HSBC Direct Signup Bonus Received

I can now say that the HSBC signup bonus definitely works. I just checked my HSBC Direct Online Savings Account, and the bonus has been paid. The $25 bonus appeared in my account 17 days after I applied for the Online Savings Account. Here's the brief history of my signup process:

12/03/05 - Applied for account
12/10/05 - Received user ID in the mail
12/14/05 - Received password in the mail
12/20/05 - $25 bonus deposited

A commenter also reported success and received the bonus even faster. Here is what was reported:

12/12/05 - Applied for account
12/19/05 - ID/PW letters came in mail
12/20/05 - $25 bonus deposited

For more info about opening an account at HSBC, refer to this post from last week. HSBC Direct has the best deal around for a no-minimum savings account. The 4.25% interest rate and the $25 sign-up bonus is hard to beat.

However, HSBC online banking is not perfect. The time it takes to transfer money seems too long. I initiated a transfer to my HSBC account from my external checking account on 12/20. The money was withdrawn from the checking account on 12/22. The money didn't get deposited into the HSBC savings account until 12/27. This was over the Christmas holiday so it may not be typical. However, I've read about similar delays. I'll have to try another transfer after the holidays and see how long it takes.