PCI DSS Compliance Services

Level depends on annual transaction volume. Level 1 (over 6M transactions) needs an annual Report on Compliance from a QSA. Levels 2–4 use Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQ) and quarterly scans. SAQ type (A, A-EP, B, C, D) depends on how you take cards. Most SMBs are Level 3 or 4 and complete an SAQ; large merchants need full QSA audits.

Costs vary by level and complexity. Level 4 with simple SAQ A: often $5K–10K upfront plus $1K–2K/year. Level 3: $10K–25K plus $2K–4K/year. Level 2: $15K–40K. Level 1 with QSA: $30K–75K+ per year. Non-compliance costs more—fines, higher fees, and breach costs. Professional help is usually far cheaper than penalties.

SAQ lets eligible merchants self-validate by completing a questionnaire and providing evidence. A full audit (Report on Compliance) is an on-site assessment by a QSA. SAQ types (A, A-EP, B, C, D) match how you process cards and how many requirements apply. Only Level 1 (and some Level 2) need a full audit; most businesses use an SAQ. SAQ is cheaper and less burdensome.

With decent security: SAQ A in 1–2 months, SAQ D in 3–4 months, audit readiness in 4–6 months. From weak security, expect 2–3x longer. Steps include gap assessment, segmentation, controls, policies, and remediation. You must pass quarterly scans before validation. Compliance is annual—revalidate every year via SAQ or audit.

Failed validation means remediation and revalidation; that often adds 2–4 months. You may face fines, higher fees, or account threats. A breach while non-compliant is worse: investigations, notifications, fraud liability, and possible penalties. We focus on prep to reduce failure risk and on response if issues occur. Ongoing compliance lowers breach risk and speeds remediation.