Completing Secure Online Payments
When you check out on an e-commerce website, you are often presented with various payment options alongside traditional debit cards. Pay by Bank app services leverage open banking technology to connect online merchants directly with your mobile banking application, allowing you to authorize purchases without typing long card numbers into web forms.
What this means for your online shopping security is that you bypass sharing your plastic card details with third-party retailers. By authenticating the transaction directly inside your bank's secure mobile application, you approve the transfer using your device biometrics while the merchant receives confirmation straight away.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Methods | HSBC Mobile Banking app checkout redirection from online retail browser sessions. |
| Processing Time | Payments authorized via open banking transfer clear and update your account balance straight away. |
| Eligibility | Available to personal current account holders with the HSBC mobile banking app installed on a smartphone. |
| Key Requirements | An active internet connection, merchant checkout support for Pay by Bank, and device biometrics. |
To purchase goods and services via the HSBC pay by bank app, you should:
- choose the 'Pay by Bank app' at a shop, then - the HSBC mobile app
- log in to the application
- select the account to be used for payment in "From"
- check and confirm the transaction details
- choose 'Send Money'
- confirm the operation via the Secure Key
If you have not downloaded the HSBC Pay by Bank app, then you should:
- choose the 'Pay by Bank app' at a shop
- HSBC will send you a 6-letter code
- log in to HSBC online banking on any device
- switch to 'Move Money'
- choose 'Pay by Bank app'
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Technical hurdles or browser redirection failures can occasionally interrupt an open banking checkout. Here is how to handle typical hurdles:
- MFA / Login Issues: You might attempt to authorize a checkout payment, but your mobile app fails to open automatically from the browser link, or security verification texts do not arrive. Move to an area with a stable Wi-Fi signal, and if the app redirection remains stuck, select a standard debit card payment method instead.
- Browser or App Errors: The checkout screen might freeze or display a timeout error when the browser tries to connect with your banking app. This typically stems from cached browser conflicts or blocking pop-up windows. Clear your browser cache and cookies, or switch from a mobile browser to a desktop session to complete the transaction securely.
- Locked Account / ID Issues: Entering your mobile banking passcode incorrectly multiple times while rushing a checkout will trigger an automated security freeze. Stop guessing your credentials to avoid a total profile lockout. Reach out to the bank's digital security team with your official identification ready so they can safely restore your access.
Pro-Tip from Olesya Krasavtseva, Content Editor at Prostobank Consulting: Keep your mobile banking app updated to the latest software release to ensure smooth communication with open banking checkout gateways. Outdated app builds often fail to process merchant redirection links properly during high-volume shopping periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Pay by Bank checkout session fail or time out before I could approve it?
You might select HSBC at an online retailer's checkout, watch the browser spin while trying to open your banking app, and eventually see an error message stating the session expired. This timeout usually happens because open banking redirection links rely on rapid communication between the merchant's payment gateway and the bank's servers, which can lag during heavy internet traffic. When a checkout session drops, refresh your browser tab, re-initiate the payment selection, and ensure your mobile app is running in the background before tapping authorize.
Is my financial data shared with the online merchant when I use Pay by Bank?
A shopper might worry that choosing an open banking payment method gives the retail store access to their account balances or personal bank statements. Open banking protocols are strictly regulated; the merchant only receives a cryptographic confirmation that funds have been successfully transferred from your account, and they never see your account numbers, sort codes, or balances. You can safely check out knowing your core banking data remains confidential.
What should I do if a merchant fails to dispatch goods after a successful Pay by Bank payment?
You could complete an online purchase using open banking, see the money leave your current account straight away, but hear nothing from the retailer regarding delivery confirmation. Unlike traditional credit card purchases protected under section 75 rules, open banking transfers are direct Faster Payments. If a retail dispute arises, contact the merchant's customer service desk first to request a refund, and if they prove unresponsive, contact HSBC support to log a transaction dispute claim.
