An MRTPC bench headed by Justice O P Dwivedi directed the bank to file its reply within four weeks.
The notice was issued on the basis of a preliminary report by MRTPC's investigative arm -- Directorate General of Investigation and Registration.
DGIR has started similar process of preliminary investigation reports against ICICI Bank, Citi Bank, ABN Amro, HSBC, American Express Bank.
The report alleged the customers were not told the terms and conditions when they signed the documents given by direct selling agents and the card holders come to know about the terms only after receiving the plastic money.
The report also said the
customers are not revealed schedule of charges to be levied by the bank, the method of calculating interest rates and penal charges.
HDFC Bank has outsourced credit card selling business to 11 companies in the National Capital Region. These companies appoint DSAs to sell the credit cards.
Customers are not informed that DSAs are not employees of HDFC Bank, the DGIR report said.
HDFC, in its reply to DGIR admitted receiving a number of complaints against DSAs. The bank said it has taken action against them, but failed to produce any written record of customer grievances and remedial measures.
The commission has posted the matter for the next hearing for the fourth week of January.
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