I have just received a HSBC debit card and need to activate it and phone them but will it be automatic or will i have to speak to an agent?

Automatic

Automatic.

It's usually an automatic service.

It is usually a machine at most banks. If you are calling from a phone number that you have registered for the account, caller ID and punching in the last 4 digits of your credit card number.

Otherwise you can usually acknowledge receipt of the card on-line or if you use it in one of your bank's ATM machines.

The sticker on the card should tell you your options for activating the card

Computer but why would you not want to talk to an agent?

Only reason I could think of is they may ask you questions you can't answer? Your question is suspicious to say the least