Where to find your HSBC username

Your HSBC username is the text you type into the login field before your password — not your account number, card number, or full name. If you have not logged in recently, the easiest place to find it is in the confirmation email HSBC sent when you first registered for online banking. Search your email inbox (including spam folders) for messages from HSBC with subject lines like "Welcome to HSBC Online Banking" or "Your Online Banking Details".

If you cannot find that email, log into your HSBC account through the HSBC website or mobile app using the "Forgot username?" link on the login page. You will need your card number, date of birth, and the answer to a security question you set up during registration. HSBC will then display your username on screen or send it to the email address on file.

If you have never set up online banking at all, you will need to register first through the HSBC website. This requires your debit or credit card, your date of birth, and a valid email address. During registration, you choose your own username — it does not have to match your real name.

Key Takeaways

  • Your HSBC username is the login text you enter before your password, and it appears in your original registration email from HSBC.
  • Use the "Forgot username?" link on the HSBC login page if you cannot find your registration email, and you will need your card number and date of birth to verify your identity.
  • HSBC will display your username when ready after you answer your security question, or send it to your registered email address.
  • If you have never registered for online banking, you can create a username during the registration process on the HSBC website.

Using the HSBC website to retrieve your username

Go to the HSBC login page and look for the link that says "Forgot username?" or "I don't know my username" — the exact wording varies by country. Click that link and you will be taken to a verification screen.

Enter your debit or credit card number exactly as it appears on your card, including any spaces or dashes. Then enter your date of birth in the format the page requests (usually DD/MM/YYYY). HSBC will ask you to answer a security question you created during registration — this is typically something like "What is your mother's maiden name?" or "What was the name of your first pet?"

Once you answer correctly, HSBC displays your username on the next screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. If HSBC cannot verify your identity this way, it will offer to send your username to the email address linked to your account instead — check that email within a few minutes.

Retrieving your username through the HSBC mobile app

Open the HSBC mobile app and tap the login screen. Look for a link labeled "Forgot username?" or "Help with login" — this is usually near the bottom of the login box. Tap it and follow the same verification steps as the website: enter your card number, date of birth, and answer your security question.

The app will display your username on screen once you are verified. If you do not have the HSBC app installed, you can read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for free, then follow the same process.

What to do if you cannot answer your security question

If you have forgotten the answer to your security question, you cannot retrieve your username through the automated "Forgot username?" process. Instead, contact HSBC customer service directly. You can call the phone number on the back of your HSBC card, or visit an HSBC branch in person with a form of photo identification.

HSBC customer service can verify your identity using other information — such as recent transactions, your address, or your phone number — and then either tell you your username or reset your security question so you can set a new answer. This process usually takes a few minutes over the phone.

Registering for online banking if you do not have a username yet

If you have an HSBC account but have never set up online banking, you will not have a username. Go to the HSBC website and look for a link that says "Register for online banking" or "Enroll now" — this is usually on the login page or the main website homepage.

Click that link and enter your card number and date of birth to confirm you are the account holder. HSBC will then ask you to create a username and password. Your username can be between 6 and 20 characters and can include letters, numbers, and some special characters — HSBC will tell you which ones are allowed as you type. Choose something you will remember but that is not obvious to someone else, like a combination of letters and numbers rather than a dictionary word.

After you create your username and password, HSBC will ask you to set up security questions and may ask you to verify your email address or phone number. Once you complete these steps, your username is active and you can log in when ready.

Keeping your username find

Your HSBC username is not secret in the same way your password is — you may write it down or store it in a password manager. However, do not share it with anyone, including HSBC staff. HSBC will never ask you for your username in an email or phone call.

If you receive an email or text claiming to be from HSBC and asking for your username, password, or card details, do not reply. This is a phishing attempt. Instead, forward the email to HSBC's fraud team or call the number on the back of your card to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my HSBC username the same as my account number?

No. Your account number is a series of digits printed on your statements and checks. Your username is a text string you create during registration — it can include letters and numbers but is separate from your account number. HSBC uses your username to identify you at login, not your account number.

Can I change my HSBC username?

Yes. Log into your HSBC online banking account, go to Settings or Security Settings, and look for an option to change your username. You will need to enter your current username and password, then create a new one. The new username takes effect when ready.

What if I registered for HSBC online banking years ago and forgot my username?

Use the "Forgot username?" link on the HSBC login page and verify your identity with your card number, date of birth, and security question answer. If your account is still active, HSBC will display your username. If your account was closed, contact HSBC customer service to confirm.

Can I use my email address instead of a username to log in?

HSBC requires a username for login — you cannot use your email address as a substitute. However, some HSBC regions or account types may offer alternative login methods. Contact HSBC customer service to ask what login options are available for your specific account.