PCI Compliance Services | Get Certified Fast

Self-assessment (Level 4, <1M transactions): $5K-$15K annually (quarterly scans $2K-$5K, compliance consultant $3K-$10K to help with SAQ, remediation of findings). Level 1 (>6M transactions): $50K-$150K+ annually (formal audit $30K-$100K, quarterly scans, ongoing compliance). Hidden costs: security improvements to pass compliance (network segmentation, encryption, access controls—$10K-$50K depending on gaps), staff time (filling out SAQ, providing evidence, coordinating scans—20-40 hours annually). Avoid costs by reducing scope: use Stripe/Square (they handle PCI, you attest you don't touch cards—free), use redirect payment page (cards never hit your systems—minimal PCI scope). Most SMBs: use payment processor, minimize scope, spend $2K-$5K annually on quarterly scans + attestation. Direct card handling: $10K-$30K annually for compliance.

SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire): compliance checklist you fill out annually. Type depends on how you handle cards: SAQ A (best—redirect to payment processor, cards never touch your systems, ~15 questions), SAQ A-EP (iframe payment form on your page, ~200 questions), SAQ D (full compliance—process cards directly, store card data, ~300 questions). Most SMBs: qualify for SAQ A (use Stripe/Square redirect, minimal questions, easiest). SAQ A requirements: don't store card data, use PCI-compliant processor, secure website (HTTPS), pass quarterly network scan. SAQ D requirements: network segmentation, encryption, access controls, logging, penetration testing—full PCI DSS compliance (12 requirements, 300+ controls). Migration path: currently SAQ D? Redesign to redirect payment (move to SAQ A, 95% reduction in compliance burden). Choose payment architecture based partly on PCI scope—SAQ A is dramatically easier.

PCI requirement: quarterly vulnerability scans by Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV). Scan checks: internet-facing systems for vulnerabilities (unpatched software, misconfigurations, weak encryption). Cost: $500-$1,500/quarter ($2K-$6K/year) depending on IP count and vendor. Process: ASV scans your public IPs (usually 5-20 IPs for SMBs), generates report of vulnerabilities, you remediate findings, rescan until clean (passing scan), submit to payment brands. Failed scans: get 90 days to remediate and pass (if you don't pass, may lose ability to process cards). Common failures: missing patches (update servers), SSL/TLS issues (old encryption, weak ciphers), open ports (close unnecessary services). Passing scan typically requires: systems patched, HTTPS configured properly, unnecessary services disabled. Budget 4-8 hours per quarter for remediation after initial scan.

Consequences: payment processor may impose: monthly non-compliance fees ($50-$500/month), higher transaction fees (0.5-2% penalty), account termination (can't process cards anymore—business killer). Breach penalties: if you're non-compliant and have breach, liable for: fraud losses (chargebacks, fraudulent transactions), fines from payment brands ($5K-$500K depending on breach size), PCI forensic investigation (forced audit, $20K-$100K). Worst case: lose ability to accept cards (competitors who are compliant get your customers). Timeline: quarterly scan failure → 90 days to remediate, SAQ not submitted → processor notices, may freeze account. Most common: non-compliance fees until you fix issues. Serious breach while non-compliant: existential threat (fines, investigation costs, lost merchant account). Compliance is cheaper than non-compliance—$5K-$15K annually vs potential $50K-$500K breach costs.