Protecting Credit Card Processing Sales through Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliance

Consumers want assurance that their personal data is highly protected, and merchants want to provide optimal transaction security, while building customer loyalty. When an ISO or sales agent offers compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), everyone can engage in business transactions with confidence.

The most recent report by the Census Bureau of United States Department of Commerce, estimates that U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the second quarter of 2010 were $39.7 billion and retail sales totaled $971.4 billion. Credit card processing sales were a large portion of those transactions and involved transmitting and storing sensitive data. In 2006, the five major payment brands, American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide, and Visa Inc, recognized the importance of protecting consumers and merchants alike, and launched the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (commonly referred to as the PCI SSC), which is responsible for the development, management, and education of the PCI Security Standards.

Any merchant who accepts credit card payments is required to be PCI compliant and renew that compliance annually. When credit card processing sales are not in compliance, not only could a merchant face hefty fines amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, but also consumers may decide to take their business elsewhere, resulting in substantial losses of revenue for all involved. When you partner with MSI, you are automatically registered for the MSI PCI Protection Plus Program which provides everything you need to meet these standards and ensure the continued safety of your business.

Our paramount concern is that compliance is easily achieved and maintained with the assistance of a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA). A QSA is an auditor certified by the PCI Security Standards Council (SSC), who assesses the PCI compliance of payment systems to ensure card data is properly protected. MSI provides you with a QSA who will guide you through the compliance process and be available to address any questions or concerns. Once you have confirmed that your credit card processing sales are fully protected, MSI also offers an array of tools to strengthen your security and monitor daily activity, further reducing your risk on every single transaction and granting peace of mind to both you and the merchants you support.

ISO and sales agent income heavily relies upon the volume of credit card processing sales. In order to ensure a steady stream of residual income, merchants and consumers must be able to transact business with trust and satisfaction. PCI compliance is a key component of fostering that relationship, providing profit and value to all involved, including you. MSI’s PCI Protection Plus Program is an easy and effective way to develop those opportunities.