At Beacon Payments, we help businesses not only process payments efficiently—but also stay secure and compliant. Here’s what you need to know about PCI compliance, why it matters, and how to get compliant fast.

What Is PCI Compliance?

PCI compliance refers to following a set of security standards created by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC). These rules were established to help businesses prevent data breaches and protect cardholder information during and after transactions.

The PCI DSS applies to any business that stores, processes, or transmits credit card data. That includes in-store point-of-sale (POS) transactions, online payments, and mobile card readers.

Why Is PCI Compliance Important?

1. Protects Customer Data

PCI compliance helps ensure that your business is handling sensitive cardholder data securely. This reduces the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and fraud.

2. Reduces Your Liability

In the event of a breach, non-compliant businesses may be subject to hefty fines, legal action, and card brand penalties. Being compliant helps limit your liability and demonstrates that your business took proper precautions.

3. Builds Customer Trust

Today’s consumers are more aware of security than ever. When you’re PCI compliant, you show your customers that their data is safe with you—which can help you earn and keep their trust.

4. Avoids Monthly Non-Compliance Fees

Many payment processors charge PCI non-compliance fees (often $20–40/month) if your business is not validated as compliant. Staying up to date saves you from these avoidable charges.

How to Become PCI Compliant

The good news is that becoming PCI compliant is easier than it sounds—especially when you work with a partner like Beacon Payments.

✅ Step 1: Determine Your Compliance Level

PCI has four merchant levels based on your annual transaction volume. Most small and medium-sized businesses fall into Level 4, which requires completing a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and possibly a quarterly network scan.

✅ Step 2: Complete the SAQ

This is a simple checklist of questions about your payment systems, equipment, and security practices. Your answers help verify that your business meets PCI standards.

✅ Step 3: Submit Compliance Documentation

After completing the SAQ and any required scans, you’ll submit your compliance certification through your processor’s portal.

✅ Step 4: Stay Compliant

PCI compliance isn’t a one-time task—it requires annual renewal and ongoing attention to best practices, like updating software, using secure networks, and training employees.

How Beacon Payments Helps

At Beacon Payments, we make PCI compliance simple for our merchants. We provide:

• Step-by-step guidance through your SAQ
• Access to PCI-compliant payment equipment and POS systems
• Support for completing scans and submitting documentation
• Resources to avoid PCI-related fees
• Reminders for annual renewal deadlines

We also work with you to implement best practices that reduce your exposure to risk while keeping your payment environment fast and user-friendly.

PCI compliance is about protecting your business and your customers. It's a small investment of time and effort that can prevent massive financial and reputational damage. At Beacon Payments, we don’t just process your payments—we help keep them secure.

Have questions about PCI compliance or need help getting started?

 Contact us today to speak with one of our payment experts.