As threats to payment security evolve, so do the PCI Compliance standards that protect cardholder data. For businesses that accept card-present transactions, staying ahead of compliance requirements is not optional—it’s essential. The Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards Council’s latest version of its PIN Transaction Security requirements, PCI PTS v6, sets the bar for secure payment hardware. Here’s what you need to know to remain PCI compliant and safeguard your merchant services operation.
What Is PCI Compliance PTS v6?
PCI PTS v6 (PIN Transaction Security version 6) outlines the latest security requirements for point-of-interaction (POI) devices that accept PIN-based card payments. These include:
- PIN pads
- Point-of-sale (POS) terminals
- Unattended payment kiosks
- Encrypting card readers
The standard enhances both physical and logical security to prevent skimming, malware injection, and cryptographic key extraction. It mandates Secure Reading and Exchange of Data (SRED), tamper-proof hardware design, strong random number generation, hardened firmware paths, and secured wireless interfaces.
If you’re a business accepting card-present payments, ensuring your devices meet PCI PTS v6 requirements is a critical step in maintaining overall PCI compliance.
PCI PTS v6 Deadlines: What Every Merchant Services Provider Must Know
Understanding the timeline for PCI PTS v6 is vital for planning hardware upgrades and maintaining uninterrupted compliance. Here are the key milestones:
Milestone | Deadline |
PCI PTS v6 released | June 19, 2020 |
Latest revision (v6.2) | January 27, 2023 |
Final day to submit new devices under v6 | June 30, 2025 |
PCI PTS v6 approval sunset date | April 2031 |
⚠️ After June 30, 2025, all new device submissions must comply with the forthcoming PTS v7 standard.
Why This Matters for PCI Compliance
If your business uses outdated or non-compliant hardware, you risk falling out of PCI compliance—which can lead to fines, legal liability, and even loss of your merchant account.
Penalties for Non-Compliance Can Be Steep:
Penalty Type | Cost |
Monthly fines from card brands via your acquirer | $5,000 to $100,000+ |
Breach-related fines per incident | Up to $500,000 |
Additional consequences | Account termination, legal liability, brand damage |
PCI compliance is more than checking a box—non-compliance could result in being listed as an “at-risk” merchant or being held financially responsible for fraud losses in the event of a breach.
What Should Merchants and ISOs Do Now?
Here’s a quick action plan for ISOs, acquirers, and merchant services providers:
✅ Vendors – Submit devices for PCI PTS v6 approval before June 30, 2025
✅ Merchants – Confirm that your existing devices are PCI-approved; plan to upgrade any v5 or earlier devices well before April 2031
✅ ISOs and Acquirers – Stop rolling out non-v6 devices and guide your merchants through the transition timeline
Don’t wait until the last minute—hardware shortages and certification bottlenecks are common in the months leading up to major PCI deadlines.
For business owners, the key takeaway is simple: staying ahead of PCI PTS v6 compliance is not just about meeting a technical requirement—it’s about protecting your business from financial penalties, reputational harm, and potential data breaches. If you’re using older payment terminals or plan to expand your operations, now is the time to assess your hardware, confirm device approvals, and work with a trusted merchant services provider who understands the evolving PCI compliance landscape. Delaying these upgrades could cost far more in the long run than acting proactively today.
Stay Ahead with PCI Compliant Merchant Services
Whether you’re a payment provider, software integrator, or retail business, PCI compliance is foundational to secure, trustworthy merchant services. The transition to PCI PTS v6 is not just a regulatory box to check—it’s a proactive step to reduce risk, maintain customer trust, and stay ahead of fraudsters.
At Bankcard International Group, we help businesses navigate evolving PCI standards with reliable, high-risk-friendly payment processing and secure payment device options. If you’re unsure where your current equipment stands—or need help planning a compliant upgrade—we’re here to guide you.
