HSBC is killing my business, piece by piece 
There is something magical in how people are attached to their bank, at least here in France (but it looks from the article that this is the same in the UK).
Just switch banks!I never payed for a bank account (in several countries where I had an account while living there). When Credit Mutuel decided to do my free account, I went to them and told them that either they go back or I leave. They did not believe me so I left on the spot.It is so simple today to change that it should be like changing the brand  of cereals.  I am now with a bank which just works and very happy, one just needs to try until they get the right one.