PCI DSS(Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
A set of security standards designed to ensure all companies that accept, process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.
What is PCI DSS?
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies accepting, processing, storing, or transmitting credit card information maintain a secure environment. Developed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), these standards are mandated by major card brands including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB.
The standard consists of 12 main requirements organized into six control objectives: building and maintaining a secure network, protecting cardholder data, maintaining a vulnerability management program, implementing strong access control measures, regularly monitoring and testing networks, and maintaining an information security policy.
PCI DSS compliance is not optional—it's required for any business that handles card payments. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines (up to $100,000 per month), increased transaction fees, and even loss of the ability to accept card payments. In case of a data breach, non-compliant businesses face additional liability.
Compliance levels vary based on transaction volume. Level 1 merchants (over 6 million transactions annually) require annual on-site audits and quarterly network scans. Smaller merchants can often self-assess using questionnaires. Using payment providers like PayRequest significantly reduces PCI scope by keeping sensitive card data off your systems.
Key PCI DSS Requirements
- Install and maintain firewall configuration
- Encrypt transmission of cardholder data
- Protect stored cardholder data
- Implement strong access control measures
- Regularly test security systems and processes
- Maintain an information security policy
Real-World Examples
See how PCI DSS applies in different business scenarios.
E-commerce Store
An online store uses a hosted payment page (like PayRequest) that handles all card data. This reduces their PCI scope to SAQ A—the simplest compliance level.
SaaS Platform
A subscription software company tokenizes all stored cards through their payment provider. They never store raw card numbers, minimizing PCI requirements.
Retail Business
A physical store uses PCI-compliant point-of-sale terminals that encrypt card data at the point of capture, protecting customer information.
Service Business
A consultant uses payment links instead of phone payments. Customers enter their card details on a secure hosted page, keeping the business out of PCI scope.
Enterprise Merchant
A large retailer processing millions of transactions undergoes annual on-site audits by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) to maintain Level 1 compliance.
Non-Compliance Consequence
A business storing unencrypted card numbers experiences a breach. Beyond customer impact, they face fines, legal liability, and potential loss of merchant account.
PCI Compliance with PayRequest
PayRequest dramatically simplifies PCI compliance by handling all card data through PCI DSS Level 1 certified payment providers. You never touch sensitive card numbers.
Hosted Payment Pages
All card data is collected on hosted payment pages from Stripe, Mollie, or PayPal—all PCI DSS Level 1 compliant. Sensitive data never touches your systems.
Tokenization
Payment providers tokenize card data for recurring payments. You reference tokens, not actual card numbers, when charging subscribers.
SAQ A Eligible
Using PayRequest's hosted checkout makes you eligible for SAQ A, the simplest self-assessment questionnaire with minimal security requirements.
No Card Storage
PayRequest never stores card numbers. Your customers' payment data is secured by world-class payment infrastructure.
Related PayRequest Features
Features that help maintain payment security.
Related Glossary Terms
Accept cards without PCI complexity
PayRequest handles PCI compliance through certified payment providers. Focus on your business, not security audits.