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PCI Compliance Guide for Stripe Integrations

Understand what PCI DSS means for your business and how Stripe simplifies compliance

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What is PCI DSS?

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security requirements designed to protect cardholder data. Any business that accepts, processes, stores, or transmits credit card information must comply with PCI DSS.

Good News: Stripe Simplifies This

When you use Stripe's hosted solutions (Stripe Checkout or Elements), Stripe handles most PCI compliance requirements. Card data never touches your servers, dramatically reducing your compliance burden to a simple annual questionnaire.

The 12 Requirements (High Level)

1
Install and maintain firewall configuration
2
Don't use vendor-supplied defaults for passwords
3
Protect stored cardholder data
4
Encrypt transmission of card data
5
Use and maintain antivirus software
6
Develop secure systems and applications
7
Restrict access to cardholder data
8
Assign unique ID to each person with access
9
Restrict physical access to cardholder data
10
Track and monitor all access to network
11
Regularly test security systems
12
Maintain information security policy

What Stripe Handles vs. What You Handle

Stripe Handles (PCI Level 1)

  • Secure card data storage
  • Card data encryption (in transit and at rest)
  • Network security and monitoring
  • Vulnerability management
  • Access control to card data
  • Annual PCI assessments
  • Security testing and audits
  • Payment form security (when using Stripe.js/Elements)

Your Responsibilities

  • Use HTTPS for your website
  • Validate PCI compliance (SAQ questionnaire)
  • Don't store full card numbers or CVVs
  • Securely handle Stripe API keys
  • Implement proper access controls
  • Maintain security policy
  • Keep software up to date
  • Use Stripe's secure libraries correctly

Key Takeaway

When using Stripe Checkout or Stripe.js/Elements, you qualify for the simplest PCI compliance level (SAQ A). This means an annual 22-question self-assessment instead of complex security audits. Stripe's PCI Level 1 certification covers the hard parts.

Which SAQ Applies to You?

SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire) is how you validate your PCI compliance. The type depends on your integration method.

SAQ A

Recommended

22 questions | Easiest

When: Using Stripe Checkout (hosted payment page) exclusively

SAQ A-EP

Recommended

~180 questions | Moderate

When: Using Stripe.js/Elements (embedded payment form)

SAQ D

~300 questions | Most Complex

When: Handling raw card data directly (not recommended)

Download the Complete PCI Compliance Checklist

Get our comprehensive PCI compliance checklist for Stripe integrations. Includes SAQ guidance, security requirements, and implementation steps. Delivered instantly to your inbox.

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Checklist includes: SAQ selection guide · Security requirements · Integration best practices · Compliance timeline

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