadians may wish to compare, particularly where they are looking for digital banking, international transfers or multi-currency services. CIL does not assess whether Wise, HSBC Expat or any other provider is suitable for you.All banking products, fees, exchange rates, eligibility checks, account approvals, terms, protections and regulatory disclosures are the responsibility of the relevant provider. Please review each provider’s official information and seek independent professional advice where needed.