HSBC Direct, the online banking arm of HSBC, is offering an online savings account with savings account rates at 1.34% and a current annual percentage yield of 1.35 percent. Their savings rate isn’t one of the highest saving rates around about there are benefits to having an Internet savings account with HSBC.
The biggest benefit to HSBC’s Internet savings account is the no minimum balance requirement. You might be able to get online savings account rates as high as 2.00% these days but the account will probably have hidden fees if your balance falls below a certain dollar amount.
Opening an direct savings account with the bank only requires an opening deposit of $1.00. You can get started right away and open an account, fund it with $1.00 and you’re on your way.
A good way to save is to do a direct deposit from your payroll check. You probably already have your check going to a checking account but your employer’s ACH plan will let you divide your check and put a percentage in another account.
The percentage amount you select to put into the savings account is up to you. Start out with five percent or ten percent if you can swing it. Then increase the amount slowly, you won’t even miss it. Chances are you’ll spend the money if it’s in your checking account.
You manage your HSBC savings account online at HSBCdirect.com. You don’t ever have to visit a bank branch, with is good because if you don’t live near one it doesn’t matter. Another good think is you don’t have to open a checking account with HSBC to receive this rate, unlike several other online banks that require you to do so.