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SMS Alerts FAQs

How do I apply for this SMS transaction alert service?
This SMS transaction alert service is a default service provided to all HSBC debit cardholders. Credit cardholders will enjoy this service from September 2010.
When will I receive a SMS transaction alert?
A SMS transaction alert would be sent if a transaction, of an amount equal to or greater than the alert threshold amount maintained with the Bank, is approved.
Do I have to pay for this SMS transaction alert?
This SMS transaction alert service is provided to you free by HSBC for your banking convenience and enhanced security.
What is the minimum transaction amount I have to make in order to receive this SMS transaction alert?
The default SMS alert threshold amount set by the Bank are as follows.
(1) Debit cards - S$500
(2) Credit cards - S$1000
Can I change my SMS alert threshold amount?
Yes. Please download the SMS Alert service form, complete it and mail it back to us to change the SMS alert threshold amount. Please allow the Bank up to seven working days to update any change(s) to your SMS transaction alert service.

Alternatively, if you're a Personal Internet Banking (PIB) customer, you can change the threshold amount online via your PIB logon. The change will take effect within one working day.

Step 1: Click on 'Alert Services'
Step 2: Click on 'Change Alert'
Step 3: Please make your changes.
Why didn’t I receive my SMS transaction alert?
The SMS transaction alert may be delayed due to circumstances beyond the Bank's control as it is telco-dependent. Please also ensure that your mobile number is updated in the Bank's records in order to receive continuous SMS alerts from the Bank.

If there is a change in your mobile number, kindly download this form, complete it and mail it back to us to update your mobile number.
Can I opt-out of this SMS transaction alert service?
Yes*. Please download the SMS Alert service form, complete it and mail it back to us. Please allow the Bank up to seven working days to update this change to your SMS transaction alert service.

*Please note that customers who have registered for Personal Internet Banking (PIB) will not be able to unsubscribe from SMS transaction alert service, to be in line with regulatory guidelines. Customers who are registered for Personal Internet Banking may adjust the amount threshold to a higher value, according to their security tolerance.
Why did I receive an alert when I did not make any transaction on my debit/credit card?
For security concerns, please call our 24hour Customer Service Hotline at 1800 HSBC NOW (4722 669) or +65 6472 2669 (Overseas) for clarification on the alert that you received.
What kind of transactions will trigger a SMS alert?
For debit cardholders, all debiting transactions on your banking account will trigger a SMS alert.
For credit cardholders, a SMS alert will be triggered on all local and foreign retail purchases and cash advances. There will be no SMS alerts for the following transactions.
(1) Internet transactions performed at participating online 3-D Secure (3DS) merchants
(2) 0% installment purchase plans
(3) Fund transfers
(4) Financial charges
(5) Late charges
(6) Fees and
(7) Tax payments

Terms and conditions

All cardholders, main or supplementary (where applicable), who hold a HSBC credit or debit card in good standing (“Cardholders”) will automatically be enrolled in the SMS alert service. The SMS alert service will only be available to credit card cardholders from September 2010.
Debit card cardholders will receive a Alert for all debits from their banking accounts. Credit card cardholders will receive a Alert for all local and foreign retail purchases and cash advances. There will be no Alerts for online transactions via secured payment, 0% instalment purchase plans, fund transfers, financial charges, late charges, fees and tax payments.
A SMS transaction alert (“Alert”) will be sent to Cardholders if a transaction, of an amount equal to or greater than the alert threshold amount maintained with the Bank, is approved.
Cardholders who do not wish to participate in this SMS alert service can opt out of this service by mailing in a duly completed SMS alert service form back to us. The Bank may take up to seven working days to update this change.
Cardholders who have registered for the Bank’s Personal Internet Banking (“PIB”) service will be unable to unsubscribe from this SMS alert service due to the regulatory guidelines in place.
Cardholders may request to change their SMS alert threshold amount by mailing in a duly completed SMS alert service form back to us. The Bank may take up to seven working days to update this change.
Cardholders who have registered for the Bank’s PIB service may change the SMS alert threshold amount online. This change will take effect within one working day.
Cardholders will be responsible for the accuracy of his/her personal details provided by him/her to the Bank. Cardholders must inform the Bank immediately of any change in his/her particulars.
Cardholders will ensure that his/her mobile phone and number is able to receive text messaging both in Singapore and overseas. Cardholders will be responsible for any fees imposed by his/her respective mobile phone service provider for the receipt of the Alerts.
Each Alert sent to Cardholders is not encrypted and may include details pertaining to his/her transaction(s).
Cardholders will be responsible for the security of his/her mobile phone. The Bank will not be liable in any way to any party should any SMS alert be viewed or accessed by persons other than the respective Cardholder.
Cardholders acknowledge and agree that the sending of any Alert by the Bank and/or its receipt by Cardholders may be delayed or prevented by factor(s) beyond the Bank’s control.
The Bank will not be liable for any or all losses, damages, expenses, fees, costs, (including legal costs on a full indemnity basis) that may arise, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from (a) the non-delivery, the delayed delivery, or the misdirected delivery of an Alert; (b) the non-receipt of an Alert; (c) inaccurate or incomplete content in an Alert; (d) reliance on or use of the information provided in an Alert for any purpose; or (e) any third party, whether authorised or not, obtaining Cardholder account information contained in the alert by accessing the Cardholder’s mobile phone.
An Alert from this service does not constitute a record for the card account or card transaction to which it pertains. The Bank does not assume any additional responsibility or obligation under these terms and conditions in respect of the use of, or any transaction or eventuality involving, the card account. The SMS alert service does not free the Cardholder from the responsibility of safeguarding the physical security and authorised use of his/her card or card account.
The use of this service does not automatically entitle Cardholders to the lost/stolen card limitation of liability. Cardholders are still required to comply with the lost/stolen card liability terms set out in the Bank’s Cardholders’ Agreement.
The Bank will be entitled to prescribe or amend these terms and conditions including methods for the use of this SMS alert service, as well as the channel for provision or use of the SMS Alert service, as the Bank deems appropriate.
The Bank will cease to provide the SMS alert service
- if these terms and conditions are not complied with;
- if the card account is closed;
- upon the death or contractual incapacity of the Cardholder;
- upon written request of the Cardholder;
- in the event of improper operation of the card account by the Cardholder;
  or
- at its own discretion.
The Bank reserves the right to begin charging a fee for such a service by giving one month’s prior notice to the Cardholder.
These terms and conditions are governed by the law of Singapore, and the parties agree to submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Singapore.