If there’s something that’s confusing on your current account statement, this guide may be able to help.
Your HSBC bank statement gives details of everything that’s been paid out and paid in over a given period of time.
At the top of the page, it shows your name and address, the period of time covered by the statement and your account name.
In the top right corner, you’ll see the account the statement is for and an account summary showing:
International Bank Account Number (IBAN) - The IBAN is a series of alphanumeric characters that helps to identify accounts held anywhere in the world
Bank Identifier Code (BIC) - Your BIC is the code that helps banks outside the UK identify where to send money
Opening balance - This is how much money you had in your account at the start of the statement period
Payments in - The total amount paid in over the statement period – this might include your salary or benefits
Payments out - The total amount you’ve paid out over the statement period – this could include things like shopping, money withdrawn at cash machines and regular Direct Debits or standing orders
Closing balance - This is how much money you had in your account at the end of the statement period
Overdraft limit - This is the agreed maximum amount you’re able to go overdrawn on this account
Under a summary, the statement gives the following important details:
Sort code - A 6-digit number which identifies the branch where your account is held
Account number - This 8-digit number is the unique number for your account which anyone paying money to you will need to know
Sheet number - Your statement might run over more than one page – all the sheets are numbered so you can keep them in the right order
There might be some abbreviations on your statement that you haven’t seen before. Here are some of the most common ones:
ATM - Automated Teller Machine, usually known as a cash machine in the UK
BACS - Previously known as Bankers' Automated Clearing Services, this is the system which businesses use to pay wages directly into an employee’s account
CHQ - Cheque
CR - Credit
DD - Direct Debit
DR - Debit
SO - Standing order
TRF - Transfer
If there’s a payment on your statement you don't recognise, there may be a reason why.
For example, some shops trade under a different name to the one you know them by. Or if you've been abroad, the exchange rate might mean an amount looks different to what you thought you'd paid.
There may be an ongoing regular payment for something you set up some time ago and has slipped your mind. Also, if you've agreed to a free trial but not cancelled it, it might be that you've now started paying for that service.
If there’s something you don’t recognise and it doesn’t fit any of the above, you can query a transaction on your statement or report a problem.
You can also use our mobile app if you want to dispute the transaction. Log on to the app, go to 'Support' and select 'Query a transaction'.
If there is a HSBC charge on your account you can find more information below:
Overdrafts - Overdraft Calculator | Interest Rates - HSBC UK
Overseas transactions- Using Debit Card Abroad | Spending Money Abroad - HSBC UK
Sending or receiving money outside the UK International Money Transfer | Bank Transfers - HSBC UK
For more information on charges related to your account see your terms and conditions.
