What are the steps to activate HDFC Bank Online Payment Gateway ?

How to Activate HDFC Bank Online Payment Gateway: A Step-by-Step Guide

With the rapid rise in online transactions and e-commerce, having a secure and reliable payment gateway is crucial for any business. HDFC Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, offers a robust Online Payment Gateway solution to help merchants accept payments through multiple channels including debit cards, credit cards, net banking, UPI, wallets, and EMI options.

If you’re looking to integrate and activate the HDFC Bank Payment Gateway for your business, this article walks you through the detailed steps involved — from application to activation.


✅ What is HDFC Bank's Online Payment Gateway?

HDFC Bank's payment gateway service allows merchants to collect online payments securely via their website or app. It supports:

  • Credit/Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, RuPay, Amex)

  • Net Banking from multiple banks

  • UPI

  • Mobile Wallets

  • EMI options

  • Multi-currency support (for international transactions)

The gateway ensures secure encryption (PCI-DSS compliance) and real-time processing.


๐Ÿ“ Prerequisites Before Activation

Before initiating the activation process, ensure the following:

  • You own a registered business entity (Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Pvt Ltd, etc.)

  • You have a current account with HDFC Bank

  • A business website or mobile app that is ready or under development

  • Basic KYC and compliance documents

  • Technical support (a developer or agency) to handle integration


๐Ÿ› ️ Steps to Activate HDFC Bank Online Payment Gateway

Step 1: Contact HDFC Bank or Sales Representative

  • Visit the nearest HDFC branch or the HDFC Merchant Services page on the bank’s official website.

  • Alternatively, contact HDFC's SmartHub or PayZapp for Business team.

  • Fill out an initial inquiry form with details like your business type, expected monthly volume, website URL, etc.

  • A bank representative will get in touch to understand your requirements.

Step 2: Submit the Application Form

You will be required to fill out a merchant onboarding application form which includes:

  • Merchant business details

  • Website or app URL

  • Nature of business

  • Average ticket size and expected monthly volume

  • Bank account details (HDFC current account)

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

You’ll need to submit the following KYC and compliance documents:

For Sole Proprietors:

  • PAN card (personal and business, if available)

  • Aadhaar or Passport

  • Business registration certificate

  • Bank statement or cancelled cheque

  • GST Certificate (if applicable)

  • Website Privacy Policy, T&C, and Refund Policy pages

For Companies/LLPs:

  • PAN card of the company

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)

  • Board resolution (authorizing use of the gateway)

  • GST Certificate

  • Website compliance documents

Step 4: Website or App Compliance Check

Your business website/app must comply with HDFC’s guidelines. Ensure it has:

  • Valid SSL Certificate (HTTPS)

  • Terms & Conditions page

  • Privacy Policy

  • Refund/Cancellation Policy

  • Customer support contact details

  • Complete product/service listings

This is important as HDFC will conduct a technical audit of your platform before approval.

Step 5: Signing the Agreement

Once all documents are verified, HDFC Bank will share a Merchant Agreement. Review and sign it.

  • This agreement includes terms related to transaction fees, refund processing, settlement cycles, etc.

  • A soft or hard copy may be required, depending on the bank's protocol.

Step 6: Technical Integration

After approval, you will receive access to HDFC’s payment gateway integration kit (API/SDK).

There are generally two options:

  • Hosted Checkout: Redirects customers to a secure HDFC page

  • API Integration: Seamless checkout within your website or app

Developers can integrate using:

  • Java, PHP, Python, .NET SDKs

  • Mobile SDKs for iOS/Android

  • Plugins for platforms like Magento, WooCommerce, Shopify (via third-party)

HDFC supports Test Environment (UAT) so you can test transactions before going live.

Step 7: UAT Testing and Approval

  • After integration, run test transactions in UAT mode.

  • HDFC's technical team will evaluate the integration, especially security, redirect URLs, and compliance.

  • Once testing is successful, HDFC will move the payment gateway to Live Mode.

Step 8: Go Live and Start Accepting Payments

Once live, your customers can start making payments through your website or app. You’ll have access to:

  • Merchant Dashboard to view transactions, settlements, and analytics

  • Customer Support from HDFC’s payment team

  • Email/SMS Alerts for transactions


๐Ÿ’ฐ Transaction Charges

Charges typically depend on your business type and transaction volume. Generally:

  • Credit Cards: ~2% – 2.5%

  • Debit Cards: ~0.9% – 1%

  • UPI: Often free or nominal

  • Net Banking: 1% – 1.5%

  • EMI/International Cards: Higher rates

Note: Rates may be negotiable based on volume. Ask your HDFC representative.


๐Ÿ“ž Support and Contact

  • HDFC Merchant Services Website: https://www.hdfcbank.com

  • SmartHub Merchant Support: Often provided post-onboarding

  • Email: Reach out to the email ID provided during onboarding

  • Phone: Use branch or relationship manager contact


๐Ÿ”’ Security & Compliance

HDFC Payment Gateway complies with:

  • PCI DSS standards

  • 3D Secure authentication

  • SSL Encryption

  • Fraud prevention tools (velocity checks, IP blocking, etc.)

These ensure that transactions are secure for both merchants and customers.


Final Thoughts

Activating the HDFC Online Payment Gateway is a structured process that involves business verification, compliance, technical integration, and final approval. While it may seem detailed, HDFC offers strong merchant support and scalable solutions for small businesses to large enterprises.

Whether you're launching an e-commerce site, subscription service, or mobile app, this gateway is a solid choice for managing digital payments securely and efficiently.


✅ Summary of Steps:

Step Description
1 Contact HDFC & submit interest form
2 Fill out application
3 Submit KYC & business documents
4 Website/App compliance check
5 Sign merchant agreement
6 Receive API/SDK for integration
7 UAT testing
8 Go live and start collecting payments


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