So HSBC has changed all thier accounts to have a min 5000 dhs balance

You should be so lucky - if we don't have AED5000 in our account at the end of the month, they will freeze it. Allegedly. Where is that? It states that less than 5000 and no account activity for 3 months and they will freeze. Because of a monthly repayment?

HSBC who needs them eh !

With the bank that we use, we have to have a minimum of 10,000 dhs. in our current account or pay 100 service charge each month.

Ok, thanks. That ties in with my understanding of it.

It doesn't seem to apply to Premier accounts. Has anyone found any info to suggest it does please? Premier has always had a minimum balance. You have to have 50K GBP or 100K USD (350K AED) in the account to avoid paying the monthly charges. The balance can be spread across any of your accounts including Offshore etc. You can also qualify if you have a certain minimum salary and an 'investment product' or mortgage with HSBC too I believe.

It doesn't seem to apply to Premier accounts. Has anyone found any info to suggest it does please? I haven't read all replies but saw yours SD. I have no idea if it applies to *all* Premier accounts, but our paperwork says min 7000dhs balance. That paperwork is almost 3 yrs old though...

It doesn't seem to apply to Premier accounts. Has anyone found any info to suggest it does please?

Interest rates: At HSBC we regularly review the rates we can offer our customers. To that end, the following changes will be applied to accounts as from 1 April, 2011. HSBC Advance Savings account: The interest rate will be reduced to 0.10% p.a. HSBC Advance Current account: The interest rate of 0.25% p.a. will no longer be available. Telegraphic Transfers: All telegraphic transfers will be charged as per HSBC rates as from 8 April, 2011. Please note: There is no change to Global Telegraphic Transfers carried out using the Global Transfer service. This service is accessible through Personal Internet Banking to accounts held with another HSBC Group entity when both accounts are in your name. The charge remains at US$7 per transaction. What stays the same Day to day banking: No minimum balance requirement on current accounts if monthly salary is transferred to HSBC Special rates on mortgages, personal loans, vehicle loans, overdrafts, investments and more Free annual fee for life on HSBC Advance Platinum Credit Card that comes with plenty of travel perks and the Air Miles rewards programme Free HSBC Advance Visa Debit Card, which is accepted at over 25 million retail outlets and over 1 million ATMs worldwide Free unlimited cheque books Free of charge overdraft facility of up to AED 5,000 Toll-free dedicated Phone Banking service available 24/7 Expert advice and exclusivity: Access to a team of Financial Advisors to help you maximise your wealth with suitable investments and insurance opportunities Priority banking benefits include exclusive counters and dedicated team of Relationship Managers Worry-free travel: Global Recognition as an HSBC Advance customer Ability to withdraw up to AED 10,000 daily from UAE HSBC ATMs and all Switch ATMs in the UAE, without any charges Global emergency encashment up to USD 10,000 at over 8,500 HSBC branches worldwide Free worldwide Travel Insurance Protection for you: Free Life Insurance cover – up to AED 35,000

Does anyone know how ENBD is as a bank? I want to switch primarily because HSBC is becoming increasingly daft and I like the instant sms salik by ENBD. But don't want to get into the hassle only to realise they're as bad. We use them and have only had 1 problem. They froze our account without any warning because we used it to purchase something online from an overseas retailer. I'm glad they are monitoring for fraud, but it would be nice to receive a call/sms informing us so that it's not a shock. It was unfrozen immediately when we found out, so at least that part was efficient. They do the instant sms when any money is withdrawn or the card is used for purchases.

Does anyone know how ENBD is as a bank? I want to switch primarily because HSBC is becoming increasingly daft and I like the instant sms salik by ENBD. But don't want to get into the hassle only to realise they're as bad. Excellent ! I swapped to them 6 months ago - habe never had a problem THey tell me the minute my salary is paid in and every time i spend they give me a balance I personally like that i know some people dont but I do You can always speak to someone sensible on the phone as well !!

Yup just checked, the minimum balance is for the Current account only. For accounts like Advance and Premier, there are minimum salary rates to avoid the monthly charges. Also how can they freeze an account for going below a certain amount if you have an agreed overdraft. Always better to call and clarify details rather than panicking people.

Does anyone know how ENBD is as a bank? I want to switch primarily because HSBC is becoming increasingly daft and I like the instant sms salik by ENBD. But don't want to get into the hassle only to realise they're as bad.

You're looking at the current account though. If you scroll down to the Advance account, it says minimum salary to avoid 100 Dhs service charge is 15,000 Dhs. edited by Chocs01 on 10/03/2011 • Minimum salary required is all i am seeing, am i missing something? That's what I'm saying. The 5,000 Dhs thing is for the Current account, doesn't appear to apply to ALL accounts.

You're looking at the current account though. If you scroll down to the Advance account, it says minimum salary to avoid 100 Dhs service charge is 15,000 Dhs. <em>edited by Chocs01 on 10/03/2011</em>

The * suggests that this stands withdrawn effective April 2011. Am I misunderstanding the whole point? ETA - may be a good idea to meet with someone authoritative enough at the branch and have this clarified. <em>edited by keepinfaith on 10/03/2011</em>

So who should we be banking with instead?

Can you send a link to the page? I just looked and it says you get charged 100 Dhs if your balance isn't over 100,000 Dhs! Actually they charge 100Dhs a month service charge on the Advance account anyway. <em>edited by Chocs01 on 10/03/2011</em>

You should be so lucky - if we don't have AED5000 in our account at the end of the month, they will freeze it. Allegedly.

Looks like they are on the rampage, they are also stopping all free transfers and lowering their interest rates! Shockingly bad local bank!

Really? I haven't even gotten any sort of a notification about this... grrrr.