Comparison

HSBC UAE vs ISTAR Capital

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

HSBC UAE

Manage your finances on the go with this banking app. Open accounts, view transactions, make transfers, and manage cards securely. Access global accounts, investments, and installment plans with ease.

Highlights
  • Instant account opening and digital registration
  • View local and global account balances and transactions
  • Multi-currency Global Money Account and Debit Card
  • Domestic and international transfers
  • Open Term Deposits and manage investments
  • Add cards to Apple Pay and manage spending
  • Convert credit card limit to cash or consolidate balances
Features
Read full description

The HSBC UAE app has been specially built for our customers, with reliability at the heart of its design Enjoy convenience and security with these great features: • 'Instant account management' - open a bank account within minutes and enjoy instant digital registration. In-app Account opening is only available in English • ‘View account balances & transaction details’ - view the balances of your local and global HSBC accounts, credit cards and loans • ‘Global Money Account and Debit Card’ - hold, transfer and spend like a local in up to 21 currencies from single account. Enjoy fee free instant transfers to other HSBC accounts in participating countries • ‘Pay and Transfer’ – Add new payees and make domestic and international transfers. Instant transfers to HSBC international accounts without any fee • Open Term Deposit in AED, USD and GBP at competitive interest rates instantly. You can also access our promotional rates without visiting the branch or contacting your RM. • ‘Manage Cards’ - add your cards to Apple Pay directly through the app, control your spending and block or unblock your card • 'Instalment Plans' - Convert your available Credit Card limit into cash, convert your card transactions, consolidate your outstanding balance from other bank cards into your HSBC card and conveniently repay in monthly instalments • Credit Card application – Apply for a credit card in just few minutes • ‘Wealth Solutions’ - Access up to 25 markets and 77 exchanges, diversify with equities, ETFs, bonds and funds, and stay ahead with real-time data and insights • Mobile Chat and Contact Us – fast and secure way to get help with your banking needs 24/7 Download the HSBC UAE app to enjoy banking on the go! Already a customer? Log on with your existing banking details. If you are not yet registered, please visit hsbc.ae/register *Important note: This App is provided by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited ('HSBC UAE') and designed for use in the United Arab Emirates. The products and services represented within this App are intended for UAE customers*. HSBC UAE is authorised and regulated in United Arab Emirates by the Central Bank of the U.A.E and lead regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. If you are outside of UAE, we may not be authorised to offer or provide you with the products and services available through this App in the country or region you are located or resident in. This App is not intended for distribution, download or use by any person in any jurisdiction, country or region where the distribution, download or use of this material is restricted and would not be permitted by law or regulation. Additional assistance through our branches and Call Centre are available for People of Determination. Our mobile app is compatible with a number of accessible technologies to support customers with different needs to access our services. For any assistance, please visit hsbc.ae/help/contact © Copyright HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (UAE) 2026 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, on any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of HSBC Bank Middle East Limited. HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, UAE Branch, registered address at Level 4, Gate Precinct Building 2, DIFC, P.O. Box 30444, Dubai, UAE, acting through its Dubai branch at HSBC Tower, Downtown, P.O. Box 66, Dubai, UAE (HBME) regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE for the purpose of this promotion and lead regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. In respect of certain financial services and activities offered by HBME, it is regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority in the UAE under license number 602004. By downloading this app, you agree to and accept the HSBC Personal Banking General Terms and Conditions (UAE) and the HSBC Online Banking Terms and conditions, each available through hsbc.ae/terms.

About

ISTAR Capital

Features
Read full description

IStar Capital provides secure digital access to your investments and global financial markets through a streamlined mobile experience. Designed for IStar Capital clients, the application provides a convenient way to access investment accounts, monitor portfolios and stay connected to market activity wherever you are. Key features include: • View your investment portfolio and account information • Monitor holdings and portfolio performance • Access global financial markets • Review market data and investment information • Place and manage eligible orders • Track transaction and order activity • Access your account securely from your mobile device The IStar Capital app is designed to provide clients with a clear, efficient and secure way to manage their investment activity while on the move. Access to products, markets and functionality may vary depending on your account type, jurisdiction, eligibility and applicable regulatory requirements. Important: Investing involves risk. The value of investments can rise or fall, and investors may receive back less than the amount originally invested. Information available through the application should not be considered investment advice unless expressly stated otherwise. The IStar Capital application is intended for existing and eligible IStar Capital clients.

Screenshots

HSBC UAE4 screens
ISTAR Capital4 screens

Verdict

The call

HSBC UAE and ISTAR Capital are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
HSBC UAE versus ISTAR Capital: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHSBC UAEISTAR Capital
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (3.2K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews35.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings3.2K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size647 MB88 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHSBC Global Services (UK) LimitedIStar Capital LTD

Bugs and requests

HSBC UAE

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Login issues and app freezes
  • Inability to upload documents
  • Inconsistent transaction display
  • Face recognition not working
  • App quitting during use

Requested features

5 requests
  • Global transfer capability
  • Landscape mode support
  • Ability to download statements
  • Option to pay full credit card balance
  • Improved in-app notification system

ISTAR Capital

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

HSBC UAE

No in-app purchases

None

ISTAR Capital

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is HSBC UAE free?
HSBC UAE is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ISTAR Capital free?
ISTAR Capital is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do HSBC UAE or ISTAR Capital have ads?
Neither HSBC UAE nor ISTAR Capital shows ads.

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