FCE Bank plc vs HSBC UK Bank plc
FCE Bank has a blended long-term credit rating of BBB and HSBC UK Bank AA-, so HSBC UK Bank is rated 5 notches higher. FCE Bank and HSBC UK Bank hold separate banking licences, so eligible savings with each are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000 per person separately. In the CMA's August 2026 service quality survey, 58% of HSBC UK Bank's personal customers would recommend it for overall service; FCE Bank is not one of the brands surveyed.
FCE Bank plc
S&P, Moody's, Fitch
HSBC UK Bank plc
S&P, Moody's, Fitch
Rating History Comparison
Comparison Summary
| Metric | FCE Bank plc | HSBC UK Bank plc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Rating | BBB | AA- | HSBC UK Bank 5 notches higher |
| Normalized Score | 58 | 83 | -25 points |
| Agencies | S&P, Moody's, Fitch | S&P, Moody's, Fitch | Same |
| Outlook | Stable | Positive | Different |
| Trend | NEW |
Different | |
| Investment Grade | Yes | Yes | Same |
Service record and deposit protection
| Measure | FCE Bank | HSBC UK Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Would recommend for overall service (CMA survey, Aug 2026, personal, GB) | not surveyed | 58% (rank 11 of 17) |
| Would recommend for online and mobile banking | not surveyed | 75% (rank 7= of 17) |
| Banking complaints per 1,000 accounts (FCA) | not published | 2.26 (2026 H1) |
| Complaints upheld by the bank | 61% | 59% |
| Major operational or security incidents reported to the FCA, last 12 months | not collected | 1 (to Jun 2026) |
| Banking licence (FCA reference) | 204469 | 765112 |
FCE Bank and HSBC UK Bank hold separate banking licences, so eligible savings with each are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000 per person separately.
Survey: CMA / Ipsos, share of each brand's own customers who would recommend it (full rankings). Complaints: FCA firm-level data for the licence holder (all banks). Incidents: figures each bank must publish under the FCA's BCOBS 7 rules (all banks). A service score is about experience, not financial strength.Frequently asked questions
Is FCE Bank or HSBC UK Bank financially stronger?
FCE Bank has a blended long-term credit rating of BBB and HSBC UK Bank AA-, so HSBC UK Bank is rated 5 notches higher. A credit rating is an agency's opinion of a bank's ability to repay its debts, not a guarantee, and it says nothing about service.
Do FCE Bank and HSBC UK Bank share FSCS protection?
FCE Bank and HSBC UK Bank hold separate banking licences, so eligible savings with each are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000 per person separately.
Which has better customer service, FCE Bank or HSBC UK Bank?
In the CMA's August 2026 service quality survey, 58% of HSBC UK Bank's personal customers would recommend it for overall service; FCE Bank is not one of the brands surveyed. A service score reflects customers' experience, not the bank's financial strength.
Compare with Other Banks
Select another bank to compare: