HDFC Bank PayZapp – a mobile payment solution

The mobile payments, wallets and shopping  ecosystem has seen an entire bunch of apps in the past year or so, and HDFC Bank PayZapp is the latest entrant to that club.

Using HDFC Bank PayZapp, you can create an online virtual card via Netsafe, link your credit + debit cards to make utility bill payments, shop, and transfer funds – all from a single app, and without having to re-enter/re-authorise payment details each time you transact.

The app needs a truckload of permissions upfront. These are mostly self-explanatory and necessary. The mobile number is mapped to the device and other details stay with the bank; none in the phone or with the merchant.

At the primary screen, you need to first register by inputting your mobile number. I liked that the app picked up the OTP on it’s own; some apps with permission to read SMS still expect manual input. Fill in personal details and a 4-12 digit PIN for future login. There’s also an email verification that follows. Enter the PIN to log in, select the two check boxes for one click payments.

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The menu is straightforward; with tabs for shopping, creating a virtual card, recharge/bill pay, sending money to contacts, wallet transactions, and managing your cards. You need to link your credit/debit card first, before you can transact. Interestingly, if your card number is embossed, the app can scan the card number. If printed, you need to input the details manually. Took me a few tries to get it perfect and I had to input the expiry date. I’ve not linked my debit card yet though.

PayZapp allows you to create a virtual online credit card via Netsafe, within the app. I’d used this facility many years ago when it was newly launched. It generates a virtual 16 digit credit card number with CVV code and expiry date, linked to your credit card or bank account. Your actual card number/s remain undisclosed.

For using the wallet, you need to add money. It is linked to your credit/debit card, so no transaction limits/top-ups either. You can send money to mobile/email contacts; they need not be HDFC Bank customers. HDFC Bank SmartBuy, the bank’s shopping portal is also integrated with PayZapp. Although there aren’t many merchants on the PayZapp platform yet, several are expected in the next 1-2 months.

I wasn’t looking to buy anything or transfer funds, so chose the transaction that was upcoming – paying my mobile bill 🙂

Quite a straightforward process, and quick – no questions, no waiting for an OTP or a secure code.

There are plans to introduce a loyalty/rewards program, an e-vault to store documents, and “contactless” and QR code based payments. Sounds interesting and something to look forward to.

Presently, HDFC Bank PayZapp is available for all customers of HDFC Bank and only on Android. Versions for other platforms should be out soon too.