When I tried to open a bank account having just moved to the UK, Barclays wanted me to wait two weeks for an appointment. HSBC had me signed up with money in my account on the same day. My debit card worked in a week.
I have an HSBC account because at the time I moved to the Uk (2004) they had a mechanism in place so you could set it up as part of the application process. I don't remember the details but it was standard for everyone to just do it all before leaving NZ.
I bet a lot of people are in a similar position. Not that I really use the account now, I have a far happier time in my Barclays account. I actually have a real hate for HSBC.
