HSBC Bermuda has acknowledged that problems have impacted bank cards and automatic teller machines and said they have been pursuing solutions.

The bank has pointed to their network of ATMs as a problem area, and said they are in the process of replacing them. There are “32 customer facing ATMs in our fleet” across branches and external locations.

Customers have complained that there have been problems for weeks. One said he has had cards replaced repeatedly over more than a year.

An HSBC spokesperson said today: “We are aware of the card related and ATM issues that some customers have been experiencing and apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.

“We are, however, pleased to advise that our ATM fleet is undergoing a major upgrade which will help address these concerns.

“Our Harbourview and St George’s branches have received new ATM’s, with the balance of island wide installations scheduled for completion by the end of June. We thank our valued customers for their continued patience as we roll out the new machines.”

Frustrated clients vented on an online forum, one claiming he had to obtain a third debit card in as many months. He said bank employees advised him against using the majority of HSBC machines, because they were believed to be negatively affecting the cards.

One wrote: “I got a new HSBC card in April of last year. Two months later it was faulty. The same card works in the HSBC machine here in the UK so it's not the cards, it’s the ATMs HSBC Bermuda have.”

The bank said today: “Should customers have any further concerns of this nature, we ask that they call the HSBC contact centre on 299 5959 or visit one of our branches, where we would be more than happy to provide assistance.”