PCI compliance refers to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a global framework created to protect cardholder data. It includes 12 core requirements and over 250 sub-requirements focused on securing payment information handled by e-commerce platforms.
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5 May 2025
By Vellis Team
Vellis Team
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For ecommerce sites, following these standards builds trust, protects customers, and avoids costly penalties or fraud-related losses.
PCI DSS is a set of security rules all businesses must follow if they store, process, or transmit credit card data. Created in 2004 by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, it helps protect customer information in the digital age.
The most recent version, PCI DSS 4.0, launched in March 2022, introduces updated practices to better protect e-commerce platforms and their customers.
For e-commerce sites, PCI compliance isn’t optional – it’s essential. Without it, you risk data breaches, fines up to $500,000 a month, and even the loss of credit card processing privileges.
Hackers frequently target ecommerce platforms for cardholder data. PCI DSS compliance for ecommerce helps block these attacks and ensures safe online payments, enhancing customer confidence.
When customers know their payment info is secure, they’re more likely to return. Given that e-commerce payment fraud was expected to hit $48 billion by the end of 2023, maintaining compliance is a smart business move.
Meeting PCI DSS compliance requirements is crucial for e-commerce sites to ensure payment data security.
PCI compliance for e-commerce platforms is based on annual transaction volume:
Achieving PCI compliance for eCommerce platforms involves selecting providers that already meet PCI standards.
Working with PCI-compliant ecommerce platforms or hosting providers reduces your workload. Their infrastructure is built for compliance and simplifies securing your site.
Tokenization replaces card numbers with unique identifiers, reducing exposure and helping with PCI compliance for ecommerce sites.
Only store essential cardholder data—and for as short a time as possible. Fewer people should have access, each with unique credentials.
Complete annual SAQs and quarterly vulnerability scans. This keeps your defenses current and identifies weak spots early.
Using PCI-ready solutions like hosted checkout pages and secure payment gateways simplifies compliance. These tools already meet PCI DSS requirements and shield your site from many security risks. They not only protect your customers but also help preserve your brand’s reputation and your ability to keep processing eCommerce payments.
Online retailers often face hurdles posing a significant risk for their e-commerce platforms.
Here are important practices to maintain PCI compliance:
Different eCommerce payment methods come with varying challenges of compliance. Card-not-present transactions, like online sales, require stricter controls due to higher fraud risk.
Tokenization and hosted checkout pages reduce exposure by keeping sensitive data off your servers. These techniques are especially helpful for meeting PCI DSS compliance for ecommerce.
PCI DSS isn’t law, but it’s enforced by card networks like Visa and Mastercard. These networks can fine businesses or cut off payment processing for non-compliance. Banks and payment processors may also impose penalties or end partnerships if eCommerce merchants can’t prove compliance annually.
PCI compliance for e-commerce platforms isn’t just a requirement, it’s a vital part of protecting your customers and your business. By following PCI DSS guidelines, ecommerce sites can secure payment data, build trust, and avoid costly breaches or penalties.
PCI compliance refers to a set of security standards to protect credit card data during and after a financial transaction.
Any business or entity that processes, stores, or transmits credit card information must be PCI compliant, including ecommerce sites.
Costs vary depending on business size and needs, but range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars annually.
Many platforms help reduce your PCI scope but do not eliminate your responsibility; SAQs and controls may still be required.
You risk hefty fines, breach of customer trust, and termination of merchant accounts.
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Vellis Inc. is authorized as a Money Services Business by FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) number M24204235. Vellis Inc. is a company registered in Canada, number 1000610768, headquartered at 30 Eglinton Avenue West, Mississauga, Ontario L5R3E7, Canada.