HBL Freedom Accounts Are Being Converted to Islamic Accounts — No Benefits, No Way Back!

In recent weeks, numerous HBL Freedom Account holders across Pakistan have found themselves unexpectedly switched to HBL Islamic Accounts. The shift begins with a simple SMS from HBL — no confirmation button, no “Yes” or “No” option — and within one or two days, the conversion takes effect automatically. For many, this sudden change has meant losing key benefits and facing new banking charges without their consent.

The SMS That Starts It All

Customers have reported receiving an SMS that reads:

“Dear Client, as your Conventional account is being converted into Islamic account, all banking services will be inaccessible from 8AM to 8PM on 19 OCT 2025. Inconvenience is regretted. For help call 111 111 425.”

While this message may appear as a routine update, it actually signals the start of a permanent change. The SMS offers no way to reply or decline the conversion — and within 24–48 hours, the account automatically changes from HBL Freedom to an Islamic Account.

Customer Frustration and Helplessness

Many loyal HBL customers have expressed outrage over the process. One user shared their experience on social media, saying:

“HBL is such a pathetic bank! Even after repeatedly saying and opting out of conversion to Islamic banking, they switched my Freedom Account to Islamic. When I asked why, they said ‘Aap account close karwa dein, hum kuch nahi kar saktay.’ I’ve been their loyal customer for 8 years. Branch: Khyber Bazar, Peshawar.”

Stories like this are becoming common, highlighting how customers feel trapped by a system that offers no reversal or opt-out mechanism. HBL branches and helpline representatives have confirmed that once converted, the only solution is to close the Islamic Account entirely and open a brand new Freedom Account.

Freedom Account vs Islamic Account: Key Differences

To understand why users are upset, it’s important to compare what’s being lost in this conversion:

HBL Freedom Account Features (Conventional)

• Free intercity cheque clearing
• Free stop payment of cheques
• Waiver on cheque return charges
• Free banker’s cheque issuance and cancellation
• Free cheque book and duplicate statement
• Free HBL Debit Card (Individuals & Sole Proprietors)
• Free intercity funds transfer using HBL network
• Free intercity cash deposit and withdrawal
• Free 1-Link/M.Net charges
• Free SMS alerts for all transactions
• Unlimited free cheque books

HBL Islamic Current Account Features

• No initial deposit required
• Unlimited transactions
• Access via HBL Debit Card, Internet, and Phone Banking
• All other services charged as per Islamic SoBC

In short, the Freedom Account offers numerous free services that are lost when converted to the Islamic variant — making the switch both inconvenient and costly for regular users.

No Reversal — The Only Way Out Is to Start Over

Once an HBL Freedom Account is converted, it cannot be restored. The branch staff usually inform customers that the only solution is to close the Islamic Account and open a new Freedom Account from scratch.

This process includes filling out fresh account opening forms, providing income proof, and waiting for a new debit card (which can take up to three weeks). You must also activate the new card at an HBL ATM — a difficult task for those living in smaller towns or rural areas without ATM access.

Furthermore, once you close your Islamic Account and open a new Freedom Account, you must monitor every SMS you receive from HBL carefully. If another conversion SMS appears, you must immediately call HBL helpline (111 111 425) to stop it. Otherwise, your newly opened Freedom Account may also be converted within days — repeating the same exhausting cycle.

The Endless Loop for Customers

Many customers describe this as a “loop” — open a Freedom Account, get an SMS, ignore it, and soon find it converted again. Each time, the only way out is closing the current account and reopening a new one. This creates serious inconvenience for those receiving salaries, pensions, or remittances, since they have to inform every sender about the new account number every time.

Why the Conversion Is a Problem

While Islamic Banking has legitimate benefits for those who prefer it, the issue here is consent and choice. Customers who never opted for Islamic products are being migrated automatically, often without understanding the implications. The loss of free benefits, additional charges, and time wasted in reopening accounts make this a serious customer rights issue.

Experts emphasize that financial institutions must ensure informed consent for any major change in account type. A one-way SMS is not enough to represent consent in a financial transaction of this scale.

What Customers Should Do Immediately

1. Read all SMS from HBL carefully. If you receive a message about your account being converted, call the helpline right away.
2. Ask the representative to stop the conversion. Do not wait until after the mentioned date.
3. If already converted, visit your home branch. Bring CNIC, proof of income, and request to close the Islamic Account.
4. Open a new Freedom Account. This is currently the only way to return to your preferred account type.
5. Stay alert for future SMS. The conversion may happen again unless you call and stop it in advance.

Potential Legal and Regulatory Concerns

The automatic conversion of accounts raises questions about compliance with Pakistan’s banking regulations. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) requires all banks to maintain transparency and obtain consent before making product changes. Customers argue that sending a one-way SMS without any opt-out mechanism violates this principle.

So far, there has been no official statement from HBL addressing the public concerns or explaining whether the conversion is part of a broader shift toward Islamic banking. Until then, customers are left to deal with the confusion on their own.

Conclusion

The ongoing conversion of HBL Freedom Accounts to Islamic Accounts has created frustration and inconvenience for thousands of customers. Losing multiple free features, being forced to reopen accounts, and facing repeat conversions have all contributed to the growing backlash.

Until HBL provides a clear, customer-friendly solution — ideally allowing users to opt out or revert back — customers must remain vigilant. Read all SMS notices carefully, call the helpline before conversion dates, and save all communication records for future reference.

Note: If you as a customer being effected by this same issue and you want to open new HBL freedom account then you cannot open it in your existing branch as the branch is converted into islamic account and they cannot open conventional HBL freedom account, So don't visit there, just ask on call from branch or helpline for your nearest conventional branch where only you can open hbl freedom account.

FAQs

1. Does HBL ask for consent before converting Freedom Accounts?

No. Customers receive an SMS but are not given any Yes/No option to accept or decline the conversion.

2. How long after the SMS does the conversion happen?

Usually within one to two days after the message is sent.

3. Can the conversion be reversed?

No. You must close the Islamic Account and open a new Freedom Account from scratch.

4. What should I do if I get such an SMS?

Immediately call HBL helpline 111 111 425 before the mentioned date to request that your account not be converted.

5. Why are people upset with this conversion?

Because they lose free services and must go through a lengthy process to restore their old account type, with no guarantee it won’t happen again.