Lewiston HSBC switches to KeyBank July 13

On Friday, July 13, the HSBC Bank branch in Lewiston will convert to a KeyBank branch. Here are some helpful tips, courtesy of KeyBank (www.key.com).

•Current HSBC accounts will transfer automatically to KeyBank effective after the end of business on July 13.

•Unless otherwise notified, new KeyBank checking and savings account numbers will remain the same as HSBC account numbers. However, the routing number will change.

•KeyBank asserts that all customers should have received a new ATM/debit card for KeyBank by July 2, a PIN for this card by July 5, and will receive a supply of checks by July 12. Old ATM/debit cards and checks will not function after the activation of the new cards and checks. If you have not yet received your ATM/debit card, PIN, and/or checks by these dates, call 1-866-424-1768.

•On Friday, July 13, beginning at 3 p.m., users will be able to use their KeyBank ATM/debit card for all transactions (such as cash withdrawals at ATM machines and point-of-sale transactions). HSBC account holders can continue to use their cards until this time.

•Users will not be able to complete certain transactions when the new ATM/debit cards begin functioning on July 13. Clients should carefully track their recurring or pending credit and debit payments. All recurring online payments (such as monthly bills, etc.) or payments that have not been transacted by Friday, July 13, will end. Patrons cannot reinstate these payments until cards are activated.

The new card will not function for signature purchases until the patron activates his card. Patrons must remember to call the previously listed toll-free KeyBank number on Monday, July 16, or soon after, as patrons can activate their cards to begin these payments and make signature purchases on Monday, July 16.

Though HSBC ATM/debit cards will no longer work after the listed dates, HSBC credit cards will continue to function until September 2012, when they will be converted into KeyBank credit cards.

•To activate the conversion for signature purchases and recurring bills, users should call the number listed above.

•Any rewards points or redemption options will remain attached to accounts until September, and they will simply be transferred to KeyBank credit rewards programs at that point. Clients can also expect to continue receiving notification of their account statuses.

•HSBC account holders take special note: KeyBank will not have or offer prior HSBC statements. If you need them, get them now!

Your final monthly HSBC account statement will reflect activity through the end of business on July 13. The next statement you receive will be a KeyBank account statement, which, wherever possible, will contain the same combinations of deposit accounts that you currently have at HSBC. Please note that all of your current account cycles will remain the same, except for retirement accounts.

•New clients can bank through any of KeyBank's branches, ATMs, online, or by phone. In Western New York, there are 63 KeyBank branches and 86 ATMs.

Clients should remain alert about cost differences, as fees and service costs might alter. Clients will receive information about these changes in the near future.

•For more detailed information about these changes, visithttps://www.key.com/about/welcome-hsbc-clients.jsp and https://www.key.com/about/welcome-hsbc-clients-faq.jsp.

•The KeyBank FAQ page also clears many points of general confusion.

•The Center Street HSBC branch will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 13, and reopen as KeyBank at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 16.