If you accept credit or debit cards at your business, you’ve likely seen a line on your monthly statement labeled "PCI Non-Compliance Fee." You might not know what it means, but you’re paying for it.
At Beacon Payments, we help merchants eliminate unnecessary fees and stay compliant with industry standards. In this post, we’ll explain what PCI compliance is, why non-compliance fees exist, and most importantly, how to avoid them.
What Is PCI Compliance?
PCI compliance means following the security rules the card brands set for every business that accepts card payments.
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security requirements created by the major card brands (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, JCB, and AmEx) to ensure that businesses protect cardholder data during every transaction.
All businesses that store, process, or transmit credit card information, including small businesses, are required to follow these standards.
What Are PCI Non-Compliance Fees?
A PCI non-compliance fee is a monthly charge your processor adds when your business hasn’t proven it meets PCI requirements. It stays on your statement until you do.
These fees vary by processor and often run $20 to $100 per month.
Your processor, rather than the card brands, sets and collects this fee because an account that hasn’t validated compliance puts it at risk.
Non-Compliance Fee vs. PCI Compliance Fee: What’s the Difference?
A non-compliance fee is a penalty for missing your PCI validation. A PCI compliance fee is a separate charge some processors bill even when you are compliant.
Many merchants see both on the same statement and assume they are the same thing. Only the non-compliance fee goes away when you complete your paperwork.
| PCI Non-Compliance Fee | PCI Compliance Fee | |
| What it is | A penalty for not validating compliance | A program fee some processors charge for PCI support tools |
| Who pays it | Merchants who haven’t completed their SAQ or required scans | Often every merchant on that processor’s plan |
| How often | Monthly, until you validate | Usually yearly, sometimes monthly |
| How to remove it | Complete your SAQ and any required scans | Depends on your contract, so ask your provider |
Why Do Processors Charge a PCI Non-Compliance Fee?
Processors charge the fee because they carry the risk if a merchant who hasn’t validated compliance has a data breach.
Payment processors are required to ensure their merchants are compliant. When you don’t complete the process, your provider may pass along that risk in the form of a monthly non-compliance fee.
The good news? These fees are completely avoidable.
How to Avoid PCI Non-Compliance Fees
Complete your annual SAQ, run any required scans, keep your equipment current, and work with a provider that tracks your deadlines.
Here are the simple steps to stay compliant and eliminate unnecessary charges:
1. Complete Your PCI Questionnaire
File the SAQ that matches how you accept cards once a year, and submit it to your processor.
Each year, you’re required to complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). How long it takes depends on your SAQ type. It asks asks basic questions about your payment equipment, how you store customer data (if at all), and your security practices.
Your SAQ type depends on how you accept cards. For example, SAQ B covers standalone terminals that connect by phone line, SAQ B-IP covers standalone terminals that connect over the internet, and SAQ C-VT covers virtual terminals where you key in payments on a computer.
Beacon Tip: We’ll walk you through it if you need help.
2. Run Required Network Scans (If Applicable)
If your terminals or gateway connect over the internet, you may need a passing external scan every quarter.
If your business accepts payments through a network-connected terminal or online gateway, you may be required to run quarterly vulnerability scans. Your provider can help you set this up. These scans must be run by a PCI-approved scanning vendor (ASV).
3. Keep Your POS Software and Terminals Up to Date
Use EMV-enabled terminals and install software updates as soon as they come out.
Using outdated or non-compliant equipment can lead to vulnerabilities. Make sure your POS or terminal is EMV-enabled, and your software is regularly updated. Swipe-only terminals are a common red flag. If yours is outdated, compare current credit card terminals before your next SAQ.
Tokenization, which replaces card numbers with random tokens, also reduces the card data you have to protect.
4. Work with a Provider That Supports You
A provider that tracks your PCI deadlines keeps missed paperwork from turning into monthly fees.
The PCI process can be confusing, especially if your provider doesn’t offer guidance. At Beacon Payments, we proactively remind you when your annual PCI survey is due and help you complete it.
What Happens If You Ignore PCI Compliance?
You keep paying monthly fees, you take on more liability if a breach happens, and your processor can close your account.
- You’ll continue to pay monthly fees that add up quickly
- In the event of a breach, you may be liable for thousands in fines
- Your merchant account could be terminated for repeated non-compliance
For the full compliance process, see our guide on how to make sure your business is PCI compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until the non-compliance fee stops?
Most processors stop the fee once they receive your completed SAQ and any required scan results. Depending on your billing cycle, it may still appear on one more statement.
Can I get past PCI non-compliance fees refunded?
Refunds are up to your processor and aren’t guaranteed. Ask your provider once you’ve completed your SAQ.
Do I need a quarterly scan if I only use a countertop terminal?
It depends on how the terminal connects. Terminals that connect by phone line usually don’t need scans. Terminals that connect over the internet often do. Your SAQ type tells you for sure.
Does a small business really have to be PCI compliant?
Yes. Any business that accepts card payments must follow PCI DSS, no matter how small. Smaller merchants usually validate with a self-assessment instead of an outside audit.
PCI compliance protects your business, your customers, and your bottom line. And the best part? It’s easy to stay compliant when you have the right support.
At Beacon Payments, we help our merchants complete their PCI requirements, avoid unnecessary fees, and stay secure year-round.
Want to eliminate PCI non-compliance fees for good?
Contact Beacon Payments today for a free consultation and compliance checkup.