rjmore - if you want to wire transfer money HSBC always charges you a percentage based on the amount you want to transfer. it's ridiculous having to pay fees to move or access your own money. but you do what's easiest for you. e*trade is the best way to send large sums without paying any fees.
fyi - i spoke with e*trade. If you make the 'bill payment' before 1 p.m. it only takes 1 business day and your money is reflected in your usa account (converted to USD). no fees! from there you can do with it whatever u want.
all you have to do is setup your online banking with HSBC - choose "E*Trade" as a Bill Payment merchant (under the Securities Brokerage category), input your 8-digit e*Trade USA account number in the BILL PAYEE Acct. # and 'pay' or 'transfer' as much money as you want! you're essentially 'transferring' your money into your USA account and it'll show up in USD the next day. no fees. pretty cool. make sure you adjust your HKD transfer limit (ceiling) with HSBC when you setup your online banking. you have to do this in person at the bank.
Aloha
