The biggest worry of card users when shopping online is exposing their credit card or debit card information on merchant websites. HDFC Bank has launched HDFC NetSafe, a virtual credit card, which addresses this concern by generating a unique virtual card number for credit or debit cards that can be used instead of your real numbers for online transactions. Similar to a prepaid credit card, NetSafe is a payment solution that protects your personal details (like credit card number, PIN, etc.).
On HDFC Bank Website
HDFC virtual credit card is a card where the physical card details are not used for payments. Instead, a virtual card number is generated for each payment to avoid duplication/ phishing of information entered for making a payment online.
Currently, HDFC Bank does not levy any fees or charges for the HDFC NetSafe virtual credit card to make online transactions safer and more secure. It is provided free of cost until further notice.
With the aim of making the facility accessible to all individuals, HDFC Bank has set the following eligibility criteria for its virtual credit card:
You can create the NetSafe Card by following the steps mentioned below:
You can also generate the card by downloading a plug-in which will remain on your computer. On clicking the plug-in, it will directly take you to the page to generate the NetSafe Card.
Following are the key differences between a virtual credit card and a physical credit card:
| Physical Credit Card | Virtual Credit Card |
|---|---|
| Can be used for online as well as offline transactions | Can’t be used for point-of-sale purchases |
| Interest-free period available | Generally interest-free period isn’t available |
| Generally expires after a few years from issuance | Valid for 24 – 48 hours |
| Facility to earn reward points & cashback | No such benefit available in the majority of cards |
| Helps build a credit score in the long run | Doesn’t contribute to building a credit score |
HDFC Bank offers the following credit cards:
You can get an HDFC virtual credit card by registering for NetSafe via HDFC NetBanking.
Yes, you can use two credit cards from HDFC Bank.
No, the NetSafe card cannot be used to withdraw cash as it can only be used to make online payments.
Yes, you can use your NetSafe Card at all the websites that accept Visa/ Mastercard cards as payment options.
Follow the steps given below mentioned for cancelling a NetSafe Card:
No, Net Safe is currently free for all HDFC Bank Visa/ Mastercard Credit Card and Debit Card users.
