The Buffered PLUS offered are senior unsecured debt securities of HSBC USA Inc. (“HSBC”), will not pay interest, provide for a return of at least 15% of the principal amount at maturity and have the terms described in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, as supplemented or modified by this free writing prospectus. All references to “Reference Asset” in the prospectus supplement and the Equity Index Underlying Supplement shall refer to the “underlying index” herein. At maturity, if the level of the underlying index has appreciated from the initial level, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus a payment reflecting the leveraged upside performance of the underlying index, subject to the maximum payment at maturity. However, at maturity, if the level of the underlying index has depreciated from the initial level but not by more than the buffer amount, then investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment. At maturity, if the level of the underlying index has depreciated from the initial level by more than the buffer amount, then investors will lose 1% for every 1% decline in the level of the underlying index beyond the buffer amount. The Buffered PLUS are for investors who seek an equity index-based return and who are willing to risk their principal and forgo current income and upside above the maximum payment at maturity in exchange for the leverage feature, which applies to a limited range of positive performance of the underlying index, and the limited protection against loss if the level of the underlying index does not decline by more than the buffer amount. Investors may lose up to 85% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS. All payments on the Buffered PLUS are subject to the credit risk of HSBC.

* The pricing date, original issue date and the other dates set forth above are subject to change, and will be set forth in the pricing supplement relating to the Buffered PLUS.

The estimated initial value of the Buffered PLUS on the pricing date is expected to be between $9.50 and $9.75 per Buffered PLUS, which will be less than the price to public. The market value of the Buffered PLUS at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy. See “Estimated initial value” above and “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of this document for additional information.

An investment in the Buffered PLUS involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of this free writing prospectus, page S-1 of the Equity Index Underlying Supplement and page S-1 of the prospectus supplement.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved the Buffered PLUS, or determined that this free writing prospectus or the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement or prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

HSBC has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, a prospectus supplement and Equity Index Underlying Supplement) with the SEC for the offering to which this free writing prospectus relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, prospectus supplement, and Equity Index Underlying Supplement in that registration statement and other documents HSBC has filed with the SEC for more complete information about HSBC and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, prospectus supplement and Equity Index Underlying Supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1-866-811-8049.

You should read this document together with the related Equity Index Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, each of which can be accessed via the hyperlinks below.

The Buffered PLUS are not deposit liabilities or other obligations of a bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States or any other jurisdiction, and involve investment risks including possible loss of the stated principal amount invested due to the credit risk of HSBC.

The Buffered PLUS Based on the Level of the TOPIX^®Index due May 5, 2021 (the “Buffered PLUS”) can be used:

The Buffered PLUS offer 200% leveraged upside on the positive performance of the underlying index, subject to a maximum payment at maturity of at least $12.04 per Buffered PLUS (at least 120.40% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date. However, if the level of the underlying index has declined from the initial level by more than the buffer amount as of the valuation date, investors will lose 1% for every 1% decrease in the level of the underlying index by more than the buffer amount. Investors may lose up to 85% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS. All payments on the Buffered PLUS are subject to the credit risk of HSBC.

The payoff diagram below illustrates the payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS assuming the following terms:

The Buffered PLUS may be suitable for you if:

You seek an investment with an enhanced return linked to the potential positive performance of the underlying index and you believe the level of the underlying index will increase over the term of the Buffered PLUS.

You are willing to invest in the Buffered PLUS based on the maximum payment at maturity of at least 120.40% of the stated principal amount (to be determined on the pricing date), which may limit your return at maturity. The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.

You are willing to make an investment that is exposed to the potential loss of 1% of the principal amount for each percentage point that the underlying index decreases by more than 15%.

You are willing to forgo dividends or other distributions paid to holders of the stocks included in the underlying index.

You are willing to accept the risk and return profile of the Buffered PLUS versus a conventional debt security with a comparable maturity issued by HSBC or another issuer with a similar credit rating.

You do not seek current income from your investment.

You do not seek an investment for which there is an active secondary market.

You are willing to hold the Buffered PLUS to maturity.

You are comfortable with the creditworthiness of HSBC, as Issuer of the Buffered PLUS.

The Buffered PLUS may not be suitable for you if:

You believe the level of the underlying index will decrease, or that it will not increase sufficiently to provide you with your desired return.

You are unwilling to invest in the Buffered PLUS based on the maximum payment at maturity of at least 120.40% of the stated principal amount (to be determined on the pricing date), which may limit your return at maturity. The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.

You are unwilling to make an investment that is exposed to the potential loss of 1% of the principal amount for each percentage point that the underlying index decreases by more than 15%.

You prefer the lower risk, and therefore accept the potentially lower returns, of conventional debt securities with comparable maturities issued by HSBC or another issuer with a similar credit rating.

You prefer to receive the dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in the underlying index.

You seek current income from your investment.

You seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market.

You are unable or unwilling to hold the Buffered PLUS to maturity.

You are not willing or are unable to assume the credit risk associated with HSBC, as Issuer of the Buffered PLUS.

We urge you to read the section “Risk Factors” on page S-1 of the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement and page S-1 of the accompanying prospectus supplement. Investing in the Buffered PLUS is not equivalent to investing directly in the any of the stocks included in the underlying index. You should understand the risks of investing in the Buffered PLUS and should reach an investment decision only after careful consideration, with your advisors, of the suitability of the Buffered PLUS in light of your particular financial circumstances and the information set forth in this free writing prospectus and the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus.

In addition to the risks discussed below, you should review “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and Equity Index Underlying Supplement, including the explanation of risks relating to the Buffered PLUS described in the following sections:

“— General risks related to indices” in the Equity Index Underlying Supplement;

“—Securities Prices Generally Are Subject to Political, Economic, Financial and Social Factors that Apply to the Markets in which They Trade and, to a Lesser Extent, Foreign Markets” in the Equity Index Underlying Supplement; and

“—Time Differences Between the Domestic and Foreign Markets and New York City May Create Discrepancies in the Trading Level or Price of the Notes” in the Equity Index Underlying Supplement.

You will be subject to significant risks not associated with conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt securities.

The TPX is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of all companies listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Publication of the TPX began on July 1, 1969, with a base point of 100 as of the base date of January 4, 1968. The TPX is published by the TSE and the TSE is responsible for calculating and publishing the TPX.

For more information about the TOPIX^Ò Index, see “The TOPIX^Ò Index” beginning on page S-54 of the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement.

The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the underlying index based on the daily historical official closing level from March 29, 2009 to March 29, 2019. We obtained the official closing levels below from the Bloomberg Professional^® service. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from the Bloomberg. The historical levels of the underlying index should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the level of the underlying index on the valuation date.

Please read this information in conjunction with the summary terms on the front cover of this document.

This document provides a summary of the terms and conditions of the Buffered PLUS. We encourage you to read the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus for this offering, which can be accessed via the hyperlinks on the front page of this document.

“Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM” and “PLUS^SM” are service marks of Morgan Stanley.

	April 2019
	Free Writing Prospectus
	Registration Statement No. 333-223208
	Dated April 3, 2019
	Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

Structured Investments
Opportunities in International Equities

INDICATIVE TERMS
Issuer:	HSBC USA Inc. (“HSBC”)
Maturity date*:	May 5, 2021, subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes—Coupon Payment Dates, Call Payment Dates and Maturity Date” in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement
Underlying index:	TOPIX^® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “TPX”)
Aggregate principal amount:	$
Payment at maturity:	For each $10 stated principal amount security you hold at maturity: ▪ If the final level is greater than the initial level: $10 + the leveraged upside payment, subject to the maximum payment at maturity ▪ If the final level is equal to or less than the initial level by an amount equal to or less than the buffer amount: $10 ▪ If the final level is less than the initial level by an amount greater than the buffer amount: ($10 × the index performance factor) + $1.50 If the final level is less than the initial level by more than the buffer amount, your payment at maturity will be less than, and possibly significantly less than, the $10 principal amount per security. You should not invest in the securities unless you are willing and able to bear the risk of losing a significant portion of your investment. All payments on the Buffered PLUS are subject to the credit risk of HSBC.
Leveraged upside payment:	$10 x leverage factor x index percent increase
Leverage factor:	200%
Index percent increase:	(final level – initial level) / initial level
Initial level:	The official closing level of the underlying index on the pricing date
Final level:	The official closing level of the underlying index on the valuation date
Buffer amount:	15%
Valuation date*:	April 30, 2021, subject to adjustment as described in “Additional Terms of the Notes—Valuation Dates” in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement
Index performance factor:	final level / initial level
Maximum payment at maturity:	At least $12.04 per Buffered PLUS (at least 120.40% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.
Principal amount:	$10 per Buffered PLUS
Issue price:	$10 per Buffered PLUS
Pricing date*:	On or about April 26, 2019
Original issue date*:	On or about May 1, 2019 (3 business days after the pricing date)
Estimated initial value:	The estimated initial value of the Buffered PLUS will be less than the price you pay to purchase the Buffered PLUS. The estimated initial value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your Buffered PLUS in the secondary market, if any, at any time. The estimated initial value will be calculated on the pricing date and will be set forth in the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates. See “Risk Factors — The estimated initial value of the Buffered PLUS, which will be determined by us on the pricing date, will be less than the price to public and may differ from the market value of the Buffered PLUS in the secondary market, if any.”
CUSIP:	40436B501
ISIN:	US40436B5012
Listing:	The Buffered PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange.
Agent:	HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC. See “Supplemental plan of distribution (conflicts of interest).”
Commissions and issue price:	Price to public	Commissions and issue price:	Price to public
Per Buffered PLUS	$10.00	$0.20⁽¹⁾ $0.05⁽²⁾	$9.75
Total	$	$	$

Maturity:	Approximately 2 years
Leverage factor:	200%
Maximum payment at maturity:	At least $12.04 per Buffered PLUS (at least 120.40% of the stated principal amount, to be determined on the pricing date)
Buffer amount:	15%

Leveraged Upside Performance	The Buffered PLUS offer investors an opportunity to capture enhanced returns for a certain range of positive performance relative to a direct investment in the securities included in the underlying index.
Buffer Feature	At maturity, even if the level of the underlying index has declined over the term of the Buffered PLUS, you will receive your stated principal amount, but only if the level of the underlying index has declined by no more than the buffer amount from the initial level.
Upside Scenario	The level of the underlying index appreciates from the initial level and, at maturity for each Buffered PLUS, we will pay the stated principal amount of $10 plus 200% of the index percent increase, subject to a maximum payment at maturity of at least $12.04 per Buffered PLUS (at least 120.40% of the stated principal amount).
Par Scenario	The level of the underlying index depreciates from the initial level but by no more than 15%, and, at maturity for each Buffered PLUS, we will pay the stated principal amount of $10.
Downside Scenario	The level of the underlying index depreciates from the initial level by more than 15%, and, at maturity for each Buffered PLUS, you will lose 1% for every 1% that the level of the underlying index has decreased by more than 15%.

	Stated principal amount:	$10 per Buffered PLUS
	Leverage factor:	200%
	Hypothetical maximum payment at maturity:	$12.04 per Buffered PLUS (120.40% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be at least $12.04 per Buffered PLUS and will be determined on the pricing date.
	Buffer amount:	15%

General Information
Listing:	The Buffered PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange.
CUSIP:	40436B501
ISIN:	US40436B5012
Minimum ticketing size:	$1,000 / 100 Buffered PLUS
Denominations:	$10 per Buffered PLUS and integral multiples thereof
Interest:	None
Tax considerations:	There is no direct legal authority as to the proper tax treatment of each Buffered PLUS, and therefore significant aspects of the tax treatment of each Buffered PLUS are uncertain as to both the timing and character of any inclusion in income in respect of each Buffered PLUS. Under one approach, each Buffered PLUS could be treated as a pre-paid executory contract with respect to the underlying index. We intend to treat each Buffered PLUS consistent with this approach. Pursuant to the terms of each Buffered PLUS, you agree to treat each Buffered PLUS under this approach for all U.S. federal income tax purposes. Subject to the limitations described therein, and based on certain factual representations received from us, in the opinion of our special U.S. tax counsel, Mayer Brown LLP, it is reasonable to treat each Buffered PLUS as a pre-paid executory contract with respect to the underlying index. Pursuant to this approach, we do not intend to report any income or gain with respect to each Buffered PLUS prior to maturity or an earlier sale or exchange, and we intend to treat any gain or loss upon maturity or an earlier sale or exchange as long-term capital gain or loss, provided that you have held the Buffered PLUS for more than one year at such time for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In Notice 2008-2, the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department requested comments as to whether the purchaser of certain securities (which may include the Buffered PLUS) should be required to accrue income during its term under a mark-to-market, accrual or other methodology, whether income and gain on such a security or contract should be ordinary or capital and whether foreign holders should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accrual. Accordingly, it is possible that regulations or other guidance could provide that a U.S. holder (as defined under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement) of a Buffered PLUS is required to accrue income in respect of the Buffered PLUS prior to the receipt of payments under the Buffered PLUS or its earlier sale or exchange. Moreover, it is possible that any such regulations or other guidance could treat all income and gain of a U.S. holder in respect of a Buffered PLUS as ordinary income (including gain on a sale or exchange). Finally, it is possible that a non-U.S. holder (as defined under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement) of the Buffered PLUS could be subject to U.S. withholding tax in respect of a Buffered PLUS. It is unclear whether any regulations or other guidance would apply to the Buffered PLUS (possibly on a retroactive basis). Prospective investors are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding Notice 2008-2 and the possible effect to them of the issuance of regulations or other guidance that affects the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Buffered PLUS. We will not attempt to ascertain whether any of the entities whose stock is included in the underlying index would be treated as a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) or United States real property holding corporation (a “USRPHC”), both as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If one or more of the entities whose stock is included in the underlying index were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply. You should refer to information filed with the SEC and other authorities by the entities whose stock is included in the underlying index and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if one or more of the entities whose stock is included in the underlying index is or becomes a PFIC or a USRPHC. A “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States and such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a non-U.S. holder. Under U.S. Treasury Department regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”) that are “specified ELIs” may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest in an “underlying security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a payment with respect to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, Internal Revenue Service guidance provides that withholding on dividend equivalent payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2021. Based on the Issuer’s determination that the Buffered PLUS is not a “delta-one” instrument, non-U.S. holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the Buffered PLUS. However, it is possible that the Buffered PLUS could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the underlying index or the Buffered PLUS, and following such occurrence the Buffered PLUS could be

	treated as subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-U.S. holders that enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the underlying index or the Buffered PLUS should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding tax in the context of the Buffered PLUS and their other transactions. If any payments are treated as dividend equivalents subject to withholding, we (or the applicable paying agent) would be entitled to withhold taxes without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld Under current law, while the matter is not entirely clear, individual non-U.S. holders, and entities whose property is potentially includible in those individuals’ gross estates for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers), should note that, absent an applicable treaty benefit, the Buffered PLUS is likely to be treated as U.S. situs property, subject to U.S. federal estate tax. These individuals and entities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of investing in the Buffered PLUS. For a further discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences related to each Buffered PLUS, see the section “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
Calculation agent:	HSBC USA Inc., or one of its affiliates.
Supplemental plan of distribution (conflicts of interest):	Pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC, will purchase the Buffered PLUS from HSBC for distribution to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will act as agent for the Buffered PLUS and will receive a fee of $0.25 per $10 stated principal amount and will pay to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management a fixed sales commission of $0.20 for each Buffered PLUS they sell. Of the amount per $10 stated principal amount received by HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., acting as agent for HSBC, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will pay Morgan Stanley Wealth Management a structuring fee of $0.05 for each Buffered PLUS. In addition, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents may use the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates in market-making transactions after the initial sale of the Buffered PLUS, but is under no obligation to do so and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice. We expect that delivery of the Buffered PLUS will be made against payment for the Buffered PLUS on or about the Original Issue Date set forth on the cover page of this document, which is more than two business days following the Pricing Date. Under Rule 15c6-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to that trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Buffered PLUS more than two business days prior to the Original Issue Date will be required to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement, and should consult their own advisors. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page S-61 in the prospectus supplement.
Events of default and acceleration:	If the Buffered PLUS have become immediately due and payable following an event of default (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) with respect to the Buffered PLUS, the calculation agent will determine the accelerated payment at maturity due and payable in the same general manner as described in “payment at maturity” in this free writing prospectus. In such a case, the third scheduled trading day for the underlying index immediately preceding the date of acceleration will be used as the valuation date for purposes of determining the accelerated final level. If a market disruption event exists on that scheduled trading day, then the accelerated valuation date will be postponed for up to five scheduled trading days (in the same general manner used for postponing the originally scheduled valuation date). The accelerated maturity date will be the fifth business day following such accelerated postponed valuation date. For more information, see “Description of Debt Securities — Senior Debt Securities — Events of Default” in the accompanying prospectus.
Where you can find more information:	This free writing prospectus relates to an offering of the Buffered PLUS linked to the underlying index. The purchaser of a Buffered PLUS will acquire a senior unsecured debt security of HSBC USA Inc. We reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify any offering and to reject orders in whole or in part. Although the offering of Buffered PLUS relates to the underlying index, you should not construe that fact as a recommendation as to the merits of acquiring an investment linked to the underlying index or any security included in the underlying index or as to the suitability of an investment in the Buffered PLUS. HSBC has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, a prospectus supplement and an Equity Index Underlying Supplement) with the SEC for the offering to which this free writing prospectus relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, prospectus supplement and Equity Index Underlying Supplement in that registration statement and other documents HSBC has filed with the SEC for more complete information about HSBC and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, prospectus supplement and Equity Index Underlying Supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1-866-811-8049. You should read this document together with the prospectus dated February 26, 2018, the prospectus supplement dated February 26, 2018 and Equity Index Underlying Supplement dated February 26, 2018. If the terms of the Buffered PLUS offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying