HSBC introduces dual currency transaction feature on debit card

British lender HSBC has introduced a dual currency transaction feature on its debit card.

The new facility will offer cardholders greater flexibility and help them to carry out overseas transactions for shopping, dining and any other needs, the bank said in a statement yesterday.

To avail the service, existing cardholders need to visit their nearest HSBC branch and endorse their passport for travel quota entitlement against their existing local HSBC debit card.

Once this is done, the existing local HSBC debit card will be accepted for purchases in all Visa merchants around the world as well as in Bangladesh.

"We see our debit card as an element to provide our customers with flexibility, convenience and the most value adding international experience," said Md Mahbub ur Rahman, chief executive officer of HSBC Bangladesh. 

"With the addition of this dual currency feature, we stay deep-rooted in our commitment to connect customers with our unparalleled international network in today's globalised world."

Ahmed Saiful Islam, head of wealth and personal banking at HSBC Bangladesh, said "Our commitment to facilitate international connectivity for our customers goes a step ahead with this dual currency feature launch on our debit card,"

"The ease of having just one card and using it at home and abroad enhances the customer experience which is one of the major purposes of our operations in Bangladesh," he added.

He thanked Bangladesh Bank for allowing this feature in debit cards recently for the banking industry.

HSBC, which has offices in 64 countries and territories around the world, opened its first branch in Bangladesh in 1996.

It offers a range of financial services, including commercial banking, consumer banking, global liquidity and cash management, trade services, treasury, and custody and clearing.

Currently, HSBC Bangladesh operates in both the major commercial hubs of Dhaka and Chattogram and has presence in all eight export processing zones.