HSBC gets hit by ATM and online problems

BANKING GIANT HSBC has been hit by problems with its online services and ATM machines after an apparent network or datacentre fault.

According to the BBC, the fault started at 14:45 GMT, when some customers weren't able to use their cards.

Problems also hit the First Direct web site, with customers reporting that they are unable to access their accounts.

HSBC has confirmed the glitches, apologised to customers and said on Twitter it is working to resolve the issue "quickly".

The bank apparently has around 3,789 cash machines on the UK's Link network, but it is unclear how many of these have been affected.

The outage could cause big problems for people planning to take out some cash for the weekend. Before this happens again, we'll be drawing out our money and keeping it in a cardboard box under the stairs.

Update
HSBC's services are now back up and running. The bank said via its Twitter page, "Card terminals and internet banking should now be back on. Sorry and thanks again for bearing with us." µ