Debit Card + Pizza Hut - Meal Offer

We have received information from HDFC Bank regarding a Twin Pan Pizza meal offer exclusively for HDFC Bank VISA Debit Card Holders. You can enjoy the following at Rs 250 only,

• Any 2 Personal Pan Pizzas from Magic Times Range
• 2 Glasses of Masala Lemonade
• 1 Portion of Magic Times Pasta

Prices inclusive of all taxes . 10% Service Charges Extra at select outlets only. Offer valid through Sept-2009.

Credit Card Number Masked - Statement

I have been writing to HDFC Bank Credit Card division for several months now asking them to mask the digits of credit card number and finally the recommendations have been accepted. With this months credit card bill the mid 8 digits of the card have been masked as X as shown below.
Why is this so important ?
Because not every post-man is honest. What HDFC was doing is giving the credit card holders address and the number making it easier for a person with bad intention to commit fraud.

With the masking of the mid 8 digits, now it is really very difficult and is an excellent security measure adopted by the company on our suggestion. [We first saw this masking with Capital One Cards in the US]

SpiceJet + Cleartrip Cashback Offer

HDFC Bank Credit Card Holders have an exclusive CashBack offer from Cleartrip.com and SpiecJet starting from now through 31st Dec-2008.

The cash back offer is valid on purchase of SpiceJet Airlines and has to be bought on ClearTrip.com,

• HDFC Credit Card holders should purchase 4 tickets or more ( 2 round trip or 4 one-way tickets) and avail 50% Cash back on base fare or Rs 2,000 ( whichever is less) valid on SpiceJet only
• HDFC Credit Card Hoolders can also purchase 2 or 3 tickets ( 1 round trip or 2/3 one-way tickets) and avail 10% Cash back on base fare or Rs 500 ( whichever is less) on SpiceJet only.

In the past Cash backs haven't been as promised. So kindly call the customer care and confirm before reserving. If you have any complaints, you can register the same on ComplaintBox :-)

MasterCard SecureCode - Online Transactions

HDFC Bank in order to protect its MasterCard customers has made it mandatory to sign-up and use the "SecureCode" online authentication.

What his essentially means is, you have to register at HDFC Bank's Website if you hold a HDFC MasterCard. While doing any Online Transaction using your HDFC MasterCard, you will be displayed a message as shown below and then you have to enter the password which you have already set for SecureCode[ This password is different from HDFC Online Banking Password]

Thanks to the bank for taking an extra step to protect the interests of its customers.

2nd Largest Credit Card Issuer in India with High Quality Assets

We have just now learnt from our sources in HDFC Bank that the company after merger with Centurion Bank of Punjab has become the second largest credit card issuer in India beating beleaguered Citibank and SBI-GE Money in the race. HDFC Bank now has a base of 4.2 mn credit card customers while Citi India has around 3.8 mn and SBI-GE Capital have around 3 mn customers.

Mr. Parag Rao of HDFC Bank said,

We have followed a consistent strategy that relies on three pillars - delivery of best possible customer service, focus on internal customers, and offering simple products. The annual fee waiver was one step that impacted the entire industry. We were also forced to waive fees on our cards as most players were doing it.

HDFC Bank has a unique business model where it ha not issued any co-branded credit cards to simply enlarge customer base. HDFC focused on its own customers which has allowed the lender to pare operating costs.

Mr Parag Rao further added,

We have not chased bargain seekers in the market as they keep moving from one issuer to another. We have never blindly acquired customers or offered them low interest rates as against competition to retain customers. Our NPAs are lower than the industry average, and its operating cost is also among the lowest in the industry.

The gap between the largest and second largest credit card issuer still remains very high with ICICI bank having issued around 8 mn credit cards. Well, that's why ICICI Bank for the first time in 6 years reported negative growth in QoQ results and huge NPA from retail banking division.