Congratulations on receiving your new HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card! This card opens up a world of exclusive travel benefits, from earning valuable Marriott Bonvoy points to enjoying complimentary elite status and free night awards. But before you can start leveraging these perks, you need to activate your card.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of activating your HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process. Let's get started!
Are you ready to unlock a world of travel rewards?
The journey begins right here! Activating your credit card is the crucial first step to accessing all the incredible benefits that come with your HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card. Don't let your new card gather dust – follow these steps to get it ready for your next adventure.
Step 1: Unboxing Your Card and Essential Information
The moment your HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card arrives in the mail is exciting! Before you do anything else, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the card and the accompanying welcome kit.
Sub-heading: What to Look For in Your Welcome Kit
The Card Itself: Carefully inspect your card for your name, card number, expiry date, and the CVV (Card Verification Value) on the back. Ensure all details are accurate.
Welcome Letter: This letter often contains important information, including your credit limit, key features of the card, and sometimes even preliminary activation instructions.
Terms and Conditions Document: While lengthy, it's always a good idea to skim through the terms and conditions to understand the card's policies, fees, and rewards structure.
Marriott Bonvoy Membership Details: If you were not an existing Marriott Bonvoy member, HDFC Bank would have likely enrolled you automatically upon card approval. Look for information related to your new Marriott Bonvoy Membership Number in the welcome kit or in a separate communication from Marriott. If you are an existing member, ensure your HDFC card is linked to your existing Bonvoy account.
Pro-Tip: Keep all these documents in a safe place. You'll need some of the information for activation.
Step 2: Activating Your HDFC Credit Card (The Card Itself)
This step focuses on getting your credit card functional for transactions. HDFC Bank offers several convenient ways to activate your card and set your PIN.
Sub-heading: Option A: Online via HDFC NetBanking (Recommended for HDFC Account Holders)
If you have an existing HDFC Bank savings, current, or salary account and are registered for NetBanking, this is often the most straightforward method.
Log In to HDFC NetBanking: Visit the HDFC Bank NetBanking portal (
www.hdfcbank.com Navigate to the Cards Section: Once logged in, look for the "Cards" tab at the top of the page.
Generate Your PIN: On the left-hand side, under the "Request" option, select "Instant PIN Generation."
Select Your Card and Set PIN: Choose your newly issued Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card from the dropdown menu. Enter a 4-digit PIN of your choice, then re-enter it for confirmation.
Confirm with OTP: An OTP (One Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP to complete the PIN generation and card activation.
Sub-heading: Option B: Through HDFC MyCards (Accessible to All HDFC Credit Card Holders)
HDFC MyCards is a dedicated portal for managing your HDFC Credit Cards, even if you don't have a linked HDFC Bank account.
Visit MyCards Portal: Go to
https://mycards.hdfcbank.com/ Register/Log In: If it's your first time, you'll need to register your credit card using the last 4 digits and your registered mobile number for OTP verification. If you've used it before, simply log in.
Select Set PIN: Once logged in, navigate to the "Set PIN" option.
Enter and Confirm PIN: Enter your desired 4-digit PIN, re-enter it, and provide the card's expiration date. Click "Confirm."
Enable Transactions (Important!): After setting your PIN, ensure you go to the "Card Control" tab within MyCards. Here, you can enable online, contactless, and international transactions, which are often disabled by default for security reasons. This is crucial for using your card effectively.
Sub-heading: Option C: Via HDFC Mobile Banking App
If you're an HDFC Bank Mobile Banking app user, you can activate your card directly through the app.
Log In to Mobile Banking App: Open your HDFC Bank Mobile Banking app and log in securely.
Go to "Pay" and "Cards": Navigate to the "Pay" section and then select "Cards."
Choose Your Credit Card: Select your Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card.
Change/Set PIN: Look for an option like "Change PIN" or "Set PIN" and follow the prompts to create your 4-digit PIN.
Sub-heading: Option D: Via ATM (For PIN Generation)
You can generate your PIN at any HDFC Bank ATM.
Get an OTP (Optional, but Recommended): You might need to call HDFC Bank customer care (1860 266 0333) to request an OTP for ATM PIN generation.
Insert Card at HDFC ATM: Insert your Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card into the ATM.
Select "Create New ATM PIN using OTP": On the language selection screen, choose this option.
Enter OTP and Registered Mobile Number: Input the OTP received on your mobile and your registered mobile number.
Set Your PIN: Set your preferred 4-digit PIN.
Sub-heading: Option E: Via IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
You can activate your card and set your PIN by calling HDFC Bank's customer care IVR.
Dial the Toll-Free Number: Call 1860 266 0333 (HDFC Bank Credit Card Customer Care).
Follow IVR Prompts: Listen carefully to the prompts. You'll typically be asked to enter your card number, verify your identity with an OTP sent to your registered mobile, and then set your 4-digit PIN.
Sub-heading: Option F: Making Your First Transaction (Post-PIN Generation)
While generating a PIN activates your card for secure transactions, making your first transaction is often the final step to fully activating all features and sometimes even triggers welcome benefits.
Once your PIN is set (using any of the above methods), make a small purchase online or at a physical store.
For online transactions, ensure your "online transactions" option is enabled via MyCards or NetBanking.
For in-store purchases, you may be prompted to enter your PIN.
Step 3: Activating Your Marriott Bonvoy Account (If Applicable)
Your HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card is intrinsically linked to the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. If you're a new Marriott Bonvoy member through this card, you'll need to activate your online Marriott Bonvoy account.
Sub-heading: For New Marriott Bonvoy Members
Receive Marriott Bonvoy Membership Number: HDFC Bank states that your Marriott Bonvoy Membership Number will be generated within 10 working days of card approval, and Marriott will send communication to your registered email ID within 72 hours of its generation. Keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder!) for an email from Marriott Bonvoy.
Visit Marriott Bonvoy Activation Page: Go to the Marriott Bonvoy "Activate Account" page on their official website (
help.marriott.com/s/article/Article-22019 Look Up Member Number (If Needed): If you haven't received or located your membership number, there's usually an option to "Look up your Member Number" by providing details like your name and registered email ID. Ensure you use the same email ID linked to your HDFC Bank Credit Card account.
Fill in Required Information: Enter your Marriott Bonvoy Member Number, first name, last name, country/region, and zip/postal code. Ensure this information exactly matches what Marriott has on file.
Create Your Password: You'll then be prompted to set up your email address and create a password for your Marriott Bonvoy account. Remember the password requirements (8-20 characters, including upper case, lower case, number, or special character).
Submit and Confirm: Complete the process by submitting your details. You might receive a confirmation email.
Sub-heading: For Existing Marriott Bonvoy Members
If you already have a Marriott Bonvoy account and provided your existing membership number during your HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card application, your card should automatically be linked.
Verify Linkage: Log in to your existing Marriott Bonvoy account on the Marriott website or app. Check your profile or points activity to ensure your new HDFC card is reflected and points begin accruing once you start spending.
Contact Support if Unlinked: If your card isn't linked, you may need to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer support directly to merge accounts or link your card.
Step 4: Enabling Specific Transaction Types
For optimal usage and security, it's highly recommended to review and enable specific transaction types on your HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card.
Sub-heading: Through HDFC MyCards Portal
Log in to MyCards: Access
https://mycards.hdfcbank.com/ Navigate to "Card Control": Look for the "Card Control" or "Manage Card" section.
Enable/Disable Options: Here you will find options to enable or disable:
Online Transactions: Crucial for e-commerce purchases.
Contactless Payments (Tap & Pay): For quick payments at POS terminals.
International Transactions: Essential if you plan to use your card abroad or for international online purchases. By default, international usage might be off for security.
ATM Cash Withdrawals: You can also control this limit.
Sub-heading: Through WhatsApp Banking
HDFC Bank offers WhatsApp Banking for managing various credit card services, including activation of transaction types.
Save the Number: Save HDFC Bank's WhatsApp banking number: 7070022222.
Send a Message: Send a message like "Manage my Credit Card" or "Activate my Credit Card."
Follow Prompts: The chatbot will guide you through options to enable specific transaction types.
Important Note: It's advisable to enable only the transaction types you frequently use and disable the rest for enhanced security. You can always re-enable them when needed.
Step 5: Understanding Your Card's Benefits Post-Activation
Once activated, your HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card immediately starts working for you! Here's a glimpse of the benefits you can expect:
Sub-heading: Welcome Benefits
Free Night Award: You typically receive one Free Night Award (valued at up to 15,000 points) as a welcome gift. This award is valid for one year from issuance.
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status: Upon card activation, you are automatically upgraded to Silver Elite status. This comes with perks like priority check-in, late check-out (subject to availability), and 10% bonus points on eligible hotel purchases.
10 Elite Night Credits: You'll receive 10 Elite Night Credits annually, helping you climb to higher Marriott Bonvoy Elite status tiers faster.
Sub-heading: Ongoing Earning and Rewards
Accelerated Point Earning: Earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your eligible spends:
8 Marriott Bonvoy points per INR 150 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
4 Marriott Bonvoy points per INR 150 spent on travel, dining, and entertainment.
2 Marriott Bonvoy points per INR 150 on all other eligible purchases.
Additional Free Night Awards: You can earn additional Free Night Awards (valued up to 15,000 points) by reaching specific spend thresholds within your card anniversary year (e.g., INR 6 Lakhs, INR 9 Lakhs, INR 15 Lakhs).
Sub-heading: Lifestyle and Travel Perks
Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges (check card terms for specific numbers and networks).
Golf Program Membership: Access to golf privileges (typically a certain number of complimentary rounds or lessons per quarter).
Concierge Services: Access to dedicated concierge services for travel, dining, and entertainment assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to further assist you with your HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card activation and usage:
How to check if my HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card is activated?
You can check your card's activation status by logging into HDFC NetBanking or the MyCards portal. Activated cards will typically be displayed under your active credit cards. You can also call HDFC Bank customer care to confirm.
How to generate a new PIN if I forget it?
You can generate a new PIN through HDFC NetBanking, MyCards portal, the Mobile Banking App, at an HDFC Bank ATM, or by calling HDFC Bank's IVR customer care number.
How to enable international transactions on my card?
You can enable international transactions via the HDFC MyCards portal under the "Card Control" section, or by sending a message through HDFC Bank's WhatsApp Banking.
How to link my HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card to an existing Marriott Bonvoy account?
If you provided your existing Marriott Bonvoy number during the application, it should be automatically linked. If not, contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service directly, as they can assist with merging or linking accounts.
How to find my Marriott Bonvoy Membership Number?
If you're a new member through the card, check your welcome kit from HDFC or look for an email from Marriott Bonvoy after card approval. You can also try the "Look up member number" option on the Marriott Bonvoy activation page.
How to report a lost or stolen HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card?
Immediately call HDFC Bank's 24/7 credit card customer care at 1800 1600 / 1800 2600 to report the loss and get your card blocked. You can also block it via NetBanking or the Mobile Banking App.
How to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points earned with the card?
Points earned will automatically be credited to your Marriott Bonvoy account. You can then redeem them for free night stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences, and other travel-related services directly on the Marriott Bonvoy website or app.
How to track my Marriott Bonvoy points balance?
You can track your Marriott Bonvoy points balance by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the Marriott website or mobile app. Points usually reflect in your Bonvoy account within 60 days of the transaction.
How to contact HDFC Bank Credit Card customer care for assistance?
You can reach HDFC Bank Credit Card customer care at 1860 266 0333 (toll-free) or 1800 1600 / 1800 2600. They are available 24/7.
How to check the benefits available on my HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card?
Refer to your card's welcome kit, the HDFC Bank official website for the Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card, or your HDFC NetBanking/MyCards portal to see a detailed list of features, benefits, and applicable terms.
By following these detailed steps, you'll have your HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card fully activated and ready to unlock a world of exciting travel and lifestyle privileges. Enjoy your journeys!
