What to do when a HSBC account holder dies

Processing timelines at HSBC: Varies based on complexity, jurisdiction, and completeness of documentation. Incomplete documentation is the most common cause of delays—submitting all required documents with the initial claim helps avoid additional processing time.

HSBC requires several documents to process a claim, including Certified death certificate, Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration or Certification of Appointment, and Government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's license) for personal representative, and additional documentation depending on the account type. Certified copies are typically needed—photocopies are generally not accepted for death certificates or court documents.

HSBC's Death Claims / Bereavement can be reached by phone at 1-888-662-4722 for questions throughout the claims process.

If the deceased held multiple HSBC accounts, each may require a separate claim or have different documentation requirements. The Death Claims / Bereavement can confirm which accounts require individual attention and which can be processed together.