How to become PCI DSS compliant in 2026

Date: 15/05/26

PCI DSS compliance is essential for any business that accepts card payments in-store, online or over the phone. These payment security standards are designed to protect cardholder data and reduce the risk of fraud, data breaches and financial penalties. Continue reading to find out more about PCI compliance and the process to become PCI compliant.

What is PCI DSS compliance?

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a security standard that regulates card transactions to protect customer data. They ensure that all card payments are accepted, processed, stored and transmitted securely.

In 2004, PCI DSS was created by the five major card brands, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and JCB, to establish a combined set of regulations for businesses and maintain a secure environment for their customers.

The standards have evolved over the past 22 years, with updated regulations coming into effect every three to four years.

What are the current PCI DSS requirements in 2026?

As of May 2026, PCI DSS v4.0.1 is the current standard, focusing on 12 security requirements that businesses accepting card payments must adhere to.

These fall under six categories:

Build and maintain a secure network
Protect cardholder data
Maintain a vulnerability management program
Implement strong access control measures
Regularly monitor and test networks
Maintain an information security policy

Any business that accepts card payments, regardless of size, industry or geographic region must comply with PCI DSS.

By having this in place, sensitive customer card data is protected, the risk of costly data breaches and fraud is reduced and heavy fines from card payment brands can be prevented.

Depending on how your business takes payments, PCI DSS compliance validation may include an annual assessment, a Self-Assessment Questionnaire and, in some cases, quarterly vulnerability scans.

What happens if you are not PCI compliant?

PCI DSS compliance is mandatory because it minimises risk to cardholder data. If you are not compliant, you may start to receive fines.

Some business owners are unaware of this and end up paying extra each month. You could also end up paying increased transaction fees or have your card processing capabilities terminated altogether.

If you do not have systems in place that can handle sensitive data, you are putting customer information at risk and breaching PCI compliance.

Is my card machine PCI compliant?

If your card terminal doesn’t adhere to the latest PCI hardware requirements, you are putting your customers’ card details at risk.

You must work with your card terminal provider and your acquirer to make sure you are aligned with the standards.

The age of your card terminal could affect your PCI DSS compliance. Updates are made to the PCI DSS standards due to advances in technology, which can create new threats to customer data.

The easiest way to find out if your machine complies with PCI standards is to talk to your card terminal provider. They will be able to let you know if you need to take any action.

What is the process for becoming PCI compliant?

For most business owners, PCI compliance comes down to a few straightforward actions:

1. Ask your card provider what you need to do.

They’ll tell you which form you must complete and whether you need any additional checks.

2. List how you take card payments.

In-store terminal, online checkout, phone payments, or all three.

3. Check where card details could be seen or stored.

For example: tills, computers, Wi Fi, paper receipts, emails, or systems used for phone payments.

4. Reduce what you handle (if you can).

Using approved providers and keeping card details out of your systems usually makes compliance easier.

5. Put basic protections in place.

Keep devices updated, lock down who can access payment systems, and use strong passwords (and extra sign-in checks where available).

6. Complete the required checks.

This might include simple online questions and, in some cases, regular security scans.

7. Submit your paperwork.

Send the completed form (and any scan results) to your provider/acquirer by their deadline.

8. Keep it up to date.

Repeat the checks when asked, update systems regularly, and review who has access when staff change.