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HDFC Bank’s Aadhaar-NPCI Linking Process is a Mess – My Frustrating Experience

My Nightmare Experience with HDFC Bank: Aadhaar-NPCI Linking Full of Lies, Negligence & Zero Accountability

I want to share my terrible experience with HDFC Bank regarding a simple Aadhaar-NPCI linking request. This should have been a straightforward process, but HDFC’s negligence, misinformation, and lack of accountability turned it into a complete nightmare.

The Nightmare Begins – 6 Useless Branch Visits​

For 1 month, I visited my HDFC branch 6 times in december month just to get my Aadhaar linked to NPCI.
  • Every time, I was told "biometric machines are not working" and that it would take time to replace them.
  • No one at the branch could give a clear answer on when the machines would be fixed.
  • Meanwhile, I was constantly made to run back and forth with no resolution.

Only After a CRM Complaint, Things Moved (Suspiciously Fast)​

  • Frustrated, I finally escalated the issue via email to HDFC Customer Support on 12-01-2025.
  • A CRM case was raised, and suddenly, the very next day (13-01-2025), a branch employee called me and asked me to visit immediately for e-KYC document submission.
  • Until 12-01-2025, they claimed their machines weren’t working. But after my complaint, they magically got "new machines installed overnight"!

More Confusion & Contradictions​

  • Submitted my Aadhaar NPCI linking request on 13-01-2025 via biometric e-KYC. I was assured that the process would be completed in 2 working days and I would receive a confirmation via SMS/email.
  • No confirmation ever came.
  • Followed up on 18-01-2025 via phone call.
  • HDFC’s staff (Mr. Phani) was clueless about my request. He had to check with a co-worker just to confirm whether it was done. Clearly, no proper records were maintained. He then assured me it was completed and to wait another 1-2 days.

Raised Another CRM Complaint on 30-01-2025 – More Drama on 31-01-2025​

  • After my second CRM complaint, I received a call from HDFC’s staff (Mr. Phani) on 31-01-2025.
  • He claimed the linking was already "completed" on 13-01-2025 and asked me to visit the branch to check in their system.
  • I asked, “If it’s already linked, why is NPCI’s portal still not reflecting HDFC Bank?”
  • He had no proper answer.
When I demanded proof of linking, they gave zero confirmation and instead blamed the government portal.

Failure in Communication & Transparency​

  • No Confirmation from HDFC – They assured me Aadhaar NPCI linking would be completed in 2 days, but I never received any email or SMS confirmation.
  • Contradictory Statements – Initially, they said it takes 2 days, but now Mr. Phani claims it was completed on the same day (13-01-2025). If that’s true, why wasn’t I informed?
  • Misleading Information on Confirmation Number – Mr. Phani mentioned that I should have received a reference number HI0017498507 in my email. But I never received any such email. If HDFC truly completed the linking, why is there no official confirmation?

Contradictions & Blame Game (31-01-2025 Call)​

  • HDFC Claimed the Linking Was Already Done on 13-01-2025, but when asked for proof, they had no answer.
  • They blamed NPCI’s system, saying it might not be updated.
  • When I asked if submitting the request again would solve the issue, they admitted there was no guarantee and that it’s a “hit or miss process.”
  • If HDFC itself doesn’t trust its own process, why should customers?

No SMS, No Email, No Transparency​

  • If my Aadhaar was really linked to NPCI on 13-01-2025, I should have received confirmation.
  • I never got any SMS or email.
  • HDFC expects customers to just believe them without any proof.

The Bigger Issue – HDFC’s Unprofessionalism & Negligence​

  • HDFC employees don’t know their own processes.
  • They give contradictory answers to customers.
  • They blame NPCI/Gvt. Portal instead of taking responsibility.
  • They don’t provide written confirmation even when explicitly asked.
  • They force customers to visit the branch multiple times with no guarantee of resolution.

What Next?​

I’ve already raised a formal complaint with HDFC and will escalate this to RBI if not resolved ASAP. I’m done wasting my time dealing with incompetent banking staff who don’t take customer concerns seriously.

Has anyone else faced similar issues with HDFC’s Aadhaar NPCI linking process? Or should I just switch banks at this point?
 
will escalate this to RBI if not resolved ASAP

You have to wait for at least 30 days before approaching RBI.

Direct quote from...


RB-IOS, 2021 provides for cost-free redress of customer complaints involving deficiency in services rendered by entities regulated by RBI, if not resolved to the satisfaction of the customers or not replied to within a period of 30 days by the RE.

Since you initiated the formal complaint on Jan 12, please wait until Feb 12.
 
NPCI has Aadhaar Seeding on their website but currently not all banks are onboarded. Visit https://www.npci.org.in and then select consumer TAB and then BASE. There you can see the list of banks. I just checked and most PSU banks are onboarded except SBI. State Reginal banks also there but none of the private bank yet onboarded.

Problem is not just with HDFC. At many bank branches I have also seen people frustrated with biometric machine not working.

You can always fill up physical form for aadhaar seeding and they will do it later.
 
NPCI has Aadhaar Seeding on their website but currently not all banks are onboarded. Visit https://www.npci.org.in and then select consumer TAB and then BASE. There you can see the list of banks. I just checked and most PSU banks are onboarded except SBI. State Reginal banks also there but none of the private bank yet onboarded.

Problem is not just with HDFC. At many bank branches I have also seen people frustrated with biometric machine not working.

You can always fill up physical form for aadhaar seeding and they will do it later.
Yes, I checked the NPCI website a few days back, and HDFC Bank was not listed in the Aadhaar Seeding banks. That’s exactly why I had to run behind the bank and physically submit the request. I will check again now to see if there’s any update regarding HDFC Bank being onboarded.


Edit : just checked HDFC Bank is not there in the list yet
 

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