I had a bad experience with staff at one of HSBC's branches. I applied for a new account on the last day of HSBC's "£200 Switching Offer", in which they pay £150 for switching to HSBC, and an additional £50 for staying over a year. I checked the T&Cs very carefully to ensure I was eligible. When I went to the branch to complete the switch, I had to wait 20 minutes to see an adviser (this was just before 12 noon). When I asked the adviser about the offer they immediately told me I was not eligible as the account was opened after the last date of the switching offer. I repeatedly informed her that I had read the T&Cs which state I only had to APPLY by that date, and have the account opened SUBSEQUENTLY. She denied this, and at one point even suggested I had applied after the date, which was completely false. In the end, the adviser suggested I return with a printed copy of the T&Cs, which I found to be incredible: surely HSBC's staff should be able to access this information? Why is it my responsibility to bring them their own documents?