HSBC Signup Bonuses?

It was reported on this Fatwallet thread that HSBC is offering a $35 signup bonus for its OnlineSavings account if you use a promo code. Another signup promo for HSBC's free checking was reported at this Fatwallet thread. The checking bonus was for their free checking combined with their debit card with paypass. It was also reported by this KRON 4 article. This checking bonus was different than their advertised Smart Package promotion. The Smart package required one of their interest checking accounts instead of the free checking. I have more information about their Smart package promotion at this post

There was some confusion on the Fatwallet threads about these promotions. These promotions do seem to be by invitation only. However, the codes don't appear to be unique to individuals. Several people who posted were informed by customer service representatives that they would not be receiving the bonus. So it's unclear if signing up with these codes would guarantee a bonus.

Both of these bonuses require the use of a promo code. Here's what HSBC says about these special promotion codes:

Periodically, HSBC customers are provided with a unique access code for special promotions and offers. To take advantage of the offer, customers visit us.hsbc.com and enter the access code in the 'Special Promotions' box found at the right of this page and the home page.

I want to be careful not to mislead readers so I called and sent email to HSBC asking about these promo codes and signup bonuses. The customer representative who I spoke with told me there were no signup bonuses. The email that I received said that qualifying customers were offered a promotion code to apply for the Online Savings account. Apparently, these promo codes are not for the general public. If you sign up with these promo codes without an invitation, there's no guarantee that you'll get a bonus.

Even without these special signup bonuses, HSBC's savings and checking accounts are still good deals. As I mentioned previously, it's currently the highest no-minimum savings account rate.