PCI DSS
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security requirements for any organization that stores, processes, or transmits credit card data — non-compliance can result in fines and loss of payment processing ability.
In depth
The smart approach for startups: never touch card data. Use Stripe Elements or Stripe Checkout — card numbers go directly to Stripe's servers, never yours. This reduces your PCI scope to SAQ-A (simplest self-assessment, ~22 questions).
PCI compliance levels: - SAQ-A: card data never touches your servers (Stripe Checkout) — easiest - SAQ-A-EP: card data touches your servers but not stored (Stripe Elements) - Full PCI audit: required if you store/process card data directly — expensive and ongoing
Never store: card numbers, CVV, magnetic stripe data, PINs. Stripe handles all of this.
If you use Stripe properly, PCI compliance is largely handled. Your responsibility: secure your servers, use HTTPS, don't log card data in error messages.
Real example
An e-commerce app uses Stripe Checkout so card numbers never touch their servers — qualifying for the simplest SAQ-A compliance level.
Tools & calculators
Related terms
API (Application Programming Interface)
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other — like a contract defining how one piece of software can request data or actions from another.
Stripe Connect
Stripe Connect is Stripe's API for marketplaces and platforms that need to move money between multiple parties — enabling split payments, seller payouts, and platform fees.
KYC (Know Your Customer)
KYC (Know Your Customer) is the process of verifying the identity of users before allowing them to access financial services — required by regulators to prevent fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing.
Ready to build your product?
Fixed price. 21-day delivery. Senior team.
Get a free scoping call →