Activating your HDFC credit card is a crucial step to begin enjoying its benefits. While online methods are prevalent, activating your card at an ATM offers a convenient alternative, especially for those who prefer offline processes or lack access to internet banking. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to activate your HDFC credit card at an ATM.

Prerequisites

Before heading to the ATM, ensure you have the following:

• Your new HDFC credit card.
• Your mobile phone registered with HDFC Bank (to receive an OTP).

Step-by-Step Activation Process

1. Call the Toll-Free Number: Before visiting the ATM, call HDFC Bank's toll-free number 1860 266 0333 from your registered mobile number. This step is essential to initiate the OTP generation process.

2. Follow the Instructions: Listen carefully to the automated instructions and follow them to request an OTP (One-Time Password). The system will typically ask you to enter the last four digits of your credit card number and press the hash key (#). Then, select the option to generate an OTP. The OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS.

3. Visit an HDFC Bank ATM: Locate the nearest HDFC Bank ATM. Note that this process is specifically designed for HDFC Bank ATMs and may not work at other bank ATMs.

4. Insert Your Credit Card: Insert your new HDFC credit card into the ATM card reader.

5. Select ‘Create New ATM PIN using OTP’: On the ATM screen, you will see several options. Choose the option that says 'Create new ATM PIN using OTP'. This option is specifically for activating your credit card and setting a new PIN.

6. Enter the OTP: Enter the OTP that you received on your registered mobile number. Be careful while entering the OTP, as multiple incorrect attempts may lock the process.

7. Enter Your Registered Mobile Number: The ATM will prompt you to enter your registered mobile number for cross-verification. Enter the mobile number accurately.

8. Create Your 4-Digit PIN: You will now be prompted to create a new 4-digit PIN for your credit card. Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Avoid using obvious numbers like your birth year or repeating digits.

9. Re-enter PIN to Confirm: Re-enter the 4-digit PIN to confirm. This step ensures that you have entered the PIN correctly.

10. PIN Activation Confirmation: If all the steps are followed correctly, you will receive a confirmation message on the ATM screen indicating that your PIN has been successfully created and your card is now active. You will also receive an SMS on your registered mobile number confirming the successful activation of your PIN.

Important Points to Remember

• Activation Deadline: Ensure you activate your credit card within 37 days of receiving it. Failure to do so may result in automatic deactivation of the card.
• OTP Validity: The OTP received on your mobile number is valid for a limited time. Make sure to use it promptly at the ATM.
• Registered Mobile Number: The OTP will only be sent to the mobile number that is registered with your HDFC Bank account. Ensure that you have provided the correct mobile number in your credit card application.
• HDFC Bank ATMs Only: This activation process is exclusively for HDFC Bank ATMs. It will not work at ATMs of other banks.

Alternative Activation Methods

While ATM activation is a convenient option, HDFC Bank provides several other methods to activate your credit card:

• Net Banking: If you have an HDFC Bank net banking account, you can activate your credit card online through the net banking portal.
• Mobile Banking App: You can also use the HDFC Bank mobile banking app to activate your card.
• Customer Care: Call HDFC Bank’s customer care number and follow the instructions to activate your card.
• MyCards Portal: Activate your card through the MyCards portal by registering and linking your card.
• WhatsApp Banking: Send 'Manage My Credit Card' to 7070022222 on WhatsApp and follow the prompts.
• EVA (HDFC Bank's Chatbot): Use EVA, the HDFC Bank chatbot, to activate your card by following the provided steps.

Activating your HDFC credit card at an ATM is a straightforward and secure process. By following these steps, you can quickly start using your new credit card for all your online and offline transactions.