PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
PCI DSS is the mandatory security standard for any organization that stores, processes, or transmits payment card data, assessed by Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) firms via a Report on Compliance (RoC).
Q&A
What is PCI DSS?
PCI DSS is the mandatory security standard for any organization that stores, processes, or transmits payment card data, assessed by Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) firms via a Report on Compliance (RoC).
Who needs PCI DSS?
Any merchant, service provider, or processor that stores, processes, or transmits payment card data, including e-commerce platforms, payment gateways, SaaS providers handling card data, and fintechs whose acquirer or card brand requires a Report on Compliance.
How long does PCI DSS take?
3–6 months for a first-time assessment; 2–4 months for annual renewals
How much does a PCI DSS audit cost?
$15,000–$100,000 for a typical Report on Compliance; $200,000+ for large or complex environments
What does a PCI DSS audit cover?
A Qualified Security Assessor company performs an on-site and evidence-based assessment against the PCI DSS requirements applicable to your environment and cardholder data flows. The deliverable is a Report on Compliance and Attestation of Compliance filed with your acquirer or the card brands. Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) scans and penetration testing are additional required components.
What it is
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a global security standard maintained by the PCI Security Standards Council and enforced through card-brand and acquirer contracts on any organization that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data. The current version (v4.0.1) covers twelve requirement areas across network security, access control, cryptography, monitoring, and program governance. Larger merchants and service providers must undergo an annual assessment by a Qualified Security Assessor firm that produces a Report on Compliance (RoC) and Attestation of Compliance (AoC). Smaller entities may complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), but the underlying obligation is the same.
Any merchant, service provider, or processor that stores, processes, or transmits payment card data, including e-commerce platforms, payment gateways, SaaS providers handling card data, and fintechs whose acquirer or card brand requires a Report on Compliance.
A Qualified Security Assessor company performs an on-site and evidence-based assessment against the PCI DSS requirements applicable to your environment and cardholder data flows. The deliverable is a Report on Compliance and Attestation of Compliance filed with your acquirer or the card brands. Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) scans and penetration testing are additional required components.
3–6 months for a first-time assessment; 2–4 months for annual renewals
$15,000–$100,000 for a typical Report on Compliance; $200,000+ for large or complex environments