How to Activate HDFC Credit Card

A credit card makes everyday payments easier and more convenient. It helps you manage daily expenses such as grocery shopping, medical bills, travel bookings, and other urgent payments when cash is not available. Instead of carrying cash, you can pay securely and quickly, both online and offline. Credit cards also come with added benefits like cashback, discounts, and reward points, which make regular spending more rewarding and easier on your budget.

For someone using a credit card for the first time, activation is an important step before you can start using it. Without activation, the card cannot be used for purchases or payments. This blog explains how to activate HDFC credit card using simple online and offline methods. The steps are easy to follow and designed to help you start using your card without any confusion or delay.

How to activate HDFC credit card online

HDFC net banking
- Visit the official HDFC net banking website
- Log in using your Customer ID and password
- Go to the ‘Cards’ section and click on ‘Credit Cards’
- Under the menu, select ‘Request’ and click on ‘Instant PIN Generation’
- Choose your HDFC Bank credit card from the drop-down list and click on ‘Continue’
- Enter a 4-digit PIN of your choice
- Re-enter it for confirmation, and click on ‘Continue’
- Select your registered mobile number to receive an OTP
- Type the OTP sent to your mobile and click on ‘Continue’ to complete the activation
- You will receive a confirmation message that your HDFC credit card has been activated
HDFC MyCards Portal
- Visit the official HDFC MyCards portal
- Scan the QR code and open the page on your mobile
- Register by entering your mobile number and the OTP received
- Click on the ‘Credit Card’ tab
- Register your card by entering the last 4 digits of your HDFC credit card
- Select the ‘Set PIN’ option on the next screen
- Create a 4-digit PIN of your choice and re-enter it for confirmation
- Enter your card’s expiry date and click on ‘Confirm’
- You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number
- Enter the OTP to complete the HDFC credit card activation process
HDFC Bank mobile app
- Download the HDFC Bank mobile app from the Play Store or App Store
- Log in using your mPIN or fingerprint
- Tap on the ‘Cards’ option from the main menu
- Select ‘Credit Cards’ from the drop-down list
- Tap on ‘Requests’ and choose ‘Instant PIN Generation’
- Select the credit card number for which you want to generate the PIN
- Enter a 4-digit PIN of your choice and re-enter it to confirm
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number to complete the activation
- A confirmation message stating that your HDFC credit card PIN has been successfully generated and activated
HDFC WhatsApp banking
- Save HDFC Bank WhatsApp number – 7070022222 on your registered mobile number
- Send a message ‘Manage My Credit Card’ to this WhatsApp number
- From the options provided, select ‘Online Transactions’
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
- Provide the last 4 digits of your HDFC credit card
- You’ll see the current status of your credit card transactions as ‘Disabled’
- Switch the status to ‘Enabled’ to complete your HDFC Bank credit card activation

Also Read: How to Track HDFC Bank Credit Card Status

How to activate HDFC credit card offline

HDFC Bank ATM
- Call the HDFC Bank toll-free number:1860 266 0333
- Follow the IVR instructions to receive an OTP on your registered mobile number
- Visit the nearest HDFC Bank ATM and insert your credit card
- Choose the option ‘Create new ATM PIN using OTP’ from the menu
- Type in the OTP received via SMS on your mobile
- Provide your registered mobile number when prompted
- Set a 4-digit PIN of your choice to activate your HDFC credit card
Customer care
- Call the HDFC Bank IVR number: 1860 266 0333 from your registered mobile number
- Provide the last 4 digits of your credit card, then press the hash (#) key
- Press 1 to receive an OTP on your registered mobile via SMS
- Enter the 6-digit OTP received on your phone
- Create a 4-digit PIN of your choice, followed by the hash (#) to complete the activation

Also Read: HDFC Credit Card Apply: Online and Offline Methods

Now that you know how to activate HDFC credit card, you can start using it with ease and confidence. HDFC Bank offers a range of simple and secure activation options such as NetBanking, the MyCards portal, mobile app, WhatsApp, ATM, and customer care, making the process convenient for every cardholder. You can choose the method that suits you best and complete the steps in just a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How to activate HDFC Bank credit card?

You can activate your HDFC Bank credit card through various methods: online via NetBanking, the MyCards portal, the HDFC Mobile Banking app, or WhatsApp banking; or offline via ATM or customer care.
How do I know if my HDFC credit card is activated?

You can check the HDFC credit card activation status by logging in to HDFC NetBanking or the Mobile Banking App to check if your card appears under the ‘Credit Cards’ section. You can also confirm by calling HDFC customer care.
What happens if I don’t activate my HDFC Credit Card within 37 days?

If your HDFC credit card is not activated within 37 days (30 days + 7 days grace period), it will be automatically closed in accordance with RBI regulations. You will need to reapply for a new credit card if you wish to use HDFC credit services in the future.
What is the HDFC credit card customer care number?

For assistance with your HDFC credit card, contact the customer care helpline at 1800 1600 or 1800 2600, available nationwide. If you are travelling abroad, you can reach HDFC Bank’s support team by calling +91 22 6160 6160.
How to activate international transaction on HDFC credit card?

Log in to HDFC Net Banking using your Customer ID and password → go to the ‘Credit Card’ section and select your card → click on ‘Customise’ → enable ‘International Usage’ → choose your preferred OTP delivery method → enter the OTP to confirm your HDFC credit card international activation.