From my data points that bank’s in bank service is decent and should go better than the guy in store.
Oh yes, and ever since I have abused it in return. Let’s see how it goes.
Well… any updates?
I have submitted the case to the financial ombudsman, they are reviewing.
Got a first reply from the ombudsman, they advised HSBC to properly handle the complaint and not just copy and paste a reply saying “we do what we want”.
If the result of the complaint handling by HSBC is not still satisfactory, I can appeal and then the ombudsman will decide if to instate a case to be adjudged by their committee. The decision of the committee is binding below a certain threshold, for higher ones must be confirm by a civil court.
Has anyone ever applied for a Cooperative Bank credit card?
Recently opened an account there and their process was very fast and they were nice.
Foreigner friendly?
I didn’t feel like I was treated differently for being a foreigner.
But to call it foreigner friendly might be a stretch, the process was still in Chinese.
it seems to be one of the bank of choice of foreign workers, see a lot of banners in indonesian/tagalog/vietnamese out of their branches
Their app is also partly in English
Yes a few years ago. Horrible experience as all the government banks are toward foreigners
The lady took my app and said they would get back to me in a few days. Then asked if I could teach her son English two days a week. I don’t teach kids English (no interest as I don’t like being a substitute babysitter) but she basically begged me and I had the time so I said ok sure.
Two weeks later and no card was forthcoming. I called the centre in Taipei and they had no record of my application. Said they would get the branch lady to call. She didn’t. I called the branch a few days later and was told she was on a two week vacation. Finally she returned and said, ‘oops bank insists on a guarantor or no dice’. I said I’ve never used a guarantor and won’t start now… OK she said here is your application back. Taipei had literally just shipped the app back to her and said deal with it. Then she still had the nerve to ask when I was coming to their place that week. Nice
TLDR: government banks are the worst
Try to get a card at Land Bank, Taiwan Cooperative, Taiwan business bank, Bank of Taiwan, or Chunghua, all government banks, and you will see the ‘friendliness’ if you are OK with a cosigner or a secured deposit of funds that you cant touch than its OK
I am doing this for one of the cards I have. It is a large deposit. Am I being screwed? Recommended card to replace?
Personally I don’t like this because the bank is getting your cash, paying you a crappy interest rate, then loaning you your money back to you at 15% if you don’t pay on time. All while implying you as a foreigner are untrustworthy while the tea shop xiaojie beside you in line is getting approved for a 100k unsecured card.
I’d check out Chinatrust, Cathay, E. sun, KGI, Sinopac, and others as there are quite a few that will give an unsecured card.
I was just rejected for HSBC card unless I keep 200k in their account for 3 months. Then what’s the point of a guarantor 
At least I don’t think this one has to be locked away after approval so I’ll try again then.
Yes. My personal recommendation is apply for an AMEX online on the TW website or send in a paper application for a Citibank card with supporting docs. With Citibank, don’t go into the branch. Although their postal application is in Chinese.
so, very interesting. HSBC hasn’t contacted me back since the ombusdman email, but they just accessed my credit report, and it is specified it is the credit card department, to check my credit score for new credit card application.
Are they maybe giving in?
Maybe they’re desperately looking for another reason to reject you 
Haha, I shall keep fighting (until it’s for free like this)
I’d say that’s a good sign then. Hope you get the verification call soon.
Well, all is good and went through, please refer to the below reply email:
Now I really want to see the updated application forms, since they are not yet available. I know it might be a pyrrhic victory, they might still going to refuse every foreigner without guarantor behind the scenes, but that’s unfortunately really their choice, and as long as it is not a discriminatory pre-requisite, that’s their free choice to enter a contract or not with someone, a freedom enshrined in Taiwanese law.
One small fight at a time, now will try with Taishin card, the Everrich cards are interesting for the discounts at duty free shops here.