Is HSBC or Ulster Bank better for your small business?
Below we look at both HSBC and Ulster Bank reviews on Trustpilot along with their App reviews from Apple and Google.
We then look at typical fees, business savings rates, foreign currency options and a whole bunch of other account features to help you make up your mind.


HSBC vs Ulster Bank Trustpilot Reviews
HSBC | Ulster Bank | |
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5) | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Percent 5-Star Reviews | 7% | 8% |
Percent 1- Star Reviews | 88% | 86% |
Total Number of Reviews | 8,399 | 114 |
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hsbc.co.uk
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.ulsterbank.co.uk
HSBC vs Ulster Bank App Reviews
HSBC | Ulster Bank | |
iPhone Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | 4.8 |
Number of iPhone Reviews | 1,400,000 | 15,700 |
Android Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | 4.1 |
Number of Android Reviews | 260,000 | 15,000 |
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/hsbc-uk-mobile-banking/id1220329065
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ulster-bank-ni-mobile-banking/id469523324
HSBC vs Ulster Bank Account Fees & Charges
HSBC | Ulster Bank | |
Free Business Bank Account | Yes | Yes |
Free Business Account Term Length | 12 Months | 24 Months |
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee | £6.50 | £8 |
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee | £10 | £12 |
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out) | 35p | 43p |
Cash Payments Cost (in/out) | £1.50 | 70p per £100 |
Cheques (in/out) | 50p per cheque | 40p |
CHAPS Payments Cost | £17 | £18.75 |
SEPA Payments Cost | 20p | €0.51 |
HSBC vs Ulster Bank Business Savings Rates
HSBC | Ulster Bank | |
Types of Business Savings Accounts | Business Money Manager, Business Money Market, Clients Deposit | Instant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts |
Lowest Savings Rate (AER) | 0.10% | 1.46% |
Maximum Savings Rate (AER) | 2.02% | 1.92% |
Minimum Savings Amount | £1 | No |
Interest Paid On Foreign Currencies | Yes | Yes |
HSBC vs Ulster Bank Account Opening Times
HSBC | Ulster Bank | |
Can You Apply Online? | Yes | Yes |
How Long Does Opening An Account Typically Take? | 7 to 10 Working days | 24 working hours |
Do They Check Your Credit? | Yes | Yes |
Current Account Switch Service | Yes | Yes |
HSBC vs Ulster Bank Features & Account Types


HSBC | Ulster Bank | |
Business Current Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Savings Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Credit Card | Yes | Yes |
Business Overdraft | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Startups | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Charities | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Sole Traders | Yes | Yes |
Joint Business Accounts Available | Yes | Yes |
Card Type | Visa | Mastercard |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Banking | Yes | Yes |
In Person/Branch Banking | Yes | Yes |
Branch Locations | UK-wide | Northern Ireland Only |
HSBC vs Ulster Bank Customer Support Options
HSBC | Ulster Bank | |
Phone Support Available | Yes | Yes |
Email Support Available | Yes | Yes |
App Based Support | Yes | Yes |
Web Based Support | Yes | Yes |
In person Customer Support | Yes | Yes |
HSBC vs Ulster Bank Foreign Currency Accounts
HSBC | Ulster Bank | |
US Dollar (USD) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Euro (EUR) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Other Currencies Available: |
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Other Business Services From HSBC and Ulster Bank


HSBC | Ulster Bank | |
Business Loans | Yes | Yes |
Commercial Mortgages | Yes | No |
Invoice Financing | Yes | Yes |
International Payments | Yes | Yes |
Merchant Payment Services | Yes | Yes |
Card Machines | Yes | Yes |
Free Accounting Software | No | Yes |
HSBC vs Ulster Bank Banking Basics
HSBC | Ulster Bank | |
Bank Type | High Street | High Street |
FSCS Protection | Yes, up to £85,000 | Yes, up to £85,000 |
FCA Number | 765112 | NA |
Website | HSBC Website | Ulster Bank Website |
Common Comparison Questions
Does HSBC or Ulster Bank have better customer reviews?
HSBC scores 1.5 out of 5 based 8,399 Trustpilot reviews. Of these reviews 7% are 5-star and 88% are 1-star.
Whereas, Ulster Bank scores 1.5 out of 5 based 114 Trustpilot reviews. Of which 8% are 5-star and 86% are 1-star.
Does HSBC or Ulster Bank have a better App?
HSBC’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 1,400,000 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 260,000 reviews.
In comparison, Ulster Bank’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 15,700 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.1 out of 5 based on 15,000 reviews.
Does HSBC or Ulster Bank have better business savings rates?
HSBC offers the following types of business savings accounts: Business Money Manager, Business Money Market, Clients Deposit with interest rates ranging from 0.10% to 2.02%. (AER)
In contrast, Ulster Bank offers Instant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts accounts with interest rates ranging from 1.46% to 1.92% (AER).
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For other business bank accounts see our guide here.