HSBC Simply Pay 4+

Great App; Could be better

It's a great alternative to the exisitng UPI apps in the market like PhonePe, Gpay, CredUPI in the sense that there are no advertisements in the app and is fairly lightweight.
However it needs to utilise Apple's IOS full features and capabilities as mentioned below:
1. Scanner Widget needs to be introduced for lockscreen.
2. Better cashback rewards (if possible) without introducing junk advertisements or selling customer data.

Developer Response ,

Hello Indranuj, We appreciate your feedback. We are in the process of continuously upgrading our digital capabilities. We will keep adding new features on an ongoing basis. ^Sowmya

Buggy App Unfit for Usage

I was excited when I received an email to start using HSBC SimplyPay. To begin with, the registration process was a pain. It took me about 20 tries to get it to work while all other UPI Apps like PhonePe, GPay, PayTm worked in a single try. This App needs Location access to be enabled for it to work which is ridiculous invasion of privacy. I have 10 other UPI and Financial Apps installed from ICICI, HDFC etc and none of them have such requirement. After crossing all hurdles, it takes couple of secs to open which is crazy considering we are in 2024. The UX is 1990's which could have been avoided if HSBC hired a good UX person. I don't want to delve deep into the tonne of bugs within App like Electricity Billers not getting identified, Unable to pull latest bill amount even after biller is identified, searching in Phone Recharge Category for a specific plan gives same plan repeated a million times etc. To summarize, all features in this App should be migrated to HSBC India App as this App is complete waste and should be shutdown.

Clunkiest app ever; makes users vulnerable

The setup process is so cumbersome, annoying and time consuming. It requires Location access — no way I’m going to risk myself because HSBC can’t develop an app without asking for sensitive information. For some so called “security” reason, it requires you to not use WiFi during setup and needs data to be turned on. Next, you can’t switch to another app during registration to lookup any information. If you do, then the app forces you to send a fresh SMS again. Once you cross these hurdles, you have to fight the Register button, which does nothing when tapped even after you’ve selected the default account. It’s 2020 — which security expert advised your team to use Security Questions and Answers? That’s the best way to expose your customers to hacks and frauds!

Overall, this app is an exercise in bad user experiences and even worse security. Better use some other bank’s app for UPI.

Developer Response ,

Hello, in order to install and use the application, kindly permit the access for the location and notifications while launching it. If the issue persists, raise the issue on https://www.apps.asiapacific.hsbc.com/1/2/inm2/complaint-form and our team will look into it. ^Nilesh