How often should I perform a PCI compliance audit?

The frequency of PCI compliance audits depends on several factors, but generally, they should be performed annually. This annual requirement is stipulated by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and serves as a fundamental guideline for maintaining the security of your cardholder data environment (CDE).

Are there any alternatives to PCI compliance for secure payment processing?

While PCI compliance is a widely accepted standard for secure payment processing, there are alternatives to consider. Tokenization and end-to-end encryption (E2EE) are two significant alternatives. Tokenization replaces sensitive card data with unique tokens, reducing the risk associated with storing actual card numbers. E2EE encrypts payment data from point-of-entry until it reaches the payment processor, safeguarding it throughout the transaction process. Additionally, some organizations explore third-party payment processing services that handle the bulk of PCI compliance responsibilities, further minimizing their compliance burden.

Do small businesses need to comply with PCI standards?

Yes, small businesses that handle payment card data are typically required to comply with PCI standards. The specific level of compliance, however, depends on the volume of transactions they process annually. Small businesses fall under one of four PCI compliance levels, ranging from Level 4 (the lowest) to Level 1 (the highest), based on transaction volume. Non-compliance can result in data breaches, financial penalties, and damage to reputation, so it’s crucial for small businesses to assess their compliance obligations and take necessary steps to meet them.

PCI Compliance Checklist

Comply with cybersecurity requirements and regulations set by PCI DSS with a digital PCI compliance checklist

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PCI Compliance Self-Assessment Checklist

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Download this free PCI compliance checklist to review your store’s credit card transaction safeness and conduct a cyber risk assessment. Use this as a guide on how to achieve this by doing the following:

Enter the basic details about the store being assessed, including the personnel involved.
Run through and check for common PCI DSS control vulnerabilities
Assess POS vendor system’s security by reviewing who has access to the system, validity of the software, and documentation.
Assess data vulnerabilities. Check if the organization needs to store or eliminate the storage of these data.
Provide notes and upload relevant documents and media files to support review findings and provide more context on the check being done.
Before completing the report, summarize general comments and provide a digital signature.
Export this PCI compliance report in PDF, Excel, or Word file for recordkeeping and store it securely on the cloud (that only authorized personnel can access).

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Why Mitti digital checklists?

Free to use for up to 10 users
Eliminate paperwork with digital checklists
Generate reports from completed checklists

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What is a PCI Compliance Checklist?
Importance and Benefits
PCI Compliance Requirements
What to Include in a PCI Compliance Checklist
How to Achieve PCI Compliance with a Checklist
PCI Compliance Checklist Sample PDF Report
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In this article

What is a PCI Compliance Checklist?
Importance and Benefits
PCI Compliance Requirements
What to Include in a PCI Compliance Checklist
How to Achieve PCI Compliance with a Checklist
PCI Compliance Checklist Sample PDF Report
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Eliminate paperwork with digital checklists

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Article by

Eligio Rempillo

5 min read

20 Jul 2026

What is a PCI Compliance Checklist?

A PCI compliance checklist is a comprehensive template designed to meet the requirements set by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). It plays an important role in ensuring that businesses handle payment card data securely and responsibly. A PCI compliance checklist comprises a structured set of guidelines, measures, and best practices that organizations must adhere to in order to maintain the integrity of their payment card transactions and protect their customers’ data from potential breaches.

Importance and Benefits

With the increasing prevalence of online transactions, most businesses and organizations are required to ensure the security of this data. This is where PCI compliance is a must, and utilizing a digital checklist comes into play. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of PCI Compliance and explore the numerous benefits it brings to the table :

Building a Secure Network and Systems

One of the primary goals of PCI Compliance is to establish a secure network and systems within an organization. By adhering to a PCI Compliance checklist, businesses can systematically identify vulnerabilities and address them promptly. This includes implementing robust firewalls, encryption protocols, and access controls. Such measures not only protect cardholder data but also instill trust among customers.

Protecting Cardholder Data

Cardholder data is the lifeblood of many businesses, and safeguarding it is a legal and ethical obligation. PCI Compliance checklist emphasizes data protection through encryption and tokenization, rendering cardholder data unreadable to potential cybercriminals.

Managing Vulnerabilities

No system is entirely immune to vulnerabilities, and it’s crucial to have a mechanism in place to manage them effectively. PCI Compliance checklist advocates regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing.

Consequences

Failure to comply with PCI standards can have dire consequences for businesses. From financial penalties ranging at $5,000 up to $500,000 per PCI data security incident or breach, to damage to the reputation of the business. These fines can cripple a business financially and even lead to its closure in extreme cases. With the use of a comprehensive PCI compliance checklist, you will be able to proactively catch issues and prevent huge fines.

PCI Compliance Requirements

Here are the 12 PCI DSS compliance requirements, designed to protect cardholder data and ensure secure handling of credit card information:

Install and maintain a firewall configuration. Firewalls must be properly configured and regularly updated to protect systems
Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords. Change all default credentials (like admin/admin) to prevent easy exploitation.
Protect stored cardholder data. Only store necessary cardholder data and secure it with encryption, masking, or truncation.
Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across public networks. Use strong encryption (like TLS) to secure data in transit.
Protect all systems against malware. Regularly update anti-virus software or programs.
Develop and maintain secure systems and applications. Apply security patches promptly and conduct secure software development practices.
Restrict access to cardholder data by business needs. Use role-based access and enforce the principle of least privilege.
Identify and authenticate access to system components. Require unique user IDs and strong authentication methods.
Restrict physical access to cardholder data. Secure facilities and restrict physical entry to sensitive areas.
Monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data. Use logging and monitoring tools to detect unauthorized access.
Regularly test security systems and processes. Conduct vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and other assessments regularly.
Maintain a policy that addresses information security for all personnel. Enforce security policies and ensure staff are trained.

What to Include in a PCI Compliance Checklist

To establish a solid foundation of a PCI compliance checklist, let’s begin by understanding what PCI DSS entails. It encompasses a series of requirements and best practices that organizations must follow to protect cardholder information effectively :

Understand the PCI Data Security Standards (DSS)

The PCI Data Security Standard (DSS) serves as the rulebook for safeguarding customer payment data. It outlines a set of security requirements that you must adhere to. Think of it as a checklist within your checklist. A comprehensive understanding of the PCI DSS is fundamental to achieving compliance.

Ensure Network Security

Securing your network is important. Employ firewalls, encryption, and robust passwords to fortify your digital defenses. Regularly update your software and promptly address any identified vulnerabilities to prevent security breaches resulting from outdated systems.

Protect Cardholder Data

Protecting cardholder data is at the core of PCI compliance. Only retain essential cardholder information, and when stored, ensure it is encrypted. Adhere to the principle of data minimization—if you don’t need it, don’t keep it.

Continuous Monitoring and Testing

Routine monitoring and testing are akin to health check-ups for your network. Consistently observe your systems for any irregularities, conduct vulnerability assessments, and execute penetration tests to identify and mitigate weaknesses before they escalate.

Prepare and Review an Incident Response Plan

Despite proactive measures, incidents can occur. Therefore, have a well-defined incident response plan in place. Think of it as a contingency strategy for your digital environment, ready to be activated if needed.

How to Achieve PCI Compliance with a Checklist

Once the organization is familiar with the compliance regulations, it’s important to follow a thorough and streamlined process such as digital forms instead of the traditional paper based system. Here’s how you can use this checklist for a PCI compliance check :

Enter basic information such as date, location, and who’s conducting the compliance check
Assess common PSI DSS Control Failures. Review if security patches are up-to-date, logging protocols, and other vulnerabilities.
Check POS vendors system’s security for any vulnerabilities.
Review cardholder data protection by analyzing any vulnerabilities and storing capabilities. Check if storing or eliminating these sensitive data is necessary.
Summarize the findings and provide recommendations and action points.