What Is PCI DSS?
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is the security standard for any organization that stores, processes, or transmits payment card data. It is set by the PCI Security Standards Council and enforced through card brands and payment processors. The current version is PCI DSS v4.0.1, and its future-dated requirements became mandatory on 31 March 2025.
This Is For You If...
Your payment processor or bank asked you to complete a PCI self-assessment
You're not sure which SAQ applies to your checkout
Your payment page loads analytics, chat, or tag manager scripts
You store card numbers, or aren't sure whether you do
An enterprise customer asked for your PCI compliance status
Shrink Your Scope First
The cheapest PCI compliance is the scope you never take on. If card data never touches your servers, far fewer requirements apply.
Checkout Approach | Card Data on Your Servers? | Typical SAQ |
Redirect to a hosted payment page (e.g. Stripe Checkout) | No | SAQ A |
Embedded iframe fields (e.g. Stripe Elements, Razorpay) | No, but your page hosts the form | SAQ A, if script requirements are met |
Your page sends card data directly to the processor with JavaScript | No, but your page could be tampered with | SAQ A-EP |
Your servers receive or store card data | Yes | SAQ D or a full audit |
We help move you to the lowest-scope option that still fits your product. See Third-Party Integrations.
Key PCI DSS v4.0.1 Requirements for Developers
Requirement | What It Means |
6.4.3 Payment page scripts | Inventory, authorize, and check the integrity of every script on payment pages |
11.6.1 Tamper detection | Detect unauthorized changes to payment pages and their HTTP headers |
8.4.2 MFA | Multi-factor authentication for all access to the cardholder data environment |
8.3.6 Passwords | At least 12 characters, with letters and numbers |
11.3.2 External scans | Quarterly vulnerability scans by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) |
12.3.1 Targeted risk analysis | Documented analysis for controls where you set your own frequency |
What We Do
Scope Review
Map how card data flows through your product and identify the SAQ or audit level that applies.
Scope Reduction
Move checkout to hosted or tokenized payments, so card data never touches your systems. See Payments Fixes for AI-Built Apps for AI-built apps.
Payment Page Script Controls
Script inventory, Content Security Policy, Subresource Integrity, and change detection for payment pages.
Technical Controls
MFA, logging, network segmentation, encryption, and secure development for in-scope systems. See Authentication & Access Security.
Scan & Test Readiness
Fix findings before ASV scans and penetration tests. See Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing.
SAQ Preparation
Evidence and answers for your self-assessment questionnaire, ready for your processor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Instinct | Why It Doesn't Help | Do This Instead |
Assuming Stripe or Razorpay makes you fully compliant | They reduce scope but you still have duties | Confirm your SAQ and complete it yearly |
Loading marketing scripts on the payment page | Any script can skim card data | Remove them or control them under 6.4.3 and 11.6.1 |
Storing card numbers for convenience | Puts your whole system in scope | Use processor tokens instead |
Choosing the shortest SAQ without checking | A wrong SAQ fails when reviewed | Match the SAQ to how your checkout actually works |
What You Get
A card-data flow map and scope decision
A recommended checkout design with the smallest scope
Payment page script controls implemented
Technical controls for in-scope systems
Fixes for scan and pentest findings
A completed evidence pack for your SAQ
How It Works
1. Map
Trace card data through your product
2. Scope
Pick the right SAQ or audit level
3. Reduce
Redesign checkout to shrink scope
4. Implement
Build the required technical controls
5. Validate
Scans, fixes, and SAQ evidence
Why Codersarts
We integrate payment gateways as well as secure them, so scope reduction is a working checkout, not just advice. We prepare the technical work; your QSA or processor confirms final compliance.
Turnaround Time
A scope review takes 3 to 5 working days. Moving to hosted payments and adding script controls usually takes 1 to 3 weeks.
FAQ
Does PCI DSS apply to small businesses?
Yes. It applies to every business that accepts card payments. Smaller merchants usually validate with a self-assessment questionnaire instead of an on-site audit.
Which version of PCI DSS applies now?
PCI DSS v4.0.1. Version 3.2.1 was retired, and the requirements that were future-dated became mandatory on 31 March 2025.
What is an ASV scan?
A quarterly external vulnerability scan by an Approved Scanning Vendor, required by most SAQ types for internet-facing systems.
Do you provide the PCI certificate?
No. Compliance is validated through your SAQ or by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA). We prepare the systems and evidence.
Is our project kept confidential?
Yes. Your data, code, and results stay confidential, and an NDA is available on request.
Related Services
Does Card Data Touch Your Servers?
Find out, and shrink your PCI scope to the minimum.