HDFC SmartGateway
HDFC SmartGateway is a secure, bank-backed payment gateway solution developed by HDFC Bank, one of India's largest and most trusted financial institutions. This secure platform is designed for businesses seeking to accept digital transactions and offer multiple payment options across websites, mobile apps, and other digital touchpoints. It provides a robust set of features supported by enterprise-grade infrastructure and strict regulatory compliance.
The payment gateway supports a wide variety of payment methods, including cards, UPI, net banking, and wallets, ensuring smooth checkout experiences for customers. Its core strength lies in seamless HDFC integration with SmartHub (HDFC's digital business suite), offering end-to-end payment processing and real-time transaction data visibility. From merchant onboarding to settlement, the process is designed to minimise delays and provide complete control over payment details.
HDFC Bank Payment Gateway appeals to both SMEs and large enterprises with its bank-level security, compliance with PCI DSS standards, and quick merchant approvals. It also enables businesses to benefit from advanced features like tokenisation, auto-refund, multi-currency support, and OTP-based verification, making it a reliable payment gateway for online payments in India and international payments.
This solution helps businesses expand their digital payment systems, integrate with various platforms, and serve both Indian and foreign clientele. Whether you're a merchant looking to improve your conversion rates, a developer integrating checkout pages, or a finance team managing transaction routing, HDFC SmartGateway offers everything needed for secure, scalable payment services in today's economy.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Regions | India |
| Getting started | Online via SmartHub |
| Setup Fee | ₹0 – ₹7,500 |
| Annual fee | ₹1,200 – ₹3,600 |
| Commission per transaction | 1.75% – 2.5% |
| Payment methods accepted | Cards, UPI, NetBanking, Wallets |
| Fraud & Risk management | Yes (bank-grade) |
| Accepted Currencies | INR, USD, GBP, EUR |
| Set up type | API / Hosted Page |
| Onboarding & Approvals time | 2–4 business days |
| Recurring Billing | Yes |
| Charges on Refunds | Standard MDR applies |
| SDK Stacks | Android, iOS, Java, PHP, Node.js |
| Settlement time | T+1 / T+2 |
| Payouts support | Yes |
| Split payments | Available |
| RegionsIndia | |
| Getting startedOnline via SmartHub | |
| Setup Fee₹0 – ₹7,500 | |
| Annual fee₹1,200 – ₹3,600 | |
| Commission per transaction1.75% – 2.5% | |
| Payment methods acceptedCards, UPI, NetBanking, Wallets | |
| Fraud & Risk managementYes (bank-grade) | |
| Accepted CurrenciesINR, USD, GBP, EUR | |
| Set up typeAPI / Hosted Page | |
| Onboarding & Approvals time2–4 business days | |
| Recurring BillingYes | |
| Charges on RefundsStandard MDR applies | |
| SDK StacksAndroid, iOS, Java, PHP, Node.js | |
| Settlement timeT+1 / T+2 | |
| Payouts supportYes | |
| Split paymentsAvailable |
Pros
- Fast onboarding through SmartHub
- UPI and international card support
- PCI-DSS compliant infrastructure
- Detailed reporting and analytics
Cons
- Higher MDR for small businesses
- No free plan for startups
- Limited public documentation
- No live chat support
Benefits Of Using HDFC Payment Gateway for Your Business
HDFC SmartGateway offers a bank-grade infrastructure backed by one of India's most established financial institutions, making it an appealing choice for businesses seeking stability and regulatory confidence. The gateway supports multiple payment modes—including UPI, cards, net banking, and wallets—allowing merchants to cater to a broad customer base. Its integration with HDFC’s SmartHub ecosystem adds value through advanced transaction tracking, refund management, and detailed analytics, all accessible from a central dashboard.
Another key benefit is its fast settlement cycle (T+1 or T+2) and seamless syncing with HDFC Bank accounts, which simplifies financial reconciliation and reduces working capital delays. Support for features like recurring billing, tokenisation, and international card acceptance further positions HDFC SmartGateway as a scalable solution for businesses with evolving payment needs. Additionally, 24/7 transaction monitoring and embedded fraud detection tools help protect revenue and build customer trust.
How To Use the HDFC Bank Payment Gateway: Step-by-Step Guide
Merchants can get started by registering on the HDFC SmartHub portal, where they are guided through the onboarding application process. Required documents include KYC verification, bank details, and basic business credentials. Once approved, merchants gain access to a dashboard where they can customise settings, generate API keys, and manage payment flows.
Integration options include a hosted checkout page for quick setup or more advanced API/SDK integrations for custom experiences on websites and mobile apps. The platform supports popular programming stacks like Java, PHP, and Node.js, and provides sample code and developer documentation. The onboarding typically takes 2–4 working days, with customer support available during and after integration.
Review of HDFC Payment Gateway Performance and Customer Experience
HDFC SmartGateway is widely recognised for its reliability, scalability, and strong compliance posture. It’s trusted by thousands of Indian businesses for both domestic and international payment processing. The SmartHub dashboard, though not as visually polished as some fintech alternatives, is feature-rich and provides granular control over transactions, settlements, and disputes. Businesses report consistent uptime, smooth integrations, and strong service availability.
However, some users have expressed concerns about the complexity of initial setup, especially for companies without dedicated tech teams. Additionally, while HDFC does offer developer documentation, it's primarily structured for those with prior payment gateway experience. Despite this, the gateway maintains a solid reputation in sectors where stability, compliance, and financial reliability outweigh design flexibility.
Safety and Security Features of HDFC Payment Gateway
As a banking product, HDFC SmartGateway adheres strictly to PCI DSS Level 1 compliance, RBI mandates, and in-house security protocols. The platform includes built-in fraud detection features such as IP monitoring, device fingerprinting, transaction routing, and velocity rules to flag suspicious behaviour. All transactions are encrypted end-to-end, and two-factor authentication (OTP) is enforced for sensitive actions.
Nonetheless, the gateway has not been immune to broader digital payment threats. In 2022, there were public reports of phishing-based UPI frauds affecting HDFC-linked merchants. Although these incidents were not due to direct vulnerabilities in the SmartGateway system, they highlighted the need for stronger merchant and consumer education. In response, HDFC launched real-time fraud alerts, improved OTP verification processes, and tightened risk scoring logic on high-value and repeat transactions. These actions demonstrate the bank’s commitment to continuous improvement in security operations.
Account Fees
Account-related fees for HDFC SmartGateway depend on the merchant profile, transaction volume, and integration complexity. While some larger enterprises may qualify for waived setup charges, smaller businesses may need to pay an initial setup fee ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹7,500. An annual maintenance fee is also applicable, typically ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹3,600 depending on services used.
Transaction fees (MDR) are calculated per payment method and volume tier. For example, UPI-based payments often attract lower MDR, while international card payments may be subject to higher charges. Additional fees may apply for advanced features like recurring billing, chargeback management, or SmartHub data analytics, though these are usually disclosed transparently in the merchant agreement.
For Business
HDFC SmartGateway is particularly suited for businesses that operate in regulated industries such as insurance, travel, healthcare, and education, where payment integrity and compliance are non-negotiable. Its direct integration with HDFC Bank accounts allows for faster access to funds and fewer settlement disputes, making it an efficient tool for CFOs and finance teams.
The solution also supports automated invoicing, tax reporting, and multi-location control via SmartHub. Businesses with multiple brands or branches can consolidate payments under one platform, simplifying operations and enabling strategic growth. Combined with HDFC’s reputation and large customer base, the gateway becomes a powerful asset for businesses seeking long-term payment infrastructure.
Which Type of Business
HDFC SmartGateway is best suited for medium to large businesses with moderate-to-high payment volumes, especially those that value regulatory trust, secure operations, and detailed reporting. It’s a strong fit for SaaS platforms, edtech providers, subscription businesses, and institutional merchants that handle repeat transactions and require robust backend control.
For smaller merchants or startups, the offering might feel heavy unless they are prepared for the technical requirements and cost structure. However, those already banking with HDFC or operating in industries that demand formal compliance will find the gateway both reliable and scalable.
For Physical Clients: Unifying In-Store and Online Payment Options
While HDFC SmartGateway is primarily built for online businesses, it can also support omnichannel retail strategies. Merchants operating both online and in physical stores can integrate in-store QR codes linked to the same gateway account, unifying their payment data across channels.
Physical businesses such as clinics, boutiques, or restaurants that use HDFC banking services can easily adopt SmartGateway as part of their broader financial ecosystem. Although not a traditional POS solution, the gateway bridges the digital-physical divide through QR payments and SmartHub’s consolidated reporting.
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FAQ
How long does it take to receive payouts through HDFC SmartGateway?
Payouts from HDFC SmartGateway are typically settled within T+1 or T+2 business days, meaning funds are credited to the merchant’s account one or two days after the transaction date. Businesses with an HDFC current account often experience faster and more smoothersettlements due to the gateway’s direct banking integration. Settlement timelines may also depend on the payment method used (e.g., UPI, card, net banking), weekends, and bank holidays. Merchants can track settlement statuses in real time through the SmartHub dashboard, which provides transparency and reduces reconciliation errors.
Can I accept international payments through HDFC SmartGateway?
Yes, HDFC SmartGateway supports international card payments and multi-currency transactions in USD, EUR, GBP, and a few other currencies. However, enabling international transactions requires businesses to complete additional documentation, such as a valid Import-Export Code (IEC) and RBI-compliant declarations. Businesses must also configure their merchant profile to accept global payments and may be subject to enhanced risk screening. Once enabled, the platform facilitates secure processing of international payments with dynamic currency conversion and settlement in INR.
Does HDFC SmartGateway offer custom checkout pages?
HDFC SmartGateway provides a hosted checkout option with basic branding capabilities, such as adding the business logo, colour themes, and optional redirect URLs. However, for businesses that require full control over user interface and customer journey, direct API integration is recommended. With API-based setups, merchants can design entirely custom payment flows within their websites or mobile apps, incorporating their own styling, fields, and tracking. This flexibility is especially useful for businesses prioritising UX and conversion optimisation.
Is SmartGateway suitable for startups?
HDFC SmartGateway can be used by startups, but it’s primarily optimised for growing or established businesses with moderate to high transaction volumes. While the gateway offers strong security, detailed analytics, and multiple payment methods, some startups may find the initial setup fees, documentation requirements, and MDR (merchant discount rates) challenging compared to newer fintech competitors offering zero-cost onboarding. However, HDFC does offer tailored packages for startups under specific initiatives — it’s worth contacting the bank directly to explore eligibility and available discounts.
What happens in case of chargebacks or disputes?
In the event of a chargeback or dispute, HDFC SmartGateway notifies merchants through real-time alerts on the SmartHub dashboard, allowing them to respond quickly. Merchants are given a fixed timeframe to submit supporting evidence (such as invoices, shipment confirmations, or customer communications). The bank’s dispute resolution team facilitates communication between the merchant and the issuing bank. The gateway also maintains a record of all dispute cases for audit and analysis. By acting promptly and submitting complete documentation, merchants can improve their chargeback win rate and minimise revenue loss.