For all businesses storing, transmitting, or processing cardholder information, PCI compliance is not an option. It doesn’t matter if you have an online retail store, fintech service, Software as a Service (SaaS), or a payment gateway: you need to have the strongest possible support from PCI Compliance companies to protect your customers’ sensitive payment data and build trust with them.
By meeting the requirements set forth by PCI DSS, you will reduce the risk of data breaches, financial fraud, and damage to your company’s reputation due to non-compliance, but you will also avoid potential fines or penalties due to non-compliance with regulatory authorities.
With payment transaction volume increasing to record levels globally by 2025, there is a growing need for certified PCI-DSS Compliance Testing, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and compliance audits. Businesses are looking to engage the services of specialised vendors who are able to assist with their compliance activities.
This blog discusses how to select the right vendor and provides an extensive comparison of the top global companies and India-relevant PCI Compliance vendors.
Criteria for Selecting a PCI Compliance Company
Selecting the appropriate PCI compliance vendor is imperative, as not all so-called “security firms” meet the strict and exacting standards of PCI DSS. Before running the checklist on a vendor’s credentials, it is helpful to first run a high-level scan of the credentials before going into detailed depth on the technical capabilities and how the service aligns with your business requirements. Here, we provide an overview along with some of the most significant criteria to consider.
Depending on the compliance services provider you select, you are likely to experience differences in expertise, range of services, pricing structures, and industry specialisation, making it even more important to create a clear framework through which to evaluate candidates to help you make the right decision.
1. Application assessment and certification
The application vendor must be approved/qualified by the PCI SSC as a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) or Approved Scanning Vendor.
Breadth of Service (Audit, Scanning, Pentesting, Compliance Support):
The breadth of the service offered provides an all-inclusive solution for vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, compliance audits, remediation efforts, and the ability to perform re-assessments.
2. Technical Expertise
The Vendor should have a depth of Technical Knowledge in every area of Information Technology, including web, API, network, cloud, and Application Security, as well as experience in performing manual as well as automated penetration testing and assessments. The vendor must also support hybrid cloud and complex security environments.
3. Quality of Reporting, Audit, and Compliance Documentation
Reports must be accepted for auditing with criteria established under PCI DSS, including a complete summary of all findings, remediation recommendations, and documentation that meet the requirements of PCI DSS (for Qualified Security Assessors).
4. Continuous Compliance Support, Remediation & Management
Compliance should be a continuous process. Vendors should assist with re-scanning, re-testing, providing assistance for fixing vulnerabilities, and guide clients towards continued compliance — specifically, for example, as required by PCI DSS v4.0.
5. Transparent Pricing Structure
Pricing models will vary (flat-fee vs subscription vs custom quotes) and should clearly lay out pricing details (scanning, audit, consulting, re-testing). In addition to the breakdowns being clear, the price should reflect the value, especially for small and mid-sized businesses.
Top 10 PCI Compliance Companies in 2026
A thorough review of 10 organisations (International global companies and India-based organisations) that provide PCI-DSS Compliance, audit, scanning, and testing services, with a focus on PCI Compliance Test, Qualysec has established itself as a leader in penetration testing and is rapidly becoming known for its compliance-driven security services.
1. Qualysec
Qualysec was founded in India and is a leading provider of Cybersecurity Services. They provide complete Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessments, and Compliance Auditing Services, including PCI-DSS Penetration Testing and PCI Compliance Testing.
Qualysec’s scope of work extends beyond just web application Penetration Testing and Compliance Auditing Services to include Testing of Mobile Devices, APIs, Cloud Services, IoT Devices, and any number of Hybrid Environments – ideal for today’s evolving Fintech, SaaS,
E-Commerce and Hybrid Infrastructure Companies.
Qualysec has a unique hybrid approach to Vulnerability Assessments. Their combination of Manual Ethical Hacker-Penetration Test and Automated Scanning methods allows them to find Complex Vulnerabilities that many Automated Tools will overlook.
Reports produced by Qualysec specify the details of each vulnerability found, the Risk Rating for that vulnerability, a Proof-of-Concept demonstrating how an attacker could exploit the vulnerability, Recommendations for Remediation, and the necessary steps required to achieve PCI Compliance Test level rigour.
Qualysec offers Retesting and Continual Advisory Services for clients that require ongoing management of their Security Posture, ensuring that as Systems and Applications are modified and enhanced, the requirements to remain compliant will also continue to be satisfied.
Speak directly with Qualysec’s certified professionals to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.
2. VikingCloud
VikingCloud has become well known for being the premier global provider of PCI compliance services through their offering of services such as QSA Consulting, ASV-certified external vulnerability scanning, compliance management, and ongoing reviews.
With their extensive network of Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) located in many different countries, they can support their clients during the complex and extensive assessment processes required to be compliant.
VikingCloud has developed its own proprietary system (Asgard), which allows it to consolidate all of the information related to a client’s compliance audit workflow into one centralised system so that the client can easily manage every step of their compliance workflow, including documentation, scheduling scans, tracking remediation, and obtaining approvals.
For companies that have multiple locations or a hybrid infrastructure, VikingCloud’s fully managed compliance services offer additional benefits through the ability to reduce the resources necessary to maintain compliance with the PCI DSS standards while consistently maintaining compliance with those standards.
3. Coalfire Systems
Coalfire is an internationally recognised QSA service that is known for providing large companies, service providers, and cloud operators with Full PCI-DSS assessments. As such, they provide various services, including but not limited to: risk assessments, gap analyses, documentation support, and complete audits of compliance (RoC) for organisations that require them.
Most of these offerings are designed to provide businesses that require them with a comprehensive source of SAQ audit or RoC audit assistance and support.
Because of its ability to provide a broad range of support services and products to businesses in various industries (especially cloud service providers), including many in the global marketplace, Coalfire has a strong presence internationally and is positioned well to support global enterprises.
On the flip side, being a global company, Coalfire typically has a much higher price point than other companies, especially when it comes to service offerings tailored to smaller and medium-sized companies.
4. Trustwave
Trustwave has, over time, established itself as one of the biggest name brands in the compliance and managed security services space. Trustwaves has been very well established to remain a top PCI-DSS Compliance Service Provider in 2026, according to the latest analysis available in that year.
Their services: PCI Compliance Audits, Penetration Testing, Managed Scanning Services, and Threat Intelligence Driven Security Assessment. Trustwave is perfect for those looking for managed security and ongoing security monitoring, as well as PCI Compliance audit support.
5. SecureWorks
SecureWorks provides both PCI-DSS Audit and Penetration Testing support services, with Continuous Compliance Services. They provide a unique solution that combines Vulnerability Scanning, Threat-Based Assessment, and Remediation Guidance to help our clients maintain compliance throughout their organisation.
It provides flexibility for our clients, allowing them to perform assessments throughout the cloud, hybrid environment, and multi-tier infrastructure. SecureWorks Managed Security Services and Compliance Audits ensure our clients are always ready to perform a “Compliance Security Audit” when needed, and do so without burdening their internal resources. SecureWorks is a great option for mid- to large-sized companies that require Compliance Services and Managed Security Services.
7. SecurityMetrics
SecurityMetrics has appeared on several industry lists of companies providing PCI-DSS compliance services, primarily serving small to mid-sized companies (SMB’s) and mid-market merchants who require scanning, compliance reporting, and audit assistance from a third party.
Their products typically emphasise vulnerability scanning, compliance checklists, and supporting the merchant’s ability to achieve PCI compliance without having to invest in a large amount of enterprise-grade infrastructure. For small to moderate-sized merchants (primarily e-commerce or retail), SecurityMetrics provides a budget-friendly way to maintain compliance.
8. Centraleyes
Centraleyes has gained a reputation in 2025 for offering innovative solutions for “multi-framework compliance” through its automated solutions for compliance mapping (PCI DSS 4.0) that interface with other frameworks such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001, making them appealing to organisations needing to meet requirements across multiple standards.
For companies managing data security, privacy laws, and compliance requirements across multiple frameworks, Centraleyes provides a central framework to assist with the simplification of both governance and auditing.
9. NCC Group
NCC Group is a national cyber security consultancy with an excellent reputation offering penetration testing services, infrastructure/application security audits, and compliance consulting. The Company offers an extensive range of services to support Cybersecurity compliance with PCI DSS — web, Mobile applications, network, and cloud environments; market-leading enterprise technology; and organisations worldwide requiring in-depth Security Audits and certification of Cybersecurity Compliance.
10. A‑LIGN, LLC
A-LIGN is one of the leading organisations in the world providing penetration testing services aligned to auditing and compliance requirements — including PCI DSS readiness, assessment, and auditing. They focus primarily on providing Cybersecurity services to clients in various sectors, including fintech, SaaS (Software as a Service), etc. The company provides a structured compliance process/procedures, including formal attestation or audit requirements.
Comparison Table: Top PCI Compliance Companies in 2026
This table compares some of the most notable PCI compliance companies in 2026: It summarises their features, what types of services they typically offer, and how well-suited they typically are for use. (Since each of the companies has different pricing models, no company has publicly available standardised pricing, so this table serves as a reference guide to help identify what a company’s relative price point will likely be.)pci compliance companies listThis table compares some of the most notable PCI compliance companies in 2026: It summarises their features, what types of services they typically offer, and how well-suited they typically are for use. (Since each of the companies has different pricing models, no company has publicly available standardised pricing, so this table serves as a reference guide to help identify what a company’s relative price point will likely be.)
| Company | Accreditation / Service Types | Strengths / Features | Best Suited For / Notes |
| Qualysec | PCI-DSS Pentesting, Vulnerability Assessment, Compliance Testing & Audit support. | Deep manual + automated pentesting; broad asset coverage (web, API, cloud, IoT); detailed reports & remediation guidance; continuous retesting support. | SaaS, fintech, e-commerce, startups needing compliance + security depth. |
| VikingCloud | QSA + ASV + compliance management + scanning platform | Large global QSA team; proprietary compliance management platform; supports complex enterprise infra and compliance workflow | Organisations with hybrid infra and a desire for continuous compliance monitoring. |
| Coalfire Systems | QSA audits, compliance assessments, gap analysis, RoC/SAQ services. | Strong reputation; global reach; catering to large service providers & cloud vendors. | Enterprises, global merchants, and organisations needing full outsourced compliance operations |
| Trustwave | PCI DSS audits, managed security services, pentesting & compliance services. | Broad service offering; integrated threat intelligence; managed compliance & security services. | Large enterprises, global service providers, and regulated industries |
| SecureWorks | Penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, continuous compliance & incident response support. | Flexibility across network, app, endpoint; managed security + compliance support. | Retail, payment processors, and mid-to-large merchants need end-to-end support. |
| Managed security + PCI assessments + PoS/payment data protection consulting. | Managed security + PCI assessments + PoS / payment data protection consulting. | Focus on payment-oriented businesses (retail, PoS, in-store payments), encryption, compliance & security consulting. | SMBs, e-commerce merchants with a limited budget or simpler infrastructure. |
| SecurityMetrics | Firms need multi-framework compliance or hybrid regulatory requirements. | Cost-effective compliance path for smaller merchants; simpler scanning & audit support. | Vulnerability scanning, compliance reporting, and audit support for SMBs & mid-market. |
| Centraleyes | Audit-aligned Pentesting & Compliance Services, including PCI DSS Readiness & Assessment | Unified compliance platform; efficient governance for multi-standard compliance; risk dashboards & reporting. | Automated PCI DSS 4.0 compliance mapping, multi-framework compliance support (SOC 2, ISO 27001, etc.) |
| NCC Group | Enterprise-grade Penetration Testing, Infrastructure & Application Security Audits, PCI Compliance Support. | Global reputation; CREST-level expertise; handles large-scale, complex compliance audits & security assessments | Multinational firms, enterprises with complex infra / global footprint |
| A-LIGN, LLC | Retail, payment processors, mid-to-large merchants need end-to-end support. | Structured compliance audit support, regulatory alignment, formal audits & attestation services | Fintechs, payment services, SaaS / regulated businesses needing audit-ready compliance |
Pricing Note: Because of the diversity of services offered by vendors, each vendor has its own scope of services and quotes based on its unique offerings; there is no standard price per audit/scan. Vendors such as Qualysec, SecurityMetrics, or Redscan may offer lower-priced packages suitable for small and mid-sized companies.
Enterprise-level vendors, such as Coalfire or VikingCloud, will generally have higher prices because of the scale of their services, the breadth of the services offered, and the high level of effort involved in their assessments.
Need compliance support? Schedule a call with the Qualysec team.
Conclusion
In 2025, there will be many options for PCI Compliance companies must use these options to protect payment data while maintaining consumer trust and also being compliant with the most recent PCI-DSS requirements. As cybercrime continues to grow and PCI regulations become more complex, companies must work with vendors providing robust PCI-DSS Compliance Testing, Penetration Testing, and ongoing Audit Support.
There are several reputable vendors for companies seeking enterprise-scale PCI Compliance, including VikingCloud, Qualys, and Coalfire, but companies like Qualysec are providing highly technical, value-added solutions for today’s digital enterprises.
Your ultimate selection will depend upon your unique combination of Technical Complexity, Risk Tolerance, and Budget, but working with an appropriate vendor will ensure you have a long-term, secure, and compliant business model.
Download a Sample Pen Testing Report
FAQs
1. What businesses must comply with PCI standards?
Any business that collects, retains, or stores credit card numbers/credit card information must be PCI compliant. Examples of those types of businesses would include: e-commerce websites, e-commerce software as a service (SaaS) platform providers (e.g., Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud), fintech companies, retailers, payment processors, or any business that processes credit card transactions.
2. How many businesses are currently PCI Compliant?
The number of businesses that are PCI compliant at any specific time will fluctuate around the globe due to the nature of PCI compliance requirements and the fact that PCI compliance requires some significant technical infrastructure to be met and maintained. A significant percentage of businesses do not continually achieve PCI compliance during the course of the year, with many industry studies indicating that less than half of the businesses considered for PCI compliance have achieved continual compliance throughout the entire year, indicating an increasing need for more focused support in the future.
3. What criteria do I use to evaluate companies providing PCI compliance services?
You should evaluate the vendor based on their QSA/ASV certification(s), the technical experience of the vendor providing the PCI-DSS compliance testing, their quality of reporting on their compliance status, their industry experience in the business area in which you are interested, and the level of remediation support provided by the vendor. Businesses should also evaluate vendors on their pricing transparency, scalability, and the vendor’s ability to provide both automated and manual security testing services.
4. What is the cost of PCI compliance?
The cost of PCI compliance will vary based on the size, scope, and complexity of the infrastructure of each business, as well as the level of audit required. A small business could pay a small amount for SAQs and scans, but an enterprise may have significantly greater costs for RoC audits, penetration testing, and continuous monitoring for PCI compliance.
5. Are PCI compliance companies and PCI Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) the same?
Generally, no. Normally, PCI compliance companies provide scanning/testing and advisory services, whereas PCI QSAs are designated by the PCI Security Standards Council as having met strict criteria to perform formal audits of PCI compliance and issue a Report on Compliance (RoC). Some organisations may provide PCI compliance services as well as a PCI QSA designation.
6. What are the advantages of using a PCI compliance company?
Having a dedicated PCI compliance partner significantly expedites the process of PCI compliance assessment, minimizes the security risk associated with not being compliant, and also expedites the time that it takes to obtain certification. In addition, PCI compliance partners will provide guidance and recommendations on how to remedy any identified areas of concern, improve the organisation’s overall cybersecurity posture, continuously monitor its activities, and help maintain PCI DSS 4.0 compliance on an ongoing basis.
0 Comments