Free PCI Compliance Scanner — Check PCI DSS Status Instantly
Our PCI compliance scanner analyzes your payment processing setup in under 2 minutes. Discover if you need an ASV vulnerability scan, get your PCI DSS risk score, and receive a customized compliance checklist — all free, no credit card required.
What Is PCI Compliance Scanning?
PCI compliance scanning is a critical security process required by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for businesses that process, store, or transmit credit card information.
Vulnerability Assessment
PCI scans identify security vulnerabilities in your payment systems, networks, and web applications that could expose cardholder data to theft.
Compliance Validation
Regular scanning validates your compliance with PCI DSS requirements, helping you avoid fines ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per month.
Risk Mitigation
Early detection of vulnerabilities helps prevent data breaches that cost an average of $4.88 million and damage customer trust.
How Our Free PCI Compliance Scanner Works
Get from uncertainty to compliance in three simple steps — most merchants complete the process in under 10 minutes.
Step 1: Quick Assessment
Answer 4-5 questions about your payment processing setup. Our intelligent PCI compliance checker instantly analyzes your environment and determines your merchant level and SAQ type.
Step 2: Instant Results
Receive your PCI risk score, identify if you need an ASV network vulnerability scan, and download a customized remediation checklist specific to your business type.
Step 3: Achieve Compliance
Book an official PCI ASV scan online if required, or use our SAQ wizard for self-assessment. We provide step-by-step guidance to fix any issues and achieve certification.
Do You Need an Official PCI ASV Scan? Know Your Requirements
Not every merchant needs quarterly ASV scans. Our free assessment determines your exact requirements based on PCI DSS v4.0 guidelines, potentially saving you thousands in unnecessary scanning costs.
| Merchant Type | ASV Scan Required? | Frequency | Typical SAQ Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-commerce with payment page | Yes ✓ | Quarterly | SAQ A-EP or SAQ D |
| IP-connected POS terminals | Yes ✓ | Quarterly | SAQ B-IP |
| Fully hosted checkout (redirect) | No | N/A | SAQ A |
| Phone/mail order only | Usually No | N/A | SAQ C-VT |
| Card data on internal network | Yes ✓ | Quarterly | SAQ C or D |
When ASV Scans Are Mandatory
- ✓ Internet-facing systems handling card data
- ✓ E-commerce sites with checkout forms
- ✓ Web applications processing payments
- ✓ Public IP addresses in CDE scope
- ✓ Level 1 & 2 merchants (most cases)
⚠️ Non-compliance fines: $5,000-$100,000/month
When ASV Scans Aren’t Required
- ✓ Fully outsourced payment processing
- ✓ No external IPs touching card data
- ✓ Standalone dial-up terminals only
- ✓ P2PE validated solutions
- ✓ Some Level 4 merchants
Save money by confirming you don’t need quarterly scans.
Complete Guide to PCI Compliance Scanning & Certification
Understanding PCI DSS Compliance Levels
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) categorizes merchants into four levels based on annual transaction volume. Your level determines specific compliance requirements, including whether you need quarterly ASV vulnerability scans or can self-assess using an SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire).
Types of PCI Compliance Scans
There are several types of PCI scans, each serving different compliance needs:
- External Vulnerability Scans (ASV): Required quarterly scans of internet-facing systems by an Approved Scanning Vendor
- Internal Vulnerability Scans: Monthly or quarterly scans of internal networks (can be self-performed)
- Penetration Testing: Annual security testing required for Level 1 merchants and service providers
- Web Application Scans: Specialized scanning for custom payment applications
Common PCI Scan Failures and Remediation
Our PCI compliance scanner frequently identifies these vulnerabilities that cause scan failures:
- Outdated SSL/TLS protocols (must use TLS 1.2 or higher)
- Missing security patches and updates
- Open unnecessary ports and services
- Weak encryption algorithms
- Default passwords and configurations
PCI DSS v4.0 Changes for Scanning
The latest PCI DSS version 4.0 (mandatory by March 2025) introduces enhanced requirements for vulnerability scanning and security testing. Key changes include customized validation approaches, enhanced authentication requirements, and more flexible implementation options while maintaining security objectives.
What’s Included in Your Free PCI Compliance Scan
Get everything you need to understand and achieve PCI compliance — no hidden costs or surprise fees.
Instant Risk Assessment
Receive a detailed PCI DSS risk score based on your payment environment, merchant level, and processing methods.
SAQ Type Identification
We automatically determine which Self-Assessment Questionnaire (A, A-EP, B, B-IP, C, C-VT, D) applies to your business.
Vulnerability Report
Identify potential security gaps in your payment processing setup with prioritized remediation recommendations.
Compliance Roadmap
Get a step-by-step action plan customized for your business type and processing methods.
Cost Calculator
Understand potential compliance costs, including ASV scan fees, remediation expenses, and non-compliance fines.
Policy Templates
Download ready-to-use security policy templates required for PCI DSS compliance documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions About PCI Compliance Scanning
What is a PCI compliance scan?
A PCI compliance scan is an automated security assessment that checks your payment systems against PCI DSS requirements. It identifies vulnerabilities in networks, applications, and configurations that could expose cardholder data.
Is the free scan an official ASV scan?
No, our free scan is an educational assessment tool that determines your compliance requirements. If you need official quarterly ASV scans, you can book them after the free assessment.
How often are PCI scans required?
Official ASV scans are required quarterly for applicable merchants. Internal scans may be required monthly. Our assessment determines your exact scanning frequency based on your merchant level and SAQ type.
What happens if I fail a PCI scan?
Failed scans require remediation of identified vulnerabilities. You typically have 30 days to fix issues and rescan. We provide detailed remediation guidance and unlimited rescans until you pass.
How much do PCI scans cost?
Our free assessment costs nothing. Official ASV scans typically range from $200-$500 per quarter depending on IP addresses scanned. We offer competitive flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees.
Can I scan my own network?
Internal vulnerability scans can be self-performed, but external scans for PCI compliance must be conducted by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) like PCICompliance.com.
What’s the difference between SAQ and ASV scan?
SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire) is a validation tool for PCI DSS compliance. ASV scans are technical vulnerability assessments of external-facing systems. Many merchants need both.
Do small businesses need PCI scans?
Any business accepting credit cards must comply with PCI DSS. Small businesses (Level 4 merchants) may have simplified requirements but still need compliance. Our free scan determines your exact obligations.
Still have questions? Our PCI compliance experts are available 24/7.
Start Your Free Assessment →Or explore: PCI DSS Requirements Guide | ASV Scan Pricing | Compliance Checklist
Compare PCI Compliance Scanning Solutions
See why thousands choose PCICompliance.com for their PCI scanning needs
| Feature | PCICompliance.com | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Initial Assessment | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Instant SAQ Identification | ✓ Yes | ✗ Manual | ✓ Yes |
| PCI DSS 4.0 Ready | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Unlimited Rescans | ✓ Yes | ✗ Extra fee | ✗ Limited |
| 24/7 Support | ✓ Yes | ✗ Business hours | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | Free assessment | $299/quarter | $249/quarter |
Ready to Check Your PCI Compliance Status?
Join 47,000+ businesses that trust our PCI compliance scanning solutions. Get your free risk assessment, find out if you need ASV scans, and achieve compliance faster.
Start Free PCI Compliance Scan✓ No credit card required ✓ 2-minute assessment ✓ Instant results
PCI Compliance Resources & Tools
SAQ Decision Tool
Not sure which Self-Assessment Questionnaire applies? Our wizard guides you to the right SAQ type.
Launch SAQ Wizard →Compliance Calculator
Estimate your PCI compliance costs including scans, remediation, and potential non-compliance fines.
Calculate Costs →PCI DSS v4.0 Guide
Everything you need to know about the new requirements effective March 2025.
Read Guide →Free PCI Compliance Scanner
Our PCI Compliance Scanner is designed to help businesses of all sizes identify vulnerabilities and achieve full PCI DSS compliance quickly and efficiently. Using advanced scanning technology, our system simulates the checks performed by PCI-certified Approved Scanning Vendors (ASVs) to detect potential security gaps in your e-commerce site, payment gateway, or corporate network.
With our free PCI compliance scanner, you can run an initial scan at no cost and instantly receive a detailed report. This report will highlight vulnerabilities, outdated software, misconfigurations, and other issues that could prevent you from passing your official PCI scan. Whether you run a small online store, manage a payment service, or handle sensitive cardholder data, our scanner gives you the visibility you need to protect customer information and meet the latest PCI DSS v4.0 requirements.
Once your free scan is complete, you’ll have the option to upgrade to a full PCI scan and compliance package, which includes unlimited rescans, remediation guidance, and official reporting for your acquiring bank. Combine our scanning solution with our PCI SAQ Wizard to streamline your entire compliance process from assessment to certification.
