Barclays vs HSBC UK: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology Barclays and HSBC UK score the same — 93 out of 100. Below: where they differ by factor and by fact.
Score breakdown
| Barclays | HSBC UK | |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | 100 | 100 |
| Digital services | 86 | 86 |
| Products | 100 | 100 |
| Transparency | 83 | 83 |
Pros and cons
Barclays
- Wide range of products for private customers
- Long track record as a licensed bank
- Member of a deposit protection scheme
- Holds its own current rating from a recognised agency
HSBC UK
- Wide range of products for private customers
- Long track record as a licensed bank
- Member of a deposit protection scheme
- Holds its own current rating from a recognised agency
Facts side by side
| Fact | Barclays | HSBC UK |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed since | 1690 home.barclays | 1836 about.hsbc.co.uk |
| Deposit protection | Yes barclays.co.uk | Yes hsbc.co.uk |
| Agency rating | Yes home.barclays | Yes hsbc.com |
| Annual reports online | Yes home.barclays | Yes hsbc.com |
| Mobile app | Yes barclays.co.uk | Yes hsbc.co.uk |
| Open an account online | Yes barclays.co.uk | Yes hsbc.co.uk |
| Instant payments | Yes barclays.co.uk | Yes wearepay.uk |
| 24/7 support | No barclays.co.uk | No hsbc.co.uk |
| Retail lines offered (of 6) | 6 barclays.co.uk | 6 hsbc.co.uk |
| Tariffs online | Yes barclays.co.uk | Yes hsbc.co.uk |
| Deposit rates online | Yes barclays.co.uk | Yes hsbc.co.uk |
| Complaints procedure published | Yes barclays.co.uk | Yes hsbc.co.uk |