HSBC customers left without cash
HSBC customers have had problems accessing their own money because of problems with the bank’s computer systems.
Some customers had their cards declined at bank tills and cash machines and were unable to use online banking.
HSBC said via Twitter that cash machines and online banking should be working now after saying earlier that a problem with the bank’s “systems” was being “worked on urgently”.
One tweet said: “Sorry for the inconvenience, especially on a Friday.”
There are also reports on social networking sites that some people have had their cards refused in shops and restaurants.
I’m currently stuck miles from home, unable to buy tickets. First Direct customer
Some customers reported First Direct services were also affected.One tweeted: “No food/no transport may seem dramatic but I’m currently stuck miles from home, unable to buy tickets, nothing to eat. Not happy.”
Helen Dadd, 23, an HSBC customer from Birkenhead, said: “I went out and tried three cash machines and none would let me draw my money out.”I went to the bank and asked if it was my personal account or if it was the system and they said their system was down. They didn’t say when it would be up. I haven’t got any cash at all. It’s just shocking.”
UK customers
HSBC spokeswoman Mark Hemingway said the problems began at 2.45pm and only affected customers in the UK.
A spokeswoman for First Direct said it had experienced similar problems this afternoon but added that the situation was now resolved. She said she believed the problems were due to a server issue.