Secure Key

If you're having difficulty with your Secure Key, choose the relevant screen display below for information to help you log on.

The Secure Key is an electronic device used to generate a special, one time 6-digit security code. You must enter the security code to access full online banking services, such as transfer to non-registered accounts, access to Global View, and other high-risk transactions. The digital Secure Key has been selected by HSBC as the technology that best meets our customers' need for flexibility and portability. We have recently introduced a digital Secure Key with enhanced security protection.

Securing customer information is key to HSBC. We are constantly evolving how we keep you protected and Secure Key is the latest of these innovations. In the face of increasingly sophisticated online threats, it gives valuable added protection. Your Secure Key generates a new security code each time you use it, to help ensure only you can access your accounts.

Secure Key brings an additional level of protection to our online customers. Once activated, it is uniquely linked to you and must be used each time you log on to allow access to high risk transactions. The Secure Key will generate a security code which we will validate at log on. This number will only be accepted for a short period of time.

The Secure Key device can be ordered by clicking on "Order Secure Key" using the menu beside your customer name post log-on to online banking, or by calling our call center on 19007 within Egypt, and +202 3535 9100 from abroad.

HSBC sees the upgrade of all its customers to Secure Key as a fundamental part of its strategy to keep them safe online. You have around 90 days from receipt of the Secure Key to upgrade and can do this at any convenient time within that period. If you do not activate your Secure Key within this period, the next time you attempt to log on you will have to upgrade to maintain your online access.

To access full service online banking, you will require an HSBC Secure Key as there are certain functions that are considered high risk. As you would appreciate, our effort is to protect your accounts with the highest level of security possible.

You can continue to access online banking with limited services using your existing password at times when you don't carry your Secure Key.

Limited Services refers to all low-risk transactions, which include the following: account summary, open new account, open new term deposit, bill payment history, future payments, make a transfer within your own accounts, currency converter, order cheque book, read message, statements, etc.

You will be able to access some areas of online banking without using your Secure Key, but you will not be able to make transfers/payments to outside of your HSBC accounts. You will still be able to access the following services:

account summary, open new account, open new term deposit, bill payment history, future payments, make a transfer within your own accounts, future transfers, currency converter, services, order cheque book, contact centre, read message, etc.

No. Your Secure Key, once activated, is uniquely linked to you. Should you need access to your accounts and do not have your Secure Key, you can continue to access online banking with limited services using your existing password or you can call our call centre on 19007 (within Egypt) or +202 3535 9100 (outside Egypt) and they will be more than happy to help. Once identified, they are able to assist you with any enquiries you have about your account or make payments on your behalf.

To maintain the security and integrity of the system, only one Secure Key can be activated and linked to each customer. The Secure Key has been designed so that it is small enough to carry in a wallet or purse with your cards or attached to a key ring. Should you need access to your accounts and do not have your Secure Key you can continue to access online banking with limited services using your existing password or you can call our call centre on 19007 (within Egypt) or +202 3535 9100 (outside Egypt) and they will be more than happy to help. Once identified, they are able to assist you with any enquiries you have about your account or make payments on your behalf.

Secure Key has been uniquely designed for HSBC as a sealed, tamper proof unit which makes it very difficult for an attacker to compromise. The nature of modern mobile phones, with their ability to download software, makes it much more difficult to guarantee the same level of robust security found on the physical device. The Secure Key has been developed to be small enough to easily fit a purse or wallet which we hope makes this method of access as convenient as possible.

It is essential that you enter your security code before confirming an electronic transfer via online banking. It helps us validate your identity to ensure you're protected from all fraudulent activities. The 6-digit code is generated by your Secure Key and guarantees the safest online banking experience.

It is imperative that you follow the on screen process to generate your Transaction Data Signing (TDS) code.

Third party transfers are simple and secure. Turn on your Secure Key and enter your PIN. Once validated, you will be prompted with 'HSBC'. Next, press the yellow button on your Secure Key device. You will be prompted to enter the last four digits of the beneficiary account number.

Once entered, press the yellow button once again to generate a 6-digit code. Enter the code in the field labelled 'Transaction signing code' and click 'Transfer'. Check the details entered and click 'Confirm' to complete the transfer.

We have alternative solutions to cater for disabilities. To discuss your options, please call us on 19007 within Egypt or +202 3535 9100 from abroad.

You will not be able to access some areas of online banking without using your Secure Key that are considered as high risk after Secure Key becomes mandatory, which are mainly transfers or payments to outside your HSBC accounts. If you have already ordered or received your Secure Key and not activated it within 90 days, you will not be able to log in to online banking.

The Secure Key has been designed to power off after a given period of time to preserve battery life. In most scenarios this will be 30 seconds. We suggest only switching it on and entering your PIN just before you need to use it.

Please contact our team on 19007 (within Egypt) or +202 3535 9100 (outside Egypt) who will be able to arrange the delivery of your Secure Key when you return, or can arrange for overseas delivery.

The PIN provides an extra layer of security. Combining this with your other log in details provides maximum protection for you, should the device be stolen or your details compromised online.

Your memorable question/answer will be asked in full each time you log on. Your security questions will only be needed if you forget one of your other log in details or lock your Secure Key PIN. They will allow you to reset online without the need to call us.

You can reset any one of your log on details online by using your security questions and other log on details. Simply follow the appropriate links on the log on page.

This is a 2 stage process:

1. We will first ask you to complete an online reset form, with details of what you would like your new memorable question/answer and security questions to be
2. You then need to call us on 19007 (within Egypt) or +202 3535 9100 (outside Egypt), where we will identify you and activate your new security details. 

You can then log on using the new details

The existing password will still be needed at times where you do not have your Secure Key available. It will give you access to low risk transactions.

Your Secure Key's battery should last 5 years under average use. The device will warn you when the battery is low. At that point, please contact HSBC and we will send you a replacement. This will avoid you losing any access to our service.

Please call us on 19007 (within Egypt) or +202 3535 9100 (outside Egypt) and we will arrange to send a new Secure Key by courier, free of charge.

Your replacement Secure Key will take approximately 15 working days to arrive to an Egyptian address, but overseas will take longer. In the interim, you can continue to logon using your password and get access to Online Banking with low-risk transactions, or call us at 19007 (within Egypt) or +202 3535 9100 (outside Egypt) for conducting any high-risk transactions.

You will need to contact our Call Center on 19007 (within Egypt), on +202 3535 9100 (outside Egypt) to have a new Secure Key sent to you by courier. You will be able to continue access via online banking using your password until you receive your replacement Secure Key.

For security, once you tell us you have lost your Secure Key, we will immediately de-activate it from your accounts to prevent fraudulent access. If you subsequently find it you will not be able to reuse it. Your new Secure Key will normally be received in approximately 15 working days.

There is no charge for issuing or replacing a Secure Key.