Millions hit by HSBC computer glitch

Customers of HSBC were hindered in their bank holiday shopping yesterday as a computer glitch left millions unable to use their credit and debit cards

11:43 04 January 2005

Customers of HSBC were hindered in their bank holiday shopping yesterday as a computer glitch left millions unable to use their credit and debit cards.

Reports indicate that the problem began around midday and lasted well into the night, with internet services still malfunctioning this morning.

However, while festive spending was held back with services from ATM machines and credit and debit card transactions being refused, the bank has reassured customers that there was no security risk.

A spokeswoman for the bank said: "I don't think there were any security implications at all."

HSBC has said that most ATM and card services were functioning again by 18:00 GMT yesterday, with internet banking services being worked on.

The computer problems were particularly badly timed, with shoppers looking to capitalise on the New Year bank holiday and the January sales.