[guttyone]

Been here long enough and finally need to get a bank a/c. Anyone have any suggestions ? Have found that HSBC and BOC have ridiculously long queues whenever Ive walked past - is this the norm or will some of the smaller banks be less busy ?

[PDLM]

It seems to be the norm for the main branches, but is that significant for you? What do you plan to do that actually involves going into a branch and queuing? I guess I need to do that about once every 3 years on average...

Online banking, autopays (or simple on-line one time pbill payments if you don't like autopay) lets you do pretty much everything. There are drop-in boxes for cheques so you don't have to queue to pay them in (not that you get them very often anyway).

[jimmymakss]

I would say..the main reason why people have stong preference in HSBC and BOC is simply bcoz the fact that most employer pays off their staffs salary thru HSBC and BOC a/c and while gov't social welfares are paying off thru HSBC...which lead to the long queue.

[kens14]

I bank with HSBC. My branch is the main one in Des Voeux Road, and there are often long queues. However, I find if I go to the branch near the escalator in Central on Des Voeux Rd, or even better, the branch next to Sheung Wan MTR the queues are much shorter. - HSBC is the way to go for ease and ubiquitousness (sp?)

Kens.

[greentea]

I think HSBC or Hang Seng Bank are the best local banks in HK. You don't need to queue up for services because most of the services are available online or other ways without queuing.

[guttyone]

thanks - good point I only need to pay in a few cheques occasionally so the queues could be avoided - so what is everyone queuing for then !??will now have to decide on which kind of a/c I need now !

[PDLM]

You guys are aware of the cheque drop-in boxes? You only need to queue to pay in a cheque if you need a receipt. Otherwise just drop the cheque in the box in every branch and it will be credited to your account within hours...

[discobay]

so what is everyone queuing for then !??

Apparently, online banking is used by the few. Most people I know don't do it for fear of making a mistake or allowing someone to access their money. That's why queues are getting longer - the reduction in the number of branches.

ATM queues are also longer than necessary - how often do you queue up behind someone taking out cash, retrieving their card then putting it back it just to check the balance.

[nivantj]

Few other reasons of queueing...
Elderly people who cant or afraid of using ATMs
Butchers, Veg. shop keepers etc. queue up to deposit/ withdraw $99.99
Millionaires who want to deposit $99999999999
Finally few whiners who are born to yell and make a scene at any counter for all possible small reasons..

[discobay]

Finally few whiners who are born to yell and make a scene at any counter for all possible small reasons..

Boy have I seen that all too often.