What is a Netsafe Card?

Netsafe is a virtual credit card offered by HDFC bank in association with Visa. It can be used for secured online shopping and payments.

How to Create Netsafe Card?

You can generate a Netsafe card through an online account from your existing HDFC MasterCard or Visa Credit Card or debit card. You can go for any amount to limit your card. This can be done on HDFC bank website. At present there are no charges for this card.

Where to Use Netsafe Card?

Once the virtual Netsafe card is created, using the card number you can shop online. Or you can make online payments. It can be used on all sites where MasterCard or Visa payments are allowed. But in some cases you should avoid using your card:

1. Where you have to show your card to receive your purchases like movie or airline tickets.
2. Installment or recurring payments.

Also it can be used for only online purpose not for phone or mail order shopping.

What if Netsafe Card is not used?

If Netsafe card is not used completely or partially then the amount is credited back to your account after validity period. The time period required for crediting back amount is as follows:

For completely unused Netsafe card:

1. If it is created from credit card, it will be done immediately.
2. If it is created from debit card, the time period needed will be 3 days.

If Netsafe card is partially used then:

1. If it is created from credit card, the time required will be 7 days.
2. If it is created from debit card then it will take almost 35 days.

The validity period for Netsafe card is 24 hours to 48 hours. After end of validity period it expires automatically.

Advantages of Using a Netsafe Card

1. By using Netsafe card, complete safety and security is made certain for online shopping and payments.
2. When Netsafe card is created you can place your own limit.
3. On any website that allows MasterCard or Visa card payments, Netsafe card can be used.
4. The number of Netsafe card is always used on merchant’s website when you make payment. So your HDFC bank credit card or debit card number is never disclosed.
5. It is a single transaction card. So it can be used only once. Thus you are the first and last person to use it.
6. After validity period, it can not be used again.
7. The transactions made by using Netsafe card will be shown on your card statement. They will be same like your other transactions.

Drawbacks of Netsafe Card

1. The Netsafe card expires after validity period. So if the Netsafe card is not charged immediately by merchant, your purchase will be in trouble.
2. Some payment gateways avoid allowing payment through this card because of fraud or chargeback. The example is WorldPay. A warning will be given to you in such transaction. Also it will block your account.

Thus using Netsafe virtual card you can always experience a fearless online shopping.