Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

HSBC mobile banking app fails, leaving customers unable to access accounts

Users prevented from logging in and paying bills

Jane Dalton
Monday 15 April 2019 14:22 EDT
Comments
App users have been receiving an error message, giving out a phone number, when they try to log on
App users have been receiving an error message, giving out a phone number, when they try to log on (Sarah Drayton / Twitter)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

HSBC’s mobile banking app has crashed, leaving thousands of customers locked out of their accounts.

Neither personal nor business customers were able to use the app to transfer money or view balances.

Users saw an error message as they tried to log on that asked them to check back later, and giving a number to ring.

One customers complained the app was “flaky at best”, others threatened to move their accounts.

Keith Mortiss tweeted: “Mobile banking app not working AGAIN – sort this out HSBC, before I move my accounts.”

Sarah Drayton, said the app had been “playing up” all day, and Mary Birch said the failure was distressing.

Many users tweeted to the bank to ask what the problem was.

HSBC apologised and said it was working hard to fix the outage.

The HSBC app has suffered earlier failures – in September and on Black Friday in November – the busiest shopping day of the year - as well as earlier this month.

A bank spokesperson said: “An earlier issue where customers were unable to log on to HSBC’s personal internet banking, business internet banking and HSBCNet has been resolved, and all our customers should be able to log on as usual.

“The issue was identified at 5.40 pm and urgent action was taken to start stabilising the service, and the normal service was restored by 6.50pm.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

MPs on the Treasury committee are investigating IT failures in the financial services sector following a string of technical meltdowns at high street banks.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in