A Team to help on your journey
Apply for an HSBC Expat Account (CIL Members)
We’ve partnered with HSBC Expat to support our members through the account opening process.
HSBC now uses a fully digital application journey- but to receive support and avoid delays, you must enter our referral code during the process.
Before you start - Your referral code is: PDL
You will need to enter this during your application to:
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Access VIP onboarding support
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Allow us to track and assist your application
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Ensure your application does not get stuck in review
⚠️ Important (do not skip this step)
During the application, you will see an option:
👉 “Got a referral or offer code?”
You must select this before continuing
If you skip this step:
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Your application will not be linked to us
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We will not be able to assist you
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HSBC will treat it as a standard application
🧭 Step-by-step application guide
1. Start your application
Click the button below to begin via HSBC
2. Enter your referral code (critical step)
When prompted:
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Select “Got a referral or offer code?”
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Choose “From an HSBC partner”
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Enter: PDL
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Click Submit Code
👉 Only after this should you continue your application
3. Complete your application
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Sole accounts → you will continue via the HSBC mobile app
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Joint accounts → you can complete the process online
Make sure:
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Your details match your passport exactly
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You use original ID documents (not photos)
⭐ Why apply through CIL?
Applying through our partnership means:
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✔️ Your application is actively supported
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✔️ We can help if your application is delayed
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✔️ You receive priority onboarding assistance
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✔️ HSBC can review your application with context
Without the referral code, this support is not available
💬 Need help?
If you encounter any issues during the process, HSBC’s onboarding team can review your application:
(Your application must include the referral code PDL for support access)
PDL
Benefits of Joining HSBC Expat
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Open and pre-fund your account prior to your arrival in your host country
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Main account and credit cards available in Sterling, Euro, US Dollars
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Wealth management, investing and mortgages for expats
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
Eligibility
HSBC Advance
To open an HSBC Advance account you must be over 18 and:
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Live in an eligible country or region
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Hold £25,000 (or currency equivalent)
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
If you do not meet the criteria for the HSBC Expat account we reccomend you look at Wise as another option
