The provider’s business banking software malfunctioned leaving customers unable to make payments, with account-holders from other banks also affected.

A spokesperson said: “HSBC apologises for the inconvenience this has caused. We are taking immediate steps to ensure the payments reach beneficiaries as quickly as possible. We will work with other banks to ensure that customers do not lose out as a result of today’s problems.”

The bank was using its Twitter feed (pictured) to update customers today.

It’s last update two hours ago said: “We are currently investigating alternative ways to ensure credits are received today.” Followed by a second, also two hours ago, which said: “Follow us and we will provide you with further updates. Thank you for your patience.”

One clearly irate customer @CharlotteDyer said: “Why don’t you pay us our money and fix the error on your own time and repay yourselves once you’ve found it?”

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Another Twitter response from  ‏@MaleStylist just under an hour ago said: “The @HSBC_UK crash is a masterclass in how not to do marketing/social media. Complete blackout yet still posting useless materials. #HSBC”

London-based @ianrutter01 , tweeted an hour ago: “I wonder if, and how much, interest is being earned on our unpaid salaries sitting somewhere in @HSBC_UK’s banking system…#HSBC”