Personal Finance Bank accounts

How to activate HSBC debit card

Zorica Lončar

24.05.23 (updated more than 1 year ago)

Read time 2 minutes

Just joined HSBC, or got a new debit card from the bank? You’ll need to know how to activate it, so you can spend or withdraw cash when you need to.

We’ve put together a quick guide on how to activate an HSBC debit card, covering everything you need to know.

So, let’s get straight into it.

How to get an HSBC debit card

If you’re opening a new current account with HSBC, you’ll be sent an HSBC debit card in the post. You don’t need to apply for it, as the card is issued automatically for new account holders.

Lost or damaged your debit card? You can find out how to order a new one here. If your card has been stolen or misplaced, you can also use the HSBC mobile app to freeze it. You should then report the loss to HSBC and they can issue you with a replacement card.

Do I need to activate my HSBC debit card?

HSBC debit cards delivered after 30th November 2022 don’t need to be activated.¹ They can be used right away. You’ll just need to use chip and pin once, then you’ll be able to use the contactless features of your card.

Cards delivered before then do need to be activated, as do HSBC credit cards. You can do this via online banking or the HSBC mobile app, along with a few other methods. We’ll look at these in detail next.

Ways to activate your HSBC debit card

In most cases, you won’t need to activate your HSBC debit card. You can simply use it at a cash machine or in-store purchase, entering your PIN number when prompted. After this first use, you can use both contactless and chip and pin.

For HSBC credit cards and other cards that do need to be activated, you can use one of the following methods.

Activate with the HSBC mobile banking app¹

Open the app and log in using biometrics or your secure key
Tap the account for the card you want to activate
Select ‘Manage cards’
Select ‘Activate card’ and choose the card in question
Confirm, and your card will be ready to use.

Activate with online banking¹

Head to the HSBC website and sign into online banking
Go to ‘Manage’
Select ‘Activate card’
Choose the card you want to activate
Confirm, and your card will be ready to use.

Activate your card over the phone¹

Call the automated HSBC line on 0800 783 5263 (0800 328 1370 for credit cards). It’s available 24/7. Make sure you have your card and personal details to hand, but you should be able to complete the activation process in as little as 60 seconds.

Activate your card at a cash machine¹

You can use this option if you’re trying to activate a card that isn’t your first debit card with HSBC. Head to your nearest cash machine and use your PIN to make a cash withdrawal. This will automatically activate your card.

Need a card for overseas spending? Check out Wise

If you’re planning to spend abroad, for an upcoming holiday for example, check out the Wise international debit card.

Although not a bank, Wise card could be a cost-effective alternative if you’re specifically looking to manage your money internationally.

It works in 174 countries and automatically converts your money to the local currency whenever you spend. It does this at the mid-market exchange rate, and you’ll only pay a small currency conversion fee.

There are no foreign transaction fees to pay, unlike with most major banks. It could save you a small fortune on your holiday spending compared to using your bank.

Join Wise today

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Sources used:

HSBC - Help - Activating your card

Sources last checked on date: 04-May-2023

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.