Are you classified as a merchant? If so, what level (1, 2, 3, 4)?
Explanation
Guidance
Refer to PCI DSS Security Standards for supplemental guidance in this section
Example Responses
Example Response 1
Yes, we are classified as a Level 1 Merchant under PCI DSS We process approximately 8.5 million credit card transactions annually through our retail and online channels As a Level 1 Merchant, we undergo an annual on-site assessment by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) and maintain a Report on Compliance (ROC) Our most recent PCI DSS v4.0 assessment was completed in March 2023, and we maintain continuous compliance monitoring throughout the year.
Example Response 2
Yes, we are classified as a Level 4 Merchant under PCI DSS We process approximately 15,000 e-commerce transactions annually through our online store As a Level 4 Merchant, we complete an annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ A-EP) and Attestation of Compliance (AOC) We use a PCI DSS compliant payment gateway that handles the actual card processing, but since we control the checkout experience on our website, we maintain our merchant compliance obligations.
Example Response 3
No, we are not classified as a merchant under PCI DSS Our software platform does not directly process, store, or transmit cardholder data Instead, we integrate with third-party payment processors using their secure APIs where the customer is redirected to the processor's environment for payment Our customers (who may be merchants themselves) are responsible for their own PCI DSS compliance We do, however, maintain security controls aligned with industry standards like SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 to ensure the overall security of our platform.
Context
- Tab
- Case-Specific
- Category
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

