PDF Tool - PCI DSS Online For Free

Any organization that accepts, handles, stores, or transmits cardholder data must be PCI compliant. The size of the business and the number of transactions does not exempt a company from being compliant. Cardholder data includes debit, credit, and prepaid cards used by customers.

PCI DSS is a security standard, not a law. Compliance with it is mandated by the contracts that merchants sign with the card brands (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) and with the banks that actually handle their payment processing.

PCI DSS applies to any business that accepts, handles, stores, or transmits cardholder data. The standard also applies to any organization that could impact the security of cardholder data. The PCI DSS standard splits businesses into two main categories: merchants and service providers.

PCI compliance is adherence to the set of policies and procedures developed to protect credit, debit and cash card transactions and prevent the misuse of cardholders' personal information. All card brands require compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

Being PCI compliant reduces data breaches, protects the data of cardholders, avoids fines, and improves brand reputation. PCI compliance is not required by law but is considered mandatory through court precedent.

If an organization processes even one electronic transaction annually, It is required to comply with the PCI DSS compliance guidelines. Small businesses and early-stage startups, therefore, must become and remain PCI compliant to avoid PCI compliance fines for small businesses.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a widely accepted set of policies and procedures intended to optimize the security of credit, debit and cash card transactions and protect cardholders against misuse of their personal information.