Question re local HSBC credit card - UPDATED

[JoandJelly]

Has anybody with a local HSBC credit card received a text message today asking to send an SMS to 4477 by 17/08/2017 to continue using their card?

SEE UPDATE IN POST NO. 3

[Becker]

I wonder if it's anything to do with them having sold? We've not had any messages. Maybe best to pop into branch & ask.

[JoandJelly]

I've just called HSBC Kyrenia branch and they have confirmed that this message is genuine however the number quoted in the text does not apply to TRNC cardholders. They told me to text NET to 0532 757 4477 which I have done and received a confirmation text in return.

[aripointer]

I was told last week by HSBC Customer Service girl all branches of HSBC will close in September 2017.
Apparently a local bank will take over all the branches.
I was also informed transferring money will be difficult as the purchaser does not have an IBAN code.
I am looking at an alternative does anyone bank with Turk Bank-and how easy is it to set up and account in the UK?
AP

[Caveboy]

I wonder how this will affect people like me who withdraw cash each month from my UK HSBC account ??

Presumably I will have to pay in future ???

[Maisiemoo]

I am looking at an alternative does anyone bank with Turk Bank-and how easy is it to set up and account in the UK?
AP

Is this Turkish Bank? They have about 6 branches in the UK but they're all in London and you need to go in personally to open an account. Our solicitor has an account with them and we transfered the money for the house to her account in the UK which then sent it to NC.

[Mr Mac]

Is the new bank going to retain the Sterling ATMs? If not drawing Sterling will affect a lot more people!

[Heaven]

Does anyone know of an alternative bank that has a cashpoint to draw sterling out.

[mrsgee]

Thank you for the information on HSBC branches. First of all, I have to say, I think it is disgraceful that a bank can transfer in this way without bothering to notify its customers, but, have come to realise that is normal customer service with the HSBC branch over here. I had been considering transferring anyway, so this has just given me the push. The rates have been rubbish for a number of years and the service never up to scratch, so I am not too bothered. I have sent an email to HSBC asking for clarification of the position, but also emailed my account manager at Garanti, who has confirmed that, yes, it is transferring to a local bank. So, bye bye HSBC, you will not be missed, by me at least.

[Becker]

We were told at HSBC Girne that all customers will be informed in good time as & when the alleged buyer is going to be taking over. Nothing signed yet. If & when this happens then I would have thought the new owner will contact HSBC customers also. If it is finalized,the new owner already has a bank in Girne.

[Agobard]

Sterling ATMs at Garantee Bank, Is Bank and TEB. Turkish Cypriot banks do not appear to have multi currency ATMs, only Turkish banks.

[karmels]

The person looking to buy HSBC is one of the Altinbas brothers who own Credit west.

[Becker]

It is karmels,he has a branch opened in Girne.

[Panchocat]

It is Al Bank that has a branch in town, where Superclean used to be, who are reported to be the new owners.

[karmels]

That is correct he is one of the Altinbas brothers.

[mrsgee]

Called in to HSBC this morning in Girne, to close off my accounts and transfer to another bank. I have never seen it so empty. Saw Julie who confirmed they were being sold to another bank, but did not really seem to know what was happening. I would imagine that they have lost a lot of their 'assets' through clients moving their money. I honestly think it has been handled very badly. Still no official notification to customers..at least I had nothing, no clear indication of what is to happen.

[mrsgee]

Oh, and for information, if you have a UK HSBC account, don't worry about the ATMs going. I have been using Garanti ATM's to withdraw from my UK account, no cost, only thing is there is a limit per transaction of 4000 tl, converted to sterling its about £860 depending on the rate, so if you have a daily limit of £1,000 you would need to do two transactions.

[sophie]

I would be a bit loathe to deal with a bank that has no IBAN number, if message 4 is correct.

[smithscorner]

Could mrsgee please clarify are we talking about using a hsbc debit card to withdraw lira from the Garanti atm and if so at which exchange rate UK or trnc?

[mrsgee]

smithcorner, I use my UK HSBC debit card to withdraw from Garanti Bank ATM. You can either withdraw in Euros, TL or Sterling. I normally find it best to withdraw in Sterling and then change at the local change office rather than let the bank do it as you will pay a fee for it. Depends really on if you need to pay for something here in Sterling, which sometimes is best, or whether you need Lira, or indeed Euros.....The UK Debit Card will do whichever you want at no charge.

[smithscorner]

Thank you mrsgee for the info much appreciated.