Rules & Requirements —

PCI DSS Requirements

Has 12 key rules to protect payment data, reduce breaches, meet contracts, and build trust through controls and audits.

Share this article

Contents

No headings found on page

PCI DSS Requirements

PCI DSS outlines a clear set of requirements designed to help organizations safeguard payment card data.
Whether you process, store, or transmit cardholder data, these requirements form the foundation of your compliance program.

PCI DSS is built around 12 core requirements, grouped into six overarching control objectives.
They cover everything from network security to access controls, encryption, and monitoring.

Compliance with these requirements helps organizations:

  • Reduce the risk of payment data breaches

  • Meet contractual obligations with payment brands and acquiring banks

  • Build customer trust through proven data protection practices

Achieving and maintaining compliance involves implementing controls, documenting evidence, and undergoing regular validation through an ROC or SAQ, depending on your business model.

Aligning PCI DSS efforts with broader frameworks, such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2, can further strengthen your security program.

In the Spotlight

Start your PCI DSS compliance journey with DSALTA's complete checklist.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) protects cardholder information and prevents payment fraud. For any business that processes, stores, or transmits credit card data, compliance is mandatory.

While PCI DSS may seem daunting, DSALTA® makes it easier. With automated evidence collection, real-time monitoring, and AI-driven insights, you can stay compliant without the heavy manual workload. Use this checklist to guide your PCI DSS journey.

Read more about PCI DSS compliance with DSALTA.

Stop losing deals to compliance.

Get compliant. Keep building.

Join 100s of startups who got audit-ready in days, not months.