Don't Panic! PCI Compliance Explained for Small Businesses
Protecting Your Business and Customers: What Every Small Business Should Know
Let's talk about something that might sound boring but is actually super important for your business – PCI compliance for small businesses. Think of it as your shield against payment data disasters!
PCI compliance for small businesses simply means following security standards that protect your customers' card information. It's like having a good lock on your door – basic protection that everyone needs.
PCI Compliance Quick Facts What Small Businesses Need to Know What it is: Security standards created by major credit card brands Who needs it: Any business that accepts credit/debit cards Most small businesses are: Level 4 (process fewer than 20,000 e-commerce transactions per year) Main requirements: Complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and possibly quarterly vulnerability scans Consequences of non-compliance: Fines ($5,000-$100,000), potential loss of card processing abilities Cost to comply: Typically $1,000-$10,000 for small businesses
Here's something that might surprise you: small businesses like yours are actually cyber criminals' favorite targets. Why? Because they know you're busy running your business and might not have fortress-level security. Over 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, but only 14% are prepared to defend themselves. Even scarier – 60% of small businesses close within six months after experiencing a data breach.
Your customers trust you with their card information. That's valuable stuff! Would you leave stacks of cash sitting out in plain view? Of course not! Yet many business owners unknowingly store sensitive card data with minimal protection, not realizing the risk they're taking.
PCI compliance for small businesses isn't just another regulation to follow. It's practical protection that keeps your business and customers safe. Think of it as insurance for your reputation and your future.
Hi there! I'm Lydia Valberg from Merchant Payment Services. I've helped hundreds of small business owners just like you steer the sometimes confusing world of PCI compliance for small businesses. The good news? You don't need to be a tech expert or spend a fortune to protect your business properly.
What You'll Learn
In this friendly guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about PCI compliance for small businesses without the confusing jargon or unnecessary complexity. By the time you finish reading, you'll understand:
Why PCI compliance matters and what it really costs if you ignore it
How to figure out which merchant level applies to your specific business
A plain-English explanation of the 12 core requirements (I promise to keep it simple!)
A clear, step-by-step roadmap to achieve compliance without headaches
Real-world costs and challenges you might face, and practical ways to overcome them
Simple best practices to stay compliant year-round without driving yourself crazy
Straight answers to those questions you might be embarrassed to ask elsewhere
My goal is to help you protect what you've worked so hard to build. You don't need a computer science degree or a massive budget – just some practical knowledge and a plan. Let's get started on keeping your business secure and your customers' data safe!
Why PCI Compliance Matters
Small businesses are increasingly finding themselves in cybercriminals' crosshairs. The Hiscox report reveals a shocking truth: 34% of small businesses with fewer than 50 employees experienced attacks and breaches in just the first quarter of 2022 alone.
As retail merchant Steve Methvin wisely points out: "Protecting customer data isn't just a compliance checkbox—it's about maintaining trust. Once that trust is broken, it's nearly impossible to get back."
The reality for small business owners is sobering. 60% of small and medium businesses close within six months of a data breach. With the average cost of a breach hovering around $200,000, it's a financial blow many simply can't survive. Half of all small businesses have experienced a breach in the past year, and in the UK alone, businesses faced a staggering £30 billion in costs due to cybersecurity breaches in 2016.
PCI compliance for small businesses isn't just red tape—it's a vital framework that helps protect you from becoming another statistic in these troubling reports.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
When we talk about the price of ignoring PCI standards, we're looking at much more than just the initial fines (though those can sting at $5,000 to $100,000 per month). The true financial impact runs much deeper.
Card brand penalties can hit you from multiple directions, as Visa, Mastercard, and other credit card brands each impose their own separate fines. Your payment processor might increase your transaction fees as a penalty, eating into your profit margins with every sale.
If you suffer a breach, you'll be required to hire a PCI-approved forensic investigator at your own expense—a specialized service that doesn't come cheap. The remediation costs to fix security issues after a breach typically dwarf what you would have spent on prevention.
Legal fees and settlements from customer lawsuits can be financially devastating, while chargebacks and card replacement costs add further strain. In the worst cases, you could face the ultimate business penalty: loss of processing privileges altogether.
A Providence, RI bakery owner learned this harsh lesson firsthand: "The fines were just the beginning. The real cost was in lost business and rebuilding our reputation. It took us nearly two years to recover fully."
Benefits Beyond Avoiding Fines
While avoiding penalties is certainly motivating, PCI compliance for small businesses offers significant positive benefits that go well beyond ducking fines:
Improved customer trust is perhaps the most valuable benefit. Today's consumers are increasingly savvy about data security issues. Being able to confidently tell them you follow industry security standards builds the kind of trust that creates loyal customers.
Your compliance efforts can create a real competitive advantage in your marketing. The simple message "We take your security seriously" resonates powerfully with cautious consumers who've heard too many breach stories.
The security measures you implement will naturally lead to reduced fraud losses, protecting your bottom line. Many insurance companies offer better insurance terms for PCI-compliant businesses, recognizing your reduced risk profile.
Perhaps most surprising to many business owners is how the compliance process often leads to improved business operations overall. The systems and practices you put in place for security frequently streamline other aspects of your IT management and business practices.
Business owner Jason Drake finded these benefits firsthand: "The relevance of ensuring proper ecommerce website security and protecting card holder data continues to be paramount for our organization, and we could not manage this process better without the reporting tools and excellent technical expertise provided by our compliance partner."
At Merchant Payment Services, we've seen countless small businesses transform security from a burden into a business advantage. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you've protected both your customers and your livelihood is truly priceless.
Who Must Comply & Merchant Levels
Let's cut to the chase: If your business accepts credit or debit cards in any way—whether in person, over the phone, or online—you must comply with PCI DSS. No exceptions.
This includes your neighborhood coffee shop, your favorite online boutique, the landscaper who swipes your card on their phone, and even the church that takes donations through their website. If cards are involved, compliance matters.
Back in 2006, the major credit card brands (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Find) created the PCI Security Standards Council to establish consistent security expectations for everyone handling card data.
They created four compliance levels based on how many transactions you process annually:
Level Visa/Mastercard/Find American Express Validation Requirements 1 More than 6 million transactions per year 2.5 million+ transactions per year Annual on-site audit by QSA + Quarterly network scan 2 1-6 million transactions per year 50,000-2.5 million transactions per year Annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) + Quarterly network scan 3 20,000-1 million e-commerce transactions per year Less than 50,000 transactions per year Annual SAQ + Quarterly network scan 4 Less than 20,000 e-commerce transactions per year OR up to 1 million total transactions N/A (uses a 3-tier system) Annual SAQ + Possibly quarterly network scan
The good news? Most small businesses fall into Level 4, which has simpler validation requirements while still providing meaningful security.
Determining Your Level
Figuring out your merchant level isn't complicated, but it does require some attention to detail:
First, check your POS reports to see your annual transaction volume. Many small business owners are surprised when they add it all up! As Maria, a florist in Denver, told us: "I had no idea we processed over 15,000 card transactions last year until I ran the numbers."
Next, you'll need to count transactions by card brand since Visa, Mastercard, and others set their own thresholds. This matters because you might fall into different levels for different card brands.
Don't forget to consider e-commerce separately. If you sell both in-store and online, the e-commerce transactions often have different requirements.
Finally, confirm with your acquirer bank (the one that processes your payments). They make the final call on your level, and they might have additional requirements beyond the standard PCI guidelines.
Escalation After a Breach
Here's something many small business owners don't realize: Any merchant can be instantly liftd to Level 1 if they suffer a data breach, regardless of size or transaction volume.
If this happens to your business, you're suddenly playing in the big leagues of compliance. You'll face an on-site assessment by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA), significantly higher compliance costs, and much stricter ongoing monitoring.
Tom, a bakery owner from Portland, learned this the hard way: "After our system was breached, we went from simple self-assessment to having auditors in our shop for days. Our compliance costs increased tenfold. We could have prevented it all with basic PCI compliance for small businesses measures."
This sudden escalation is why prevention through proper compliance is so crucial—the investment in compliance today is a fraction of what you'll spend after a breach tomorrow.
PCI compliance for small businesses: The 12 Core Requirements Simplified
Let's face it – when someone mentions "security requirements," most of us start to feel our eyes glaze over. But these PCI requirements are actually pretty straightforward when you break them down. Think of them as common-sense steps you'd take to protect something valuable.
Here's what the 12 requirements really mean in everyday language:
Install and maintain a firewall – This is like having a security guard at your digital door, checking who gets in and out of your payment systems.
Change default passwords – Those factory-set passwords like "admin" or "password123" are the first thing hackers try. Create strong, unique passwords instead.
Protect stored cardholder data – If you must keep card information, encrypt it or use tokenization so it's useless to thieves. It's like storing your valuables in a safe rather than leaving them on the counter.
Encrypt data transmissions – When card data travels across the internet, it should be scrambled so only the intended recipient can read it.
Use updated anti-virus software – This is your digital immune system against malware that could steal card data.
Maintain secure systems – Keep your software up-to-date with security patches, just like you'd fix a broken lock on your door.
Restrict access to cardholder data – Not everyone in your company needs access to customer payment information. Limit it to only those who absolutely need it.
Assign unique IDs to each user – Everyone should have their own login credentials so you know exactly who accessed what and when.
Restrict physical access – Lock up terminals, receipts, and computers that contain card data. Don't leave them where just anyone can access them.
Track and monitor access – Keep logs of who accesses your payment systems and review them regularly for suspicious activity.
Test security systems regularly – Periodically check for vulnerabilities in your systems before hackers find them.
Maintain a security policy – Document your security procedures and make sure all employees understand and follow them.
"When I first looked at these requirements, I thought I'd need an IT degree to understand them," says Morgan Leppink, a small business owner. "But once I broke them down, they were actually just good business practices that protected both my customers and my shop."
For more detailed information about keeping your transactions secure, check out our guide on Financial Transaction Security.
Requirement Highlights for Brick-and-Mortar
If you run a physical store, pay special attention to these areas:
Keep your payment terminals secure by using only PCI-approved devices, checking them daily for tampering (criminals can install skimmers in seconds), and enabling EMV chip readers. One smart practice is to keep photos of how your terminals should look so you can spot changes.
Take physical security seriously by locking up receipts with card data, shredding them when no longer needed, and positioning terminals so customers can shield their PIN entry. A restaurant owner in Fresno told me, "We moved our terminal so it's always visible to staff after learning about skimming risks."
Separate your networks by keeping your payment system off your public Wi-Fi. Think of it like having a staff-only entrance to your building – customer internet traffic shouldn't mix with payment processing.
Requirement Highlights for Online-Only
E-commerce businesses face different challenges but the principles remain the same:
Secure your website with proper SSL/TLS encryption (that's the padlock icon customers look for). Every page that collects payment data needs this protection. Many customers now check for security badges and HTTPS before entering their card details.
Protect data thoughtfully by using technologies like tokenization (which replaces card numbers with meaningless tokens) and Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE). And remember – never store CVV codes, period. Many small businesses find it simpler to use a hosted payment page from a PCI-compliant provider rather than handling card data directly.
Control who has access to your payment systems with multi-factor authentication and regular reviews of user accounts. It's surprising how many security breaches happen because former employees still have system access months after leaving.
For validated payment applications that meet security standards, you can check the scientific research on secure payment software.
PCI compliance for small businesses isn't just a technical checklist – it's about creating a culture of security that protects both your customers and your business reputation. Most of these requirements are simply good business practices that will help you sleep better at night.
7-Step Roadmap to Achieve Compliance
Let's face it – PCI compliance for small businesses can feel overwhelming at first. But I've helped hundreds of business owners break it down into manageable steps. Think of it as a journey with clear signposts along the way:
Step 1: Determine Your Scope
The first step is figuring out exactly what needs to be protected. Your "scope" includes everything that touches credit card data:
Your point-of-sale systems, payment terminals, computers, paper records – even the networks they connect to. The good news? The smaller your scope, the easier compliance becomes.
Many of my clients have dramatically simplified their compliance by using tokenization (replacing card numbers with unique tokens) or implementing point-to-point encryption. Some have even removed systems from scope entirely by outsourcing certain payment functions.
"Once we segmented our payment network from our regular business network, our compliance process became so much simpler," shared Thomas, a boutique owner from Ohio.
Step 2: Conduct a Gap Analysis
Think of this step as taking inventory of what you already have in place versus what you need. You'll compare your current security practices against each PCI requirement and identify the gaps.
Document where you stand today, then prioritize improvements based on both risk level and how much effort they'll require. This systematic approach prevents overwhelm and helps you tackle the most critical vulnerabilities first.
Step 3: Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) for PCI compliance for small businesses
The SAQ is the heart of the compliance process for most small businesses. Think of it as a security checklist custom to your specific payment setup. There are eight different types, and which one you complete depends on how you accept payments:
SAQ A is the simplest, with just 29 questions, for businesses that fully outsource payment processing. On the other end of the spectrum, SAQ D has 233 questions for complex environments.
Most brick-and-mortar shops with standalone terminals will use SAQ B (27 questions) or SAQ B-IP (49 questions) if those terminals connect via internet.
Naomi Christman, who runs a small gift shop, told me: "We were intimidated by the SAQ at first, but our payment processor guided us through the process. We were so impressed with the patient and professional way their staff treated us."
For more help with your SAQ, check out our PCI Compliance Guidelines.
Step 4: Conduct Vulnerability Scans
If your systems connect to the internet, quarterly scans are likely required. These scans, performed by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV), check your systems for security holes that hackers might exploit.
Think of these scans like regular health check-ups – they catch potential problems before they become serious issues. They typically cost between $100-$200 per quarter.
A smart tip I share with clients: Schedule your scans early in the quarter. This gives you plenty of time to fix any issues before your compliance deadline.
Step 5: Attestation of Compliance (AoC) for PCI compliance for small businesses
The AoC is your official declaration that you've met all the requirements. For most small businesses (Level 4 merchants), you'll:
Complete the appropriate AoC form that matches your SAQ type, have it signed by an owner or officer of your company, and submit it to your bank or payment processor.
Robbyn Lennon, who recently went through this process, notes: "The AoC is your formal declaration of compliance. We depend on assessors to make sure that we stay on the compliance track and can confidently sign this document."
Step 6: Remediate Issues
No security assessment is perfect the first time around. You'll likely find areas that need improvement:
Prioritize fixes based on severity – address critical vulnerabilities immediately. Document your plan so everyone knows what needs to happen and when. Implement changes systematically rather than making hasty patches. Retest everything to confirm the issues are truly resolved.
One restaurant owner shared, "We found we needed to update our firewall and change how we handled receipts. Making these changes actually improved our overall operations."
Step 7: Submit Documentation
The final step is submitting everything to your acquiring bank: your completed SAQ, signed AoC, scan reports (if required), and any additional documentation they request.
PCI compliance for small businesses isn't a one-and-done task. It's an ongoing commitment to security. You'll need to maintain your security measures and repeat the validation process annually.
As one client put it, "It's like insurance you actually see working every day – protecting both our customers and our business."
Cost, Risks & Typical Challenges
Let's talk money – because that's often the first question small business owners ask me about compliance. The reality is that PCI compliance for small businesses typically costs between $1,000 and $10,000 per year. But before you panic, know that this range varies widely based on several factors.
Your actual costs will depend on your merchant level, how complex your payment setup is, whether you need new equipment, if you need outside help, and what kind of security testing you require.
Some expenses are unavoidable, but many can be managed with smart planning. For example, your Self-Assessment Questionnaire might cost nothing if your payment processor offers it for free, or up to $200 if you need help completing it. Quarterly security scans run about $200-$800 annually – a small price to pay for peace of mind if you're processing payments online.
One restaurant owner I worked with was shocked when she realized her outdated point-of-sale system would need a complete overhaul. "I hadn't budgeted for that," she told me. "But when I spread the $3,000 cost over three years, it was manageable – especially compared to what a breach would cost me."
That's the perspective to keep in mind. According to the Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report, small businesses that experienced a breach ended up spending over $300,000 on average. Suddenly, that $1,000-$10,000 for prevention doesn't seem so bad, does it?
Overcoming Common Problems
In my years helping small businesses achieve compliance, I've noticed four challenges that come up repeatedly:
Time constraints hit almost everyone. When you're already wearing multiple hats in your business, finding time for compliance feels impossible. One effective approach is breaking the process into bite-sized weekly tasks. Many of my clients set aside "Compliance Tuesday" – just 30 minutes each week dedicated to one small aspect of their security program.
Technical complexity intimidates even the savviest business owners. The requirements can read like they were written in a foreign language. Don't try to become a security expert overnight. Instead, focus on understanding the basic principles – like why you need to change default passwords or why customer data needs encryption. Your payment processor should be able to explain these concepts in plain English.
Legacy systems create headaches for established businesses. That point-of-sale system you bought eight years ago? It might not support current security requirements. A bookstore owner I work with faced this exact problem. Rather than replacing everything at once, we created a 12-month upgrade plan that spread the costs across a full fiscal year.
Budget constraints are real, especially for newer businesses. Start with the free stuff – creating strong password policies, training your staff on security basics, and removing unnecessary customer data from your systems. These steps cost nothing but time and can significantly reduce your risk.
Dawn Martinez, a small boutique owner, shared her experience: "We've been using a specialized PCI service for our audits for more than 10 years now. We have continued to return due to the value they've provided in simplifying the process."
Compliance isn't just about checking boxes – it's about protecting your business and your customers. With some planning and the right support, even the smallest business can achieve and maintain compliance without breaking the bank.
Best Practices to Stay Compliant Year-Round
Let's face it – PCI compliance for small businesses isn't something you can check off your to-do list once a year and forget about. It's more like a garden that needs regular tending to flourish. The good news? Once you establish some simple routines, maintaining compliance becomes second nature.
Think of quarterly vulnerability scans as your regular health check-ups. Just as you wouldn't skip your annual physical, these scans catch potential issues before they become serious problems. I always recommend my clients schedule these at the beginning of each quarter – that way, if something pops up, you have time to address it before your next reporting deadline.
"I set calendar reminders for our quarterly scans," shares Tina, a boutique owner in Columbus. "It seemed like overkill at first, but the one time I almost forgot, my reminder saved us from falling out of compliance."
Staying current with patches and updates is another crucial habit. Software vulnerabilities are finded daily, and those patches aren't just annoying pop-ups – they're your defense against the latest threats. When possible, set your systems to update automatically, especially for security-related patches. For more critical systems, test patches in a controlled environment first to ensure they don't disrupt your operations.
Strong authentication might sound like technical jargon, but it's really just about making sure the right people have access to the right information. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become a must-have for any remote access to your systems. Yes, it's one extra step, but it's like having both a lock and an alarm on your front door – exponentially more secure than either alone.
Employee training remains one of your strongest defenses. Your team can't follow security protocols they don't understand. Make security awareness part of your onboarding process for new hires, and schedule refresher training at least annually for everyone. Some of my clients have turned this into a friendly competition, with small prizes for staff who spot test phishing emails or security issues.
When it comes to handling customer card data, I like to share this simple rule: "If you don't need it, don't keep it." Secure deletion of electronic data and shredding physical documents aren't just good practice – they're required. Consider implementing a clear desk policy where payment information is never left visible when unattended.
Don't forget about your vendors. Any service provider with access to your cardholder data needs to maintain their own PCI compliance. Create a spreadsheet to track all your vendors, their compliance status, and when you last verified it. Mark your calendar to check in with them annually.
Documentation might seem tedious, but it's your safety net. Detailed logs of security activities, records of compliance actions, and written incident response procedures are invaluable if you ever face an audit – or worse, a breach. As my grandmother used to say, "The palest ink is better than the strongest memory."
For more comprehensive guidance on creating a secure payment environment, our guide on Secure Payment Solutions offers additional strategies custom to small businesses.
Tools & Resources You Can Trust
You don't have to steer the compliance journey alone. The PCI Security Standards Council offers a treasure trove of resources specifically designed for merchants like you – including self-assessment questionnaires, guidance documents, and small merchant guides that translate complex requirements into practical steps.
Approved Scanning Vendors (ASVs) provide more than just quarterly scans; many offer remediation guidance to help you address any vulnerabilities they find. While the scans themselves typically cost $50-$200 per quarter, the peace of mind is priceless.
For more complex situations, Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) offer expert guidance. Think of them as compliance coaches who can help you prepare for formal assessments and steer trickier requirements.
Automation platforms have also become increasingly affordable for small businesses. These tools can simplify compliance tracking with dashboards, automated evidence collection, and policy management features. As Sarah, a bakery owner in Denver, told me, "The compliance software was worth every penny – it turned a weekend project into something I can manage in just an hour a month."
A hardware store owner in Providence, RI shared: "The PCI Council's guide to safe payments for small merchants was a game-changer for us. It translated complex requirements into practical steps we could actually implement without hiring an IT team."
PCI compliance for small businesses doesn't have to be overwhelming. By establishing these regular practices and leveraging available resources, you're not just checking a compliance box – you're building a security-minded culture that protects both your business and your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions about PCI DSS
Do very small or seasonal businesses still need to comply?
Yes, absolutely. The rules don't make exceptions based on your business size or how often you're open. If you accept even a single credit card payment per year, PCI DSS compliance is still mandatory for your business.
For those running seasonal operations like summer tours or holiday shops, compliance isn't just a "when you're open" thing. It's year-round because:
Your systems might still contain card data during your off-season (even if you don't realize it). Security vulnerabilities don't take vacations – they can develop during those quiet months. And unfortunately, cybercriminals often target businesses during downtime when vigilance typically drops.
I spoke with Maria, who runs a small beachside ice cream shop that's only open from May to September. She told me: "We thought we could just worry about security during summer. Then we finded someone trying to access our dormant payment system in February! Thankfully, we'd kept our security measures active and it stopped them cold."
How often must I renew or validate compliance?
Think of PCI compliance for small businesses like your car's maintenance schedule – there are annual requirements, quarterly check-ups, and daily habits that keep everything running safely.
Your formal validation (completing the Self-Assessment Questionnaire and getting your Attestation of Compliance) happens once a year. It's like your annual inspection.
If your business environment requires vulnerability scans, you'll need those quarterly – similar to oil changes, they prevent bigger problems down the road.
But the security measures themselves? Those need to be working 24/7/365. Your firewall, password policies, and staff training can't take days off.
Also worth noting: whenever you make significant changes to how you handle payments – like switching systems or adding online payments – you should reassess your compliance, even if it's before your annual renewal date.
Can my payment processor handle compliance for me?
While it would be nice to completely outsource this responsibility, the truth is that PCI compliance for small businesses is ultimately your responsibility. Your payment processor can be a valuable partner, but can't do everything for you.
Most good processors (including us at Merchant Payment Services) will help by:
Providing user-friendly tools that simplify the compliance process
Offering PCI-compliant payment gateways that reduce what you need to protect
Including basic scanning services as part of their merchant packages
Guiding you through selecting the right questionnaire for your business type
But there are things that will always remain your responsibility:
You'll still need to complete the appropriate Self-Assessment Questionnaire. Your processor can't implement physical security measures like locking your office doors or securing your payment terminals. And only you can ensure your employees follow proper security protocols when handling cards.
Think of it like taxes – you might hire an accountant to help, but you're still the one signing the return and responsible for its accuracy.
Our SimplifiedPCI program at Merchant Payment Services walks you through every compliance step with clear guidance, but we always emphasize that true security comes from partnership – we provide the expertise and tools, while you implement the practices that protect your business and customers every day.
Conclusion
PCI compliance for small businesses isn't just another regulatory burden—it's a vital shield protecting everything you've worked so hard to build. Throughout this guide, we've walked together through the what, why, and how of creating a secure payment environment that safeguards both your business and your customers.
The journey to compliance might seem daunting at first, but remember—you don't have to climb this mountain in a single leap. Each step you take improves your security posture and reduces your risk.
Here's what I hope you'll take away from our time together:
PCI compliance isn't optional—if you accept cards, these standards apply to your business, whether you process one transaction a month or thousands daily. Think of compliance as wearing your seatbelt—it might feel restrictive at times, but it's there to protect you when you need it most.
Prevention is infinitely cheaper than recovery. The few thousand dollars you might invest in compliance pales in comparison to the hundreds of thousands a breach could cost—not to mention the emotional toll of rebuilding customer trust from scratch.
Most small businesses have straightforward requirements. As a Level 4 merchant, your path to compliance is likely simpler than you feared. No need for expensive consultants or enterprise-level security systems in most cases.
Security is a journey, not a destination. Just like you wouldn't lock your doors once and consider your home forever secure, payment security requires ongoing attention and care.
You have allies in this fight. From your payment processor to industry resources, you're not alone in navigating these waters.
At Merchant Payment Services, we've guided countless small business owners just like you through the compliance process. Our SimplifiedPCI program was built specifically to remove the technical jargon, eliminate the stress, and provide a clear path forward.
We believe security shouldn't break the bank or require an IT degree. That's why we've built our program around real people helping real businesses—with no hidden fees, no long-term contracts, and support that's there when you need it, day or night.
Our US-based team understands the unique challenges facing small businesses across the country. Whether you're running a family restaurant, a boutique shop, or a professional service, we tailor our guidance to your specific needs and circumstances.
Ready to take the stress out of PCI compliance? Our Simplified PCI program is designed to give you both security and peace of mind, so you can focus on what really matters—serving your customers and growing your business.
After all, the best security is the kind you set up properly once, maintain easily, and then barely have to think about again. That's exactly what we help our merchants achieve every day.