Package of support announced for customers affected by COVID-19

For personal customers in financial difficulty, this could include:

• Short term support through reduced or deferred payments for mortgages, with longer term support through extending the remaining term of their mortgage, switching rates or switching part or all to interest-only mortgage arrangements
• Giving customers early access to fixed rate savings accounts without closure charges
• Support for customers with unsecured debt through reduced payments or breathing space to defer payments due; these solutions are tailored to individual customer need
• The option of a temporary increase in credit card and overdraft limits.

Customers who wish to discuss their financial situation can visit the Help section our website (https://www.hsbc.co.uk/help/) or call us on 03457 404 404.

For business customers, the Bank has:

• allocated £5bn to help businesses that need support*
• asked relationship managers to proactively contact customers to see what help their businesses need
• launched a helpline to support any customer queries (08000 121 614, open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday).

In addition, we will also consider:

• Offering repayment holidays to free up cash within businesses
• Reviewing overdrafts or trade loans to allow stock to be held for longer
• Providing trade finance solutions to support customers with their supply chains.

Ian Stuart, CEO, HSBC UK, said: “We know that the finances of some customers will be affected by Covid-19, so we have created this range of support measures to help them through these uncertain times.

“We’re encouraging our personal and business customers to contact us if they are concerned about their finances so we can help find the most appropriate solution for their individual circumstances.”

HSBC UK is working closely with the Government and UK Finance to identify emerging issues and make sure customers and businesses have the advice and support they need.

For tips and advice for businesses around planning for any possible disruption, visit www.business.hsbc.com/novel-coronavirus.

For personal customers facing financial difficulty, information is available at: https://www.hsbc.co.uk/help/money-worries/.

Media enquiries to:

Steve Gracey, Media Relations – Retail Bank – steve.gracey@hsbc.com or 020 7991 4118

Katie Cohen, Media Relations – Commercial Bank - katie.cohen@hsbc.com or 0121 265 3684

For the latest news and updates, visit the HSBC UK newsroom.

Twitter: @HSBC_UK/@HSBCUKBusiness

HSBC UK announces package of support for customers affected by COVID-19 (2-page PDF 131KB)