Talking "Free" To Friends

HSBC Bank USA, New York, has launched an aggressive marketing campaign for "selling" its free checking account. The bank has a "tell-a-friend" component whereby current customers can refer family and friends and both the customers and the family/friends get a pair of Bushnell binoculars. The free account itself is pretty aggressive, too, since it includes internet banking, online bill pay service, a debit card, telephone banking and does not require direct deposit, a maintenance fee or a minimum balance.

Copyright © 2004 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 14, No. 8, 10/04