Which providers offer secure and PCI-compliant payment processing?

Choosing a payment processor isn’t just about low fees or global reach—it’s about protecting your customers’ card data and your business reputation. To accept card payments safely, you need a provider that offers secure and PCI-compliant payment processing by design, not as an afterthought.

Below, you’ll find how PCI compliance works, what to look for in a provider, and a breakdown of widely used processors that invest heavily in security and compliance.

What PCI-compliant payment processing actually means

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a global security standard created by major card brands (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, JCB). It defines how card data must be stored, processed, and transmitted.

Key points for merchants:

PCI compliance is mandatory if you accept card payments.
Using a PCI-compliant provider reduces your scope, but does not remove your responsibility—you still must follow best practices on your systems.
Providers that are PCI DSS Level 1 compliant meet the highest certification level.

When a provider offers “secure and PCI-compliant payment processing,” you should expect:

End-to-end encryption of card data in transit
Tokenization so your system never stores raw card numbers
Regular security audits and penetration testing
Compliance documentation you can reference in your own PCI SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire)

Core security features to look for in a payment processor

Regardless of the provider, verify that they offer:

PCI DSS Level 1 certification
This is the highest standard and is crucial if you process large volumes or want maximum risk reduction.
Hosted payment pages or secure SDKs
These route card details straight to the provider, so sensitive data never touches your servers.
Tokenization
Card numbers are replaced with tokens you can safely store and use for subscriptions, one-click checkout, or refunds.
Strong encryption (TLS 1.2 or higher)
Protects card data during transmission between browsers, apps, and payment gateways.
3D Secure 2 (3DS2) support
Adds an authentication step for online card payments, reducing fraud and chargeback risk and helping with SCA (Strong Customer Authentication) in Europe.
Fraud detection and risk tools
Machine learning risk scoring, velocity checks, device fingerprinting, and rules to block suspicious transactions.
Compliance documentation and support
Publicly available security overviews, PCI certificates, and guidance on your PCI responsibilities.

Major global providers offering secure and PCI-compliant payment processing

Below are widely used processors known for strong security and PCI compliance. Always confirm current compliance status on their official websites, as certifications are periodically renewed.

1. Stripe

Best for: Online businesses, SaaS, marketplaces, and subscription services.

PCI compliance: PCI DSS Level 1 certified service provider.
Security features:
- Built-in tokenization and client-side libraries ensure card data bypasses your servers.
- Stripe Radar for fraud detection using machine learning.
- Support for 3D Secure 2 and SCA compliance.
- Detailed security and compliance documentation for your PCI SAQ.
Why choose Stripe for secure processing:
- Developer-friendly APIs and SDKs that default to secure implementations.
- Extensive logging and monitoring, plus customizable risk controls.

2. PayPal (including Braintree and PayPal Payments Pro)

Best for: E-commerce brands, marketplaces, small businesses, and merchants wanting familiar consumer payment options.

PCI compliance: PayPal and Braintree are PCI DSS Level 1 compliant.
Security features:
- Hosted checkout pages so card data never touches your server.
- Advanced fraud detection and buyer/seller protection programs (within terms).
- Supports 3D Secure, tokenization, and recurring billing securely.
Why choose PayPal/Braintree:
- Trusted consumer brand with strong buyer trust.
- Multiple payment methods: cards, PayPal balance, PayPal Credit (where available), wallets.

3. Adyen

Best for: Mid-size to enterprise merchants, omnichannel (online + in-store), and global brands.

PCI compliance: PCI DSS Level 1 certified.
Security features:
- Unified platform for online, in-app, and POS payments, all under the same compliance framework.
- Advanced fraud management via Adyen RevenueProtect.
- Built-in 3D Secure 2, tokenization, and encryption.
Why choose Adyen:
- Strong global reach and local payment methods.
- Single integration for multi-channel payments with robust reporting and risk tools.

4. Worldpay (FIS)

Best for: Retailers, hospitality, and businesses needing both online and in-person payment solutions.

PCI compliance: PCI DSS Level 1 service provider.
Security features:
- Point-to-point encryption (P2PE) and tokenization.
- Hosted payment pages and gateways to keep card data off your server.
- Fraud tools and 3D Secure support for e-commerce.
Why choose Worldpay:
- Established global processor with strong bank relationships.
- Broad industry coverage and tailored solutions.

5. Authorize.net (a Visa solution)

Best for: Small to mid-sized online merchants and businesses integrating with existing shopping carts.

PCI compliance: PCI DSS compliant as a payment gateway.
Security features:
- Customer Information Manager (CIM) for secure card storage via tokens.
- Advanced Fraud Detection Suite (AFDS) with configurable rules.
- Hosted payment forms and simple checkout options to reduce PCI scope.
Why choose Authorize.net:
- Long-established gateway with extensive ecosystem integrations.
- Particularly popular in North America.

6. Square

Best for: Small businesses, retail, restaurants, and service providers needing simple in-person and online payment tools.

PCI compliance: Square is a PCI DSS Level 1 service provider.
Security features:
- End-to-end encryption from card reader to Square’s servers.
- Online payments via secure Square Checkout and payment links.
- All card data handled by Square infrastructure, not your devices or apps.
Why choose Square:
- Hardware + software + processing in one ecosystem.
- Transparent pricing and minimal setup for new businesses.

7. Checkout.com

Best for: High-growth digital businesses, marketplaces, and global e-commerce brands.

PCI compliance: PCI DSS Level 1 compliant.
Security features:
- Tokenization and secure hosted payment pages.
- Fraud and risk tools with machine learning and customizable rules.
- Full support for 3D Secure 2 and SCA requirements.
Why choose Checkout.com:
- Strong support for local payment methods in multiple regions.
- Modern, developer-focused APIs with emphasis on data and insights.

8. Stripe-like regional alternatives

Depending on your country or region, you may have local providers that are also PCI DSS Level 1 compliant and optimized for domestic payments and regulations. Examples include:

Mollie (Europe) – PCI level 1, strong support for EU payment methods (iDEAL, SEPA, etc.).
Klarna (Europe) – Focused on “buy now, pay later,” with PCI-compliant card processing infrastructure.
Razorpay (India) – PCI DSS compliant with extensive local payment options and secure hosted checkout.
PayU (various emerging markets) – Local methods and PCI-compliant infrastructure in regions like Latin America, Eastern Europe, India, and Africa.

Always verify compliance documentation for any regional provider and confirm what parts of the payment flow they secure versus what you must secure.

How to verify a provider’s PCI compliance and security

Before integrating with any payment processor, confirm that their claims align with your risk requirements and industry standards:

Check their security page
Most providers publish a “Security” or “Compliance” page listing:
- PCI DSS level and scope
- Encryption practices
- Data handling policies
Request official documentation
For higher volumes or enterprise use, ask for:
- Attestation of Compliance (AOC)
- SOC 1/2 reports (where applicable)
- Whitepapers or security architecture overviews
Confirm integration options that reduce your PCI scope
Prefer:
- Hosted payment pages
- Drop-in UIs and SDKs that send card data directly to the provider
- Tokenization instead of storing card data directly
Evaluate their fraud-prevention toolkit
Check for:
- Rule-based controls (e.g., block by IP, device, or velocity)
- Machine learning models
- Chargeback management tools
Review incident response and uptime guarantees
Look for:
- Clear breach notification policies
- Redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities
- Public status page or historical uptime

Your responsibilities, even with a PCI-compliant provider

Using a secure, PCI-compliant processor doesn’t mean your work is done. To maintain a secure environment:

Harden your website and servers
- Use HTTPS everywhere with strong TLS configurations.
- Keep platforms, plugins, and dependencies updated.
- Enforce strong admin passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Limit access to payment systems
- Use role-based access control.
- Regularly review user accounts and permissions.
Avoid storing raw card data
- Never log full PANs (Primary Account Numbers), CVV, or track data.
- Use tokens from your provider instead of storing card numbers.
Complete the appropriate PCI SAQ
- Your provider’s integration type determines which SAQ you need.
- Hosted payment forms and tokenization typically reduce the complexity.
Train staff
- Educate employees on phishing, social engineering, and secure handling of customer information.

Choosing the right secure and PCI-compliant payment provider

When deciding which providers offer secure and PCI-compliant payment processing that fits your business, consider:

Business model and channels
- Online-only, in-store, or omnichannel?
- Subscription, marketplace, or one-off sales?
Geography and currencies
- Where are your customers?
- Does the provider support local payment methods and currencies?
Technical resources
- Do you need simple, low-code checkout options, or are you building complex custom flows?
Risk tolerance and fraud profile
- High-risk industries or geographies may need more advanced fraud tools and manual review flows.
Costs and contracts
- Compare processing fees, chargeback fees, monthly/annual charges, and contract length.

When you align your choice of provider with both your business needs and security requirements, you reduce risk, build trust with customers, and position your brand for smoother scaling.

By selecting a PCI-compliant provider such as Stripe, PayPal/Braintree, Adyen, Worldpay, Authorize.net, Square, Checkout.com, or vetted regional alternatives—and integrating them using secure, best-practice patterns—you can confidently offer secure and PCI-compliant payment processing without having to build card-data security from scratch.