Credit cards have become an essential tool in today’s world. The concept of “buy-now, pay later” allows you to enjoy an interest-free period of 20-50 days. HDFC Bank credit cards offer additional benefits such as earning rewards, cash backs, and discounts on purchases. However, like any financial tool, credit cards can be misused, which is why HDFC credit cards are initially received in a deactivated mode. To activate your HDFC credit card, you can choose from various channels provided by HDFC Bank. These include online and offline methods.
How to activate your HDFC credit card online
To activate your HDFC credit card online, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the HDFC Bank website.
- Login to your personal banking account using your customer user ID and password.
- Navigate to the “Cards” option.
- Select “Credit Cards” from the drop-down menu.
- Click on “Requests.”
- Choose “Instant PIN generation.”
- Select the card number for which you want to generate the PIN.
- Enter a 4-digit PIN of your choice.
- Re-enter the PIN to confirm.
- Click on “Confirm.”
- Provide your mobile number to receive an OTP (One-Time Password).
- Enter the OTP received to activate the HDFC Bank credit card PIN number.
How to activate HDFC Bank credit card through Netbanking
If you prefer to activate your HDFC credit card through HDFC Netbanking, follow these steps:
- Visit the HDFC Bank website.
- Log in to the net banking portal using your Customer ID and password.
- Click on the “Credit Card” tab.
- Enter your “Credit Card ATM PIN” in the “Requests” section.
- Select the credit card number you want to proceed with.
- Confirm your request.
- A new credit card PIN will be sent to your registered mailing address.
- Visit your nearest HDFC Bank ATM to change the PIN.
How to activate HDFC Bank credit card through mobile banking
For activation through mobile banking, follow these steps:
- Download the HDFC Bank mobile banking app.
- Install the app and log in using your banking credentials and mPIN.
- Go to the “Cards” option.
- Select “Credit Cards” from the drop-down menu.
- Click on “Requests.”
- Choose “Instant PIN generation.”
- Select the card number for which you want to generate the PIN.
- Enter a 4-digit PIN of your choice.
- Re-enter the PIN to confirm.
- Click on “Confirm.”
- Provide your mobile number to receive an OTP.
- Enter the OTP received to activate the HDFC Bank credit card PIN number.
How to activate HDFC Bank credit card through an ATM
To activate your HDFC credit card through an ATM, follow these steps:
- Visit the nearest HDFC Bank ATM.
- Swipe your credit card and select your preferred language.
- Choose the “Create new PIN using OTP” option.
- Confirm your choice.
- An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to your HDFC account.
- Enter the OTP on the ATM screen.
- Enter your mobile number for cross-verification.
- Create a new 4-digit PIN of your choice.
- Retype the PIN and confirm.
- You will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number confirming the successful activation of your PIN.
To activate your HDFC Credit Card, you can simply start using it for both online and offline transactions. Make sure to perform at least one online and one offline transaction within 30 days of receiving the card. For offline transactions, swipe your card at a Point of Sale (PoS) machine to keep it active. Additionally, depending on the variant of your HDFC Credit Card, you may also be eligible for exclusive activation benefits.
What happens if I don’t activate my credit card within 37 days?
It is important to activate your credit card within 30 days of receiving it to ensure its usability for future transactions. If you fail to activate it within the initial 30-day period, you will be granted a grace period of 7 days. However, if you do not activate your card within 37 days, it will be closed and you will no longer be able to use it for purchases.
Can I make contactless transactions with HDFC credit cards?
Yes, HDFC Credit Cardholders can make contactless transactions of up to Rs. 5,000 by simply tapping their card on a PoS machine. To enable contactless transactions, you need to activate this feature through your HDFC Net Banking account. Log in to your net banking account, navigate to the ‘Credit Cards’ section, and enable contactless transactions for your card.
Is there a transaction fee for SmartPay?
No, HDFC Bank’s SmartPay service does not charge any transaction fees. SmartPay allows you to set up automatic payments for bills, recharges, and other transactions without incurring any additional charges. Moreover, you have the flexibility to set payment limits for each biller and receive payment schedule reminders or transaction alerts accordingly.
How to Activate HDFC Credit Card by Enabling Transactions
HDFC Bank also provides an option to activate your credit card by enabling it for contactless, international, and online transactions. You can enable these features online through MyCards, Whatsapp, or Eva. Here are the steps for each method:
Through MyCards:
Visit the official website of MyCards: mycards.hdfcbank.com. Log in using OTP and link your credit card to enable it. Click on the ‘Card Control’ tab. Enable online, contactless, and international transactions. Your card will be successfully activated and ready for online and offline transactions.
Through Whatsapp Banking:
You can activate your credit card for online, contactless, and international transactions by sending a Whatsapp message. Send the message ‘Manage My Credit Card’ to 7070022222 and follow the subsequent steps based on your requirements to activate your card.
Through EVA:
Utilize Eva, the personal assistant on HDFC Bank’s website, to enable your card for online, contactless, and international transactions. Initiate a chat with Eva by sending ‘Manage My Credit Card’ and follow the on-screen options to enable your card according to your preferences.
How long is the HDFC Bank credit card PIN number?
The HDFC Bank credit card PIN number consists of 4 digits. The default PIN is assigned through a unique coding system.
How to change HDFC Bank credit card PIN
If you want to change your HDFC credit card PIN, you can do so through net banking, ATM, or SMS. Here’s how:
HDFC Bank Credit Card PIN Change through Net Banking:
- Visit the net banking portal.
- Log in to your HDFC net banking account using your credentials.
- Click on “Cards.”
- Go to “Credit Card” and select “Credit card options.”
- Choose “Change PIN.”
- An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to your HDFC account.
- Enter the OTP and continue.
- Create a new 4-digit PIN of your choice.
- Re-enter the same PIN.
- Submit the request to change your PIN.
- Your HDFC Bank credit card PIN will be updated to the new one.
HDFC Bank Credit Card PIN Change through ATM:
- Visit the nearest HDFC Bank ATM.
- Swipe your credit card in the ATM machine.
- Select your preferred language.
- Choose the “Create new ATM PIN using OTP” option.
- An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to your HDFC account.
- Enter the OTP received on your mobile.
- Enter your registered mobile number.
- Set your new 4-digit PIN of your choice.
- Re-enter the PIN.
- Submit the PIN change request.
HDFC Bank Credit Card PIN Change through SMS:
You can also change your HDFC Bank credit card PIN using the bank’s SMS facility. Send an SMS with the text “CCPIN XXXX” (where XXXX represents the last 4 digits of your credit card number) to 5676712 from your registered mobile number.
Remember, changing your PIN regularly and keeping it secure is crucial for the safety of your HDFC credit card.
Conclusion:
Activating your HDFC Credit Card is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through usage or by enabling specific transactions. By using your card for online and offline transactions within 30 days of receiving it, you can ensure its activation. Additionally, you can enjoy activation benefits based on your card variant.
It is crucial to activate your card within the designated timeframe to avoid its closure. If the card remains inactive for more than 37 days, it will be closed and rendered unusable for future purchases.
HDFC Credit Cardholders also have the convenience of making contactless transactions by tapping their card at PoS machines. However, it is necessary to enable this feature through HDFC Net Banking.
SmartPay, an HDFC Bank service, offers a hassle-free way to make automatic payments without any transaction fees. Users can set payment limits, receive reminders, and transaction alerts for bill payments and recharges.
To activate your HDFC Credit Card through enabling transactions, you have the options of using MyCards, Whatsapp Banking, or the EVA personal assistant. Following the provided steps for each method will ensure the activation of your card for online, contactless, and international transactions.
Lastly, the HDFC Bank credit card PIN consists of 4 digits and is unique. The default PIN is generated using a coding system, providing an added layer of security for cardholders.