The verdict in three sentences
PCI-DSS compliance for a B2B site costs between EUR 8,000 and 40,000 in 2026, depending on the applicable questionnaire (SAQ A to D). The CISO's main lever is to stay at SAQ A level by outsourcing card handling: this cuts cost and audit scope by a large factor. A sharp CISO compares PCI outsourcing (SAQ A) with in-house handling before deciding.
What compliance costs in 2026
The cost depends on the SAQ level, i.e. how the site touches card data. 2026 orders of magnitude for Toronto.
| SAQ level | Context | Delay | Price EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAQ A | PSP hosts the payment (redirect/iframe) | 4-6 weeks | 8,000 - 15,000 |
| SAQ A-EP | merchant page + PSP script | 5-7 weeks | 12,000 - 20,000 |
| SAQ D (merchant) | direct card handling | 8-12 weeks | 25,000 - 40,000 |
| Tokenisation + vault | all levels | +1-2 weeks | +4,000 - 8,000 |
| Annual audit (QSA/ASV) | recurring | yearly | 3,000 - 12,000 / year |
The quarterly vulnerability scan (ASV) and the annual audit are recurring: they are part of the compliance cost, not just setup.
PCI outsourcing (SAQ A) vs in-house handling
The structuring choice is whether card data transits your servers. 2026 comparison (order of magnitude).
| Criterion | Outsourced (SAQ A) | In-house (SAQ D) |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance cost | 8,000 - 15,000 | 25,000 - 40,000 |
| Audit scope | reduced | broad |
| Delay | 4-6 weeks | 8-12 weeks |
| Annual audit | 3,000 - 5,000 | 8,000 - 12,000 |
| Liability on a breach | reduced | full |
| Technical flexibility | limited | total |
For nearly all B2B sites, SAQ A via a compliant PSP (redirect, iframe or tokenisation) is the rational choice: cheaper, faster, less risky.
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Mini case study
Sophie, CISO of a B2B SME in Toronto, must secure payments ahead of an audit demanded by a major client. Her site currently touches card data in part (SAQ D in practice). She invests EUR 14,000 to move to an iframe PSP checkout with tokenisation, bringing scope down to SAQ A. Result: annual audit cost halved (from EUR 10,000 to 4,500/year), a 5-week compliance timeline, and sharply reduced breach liability. Over 3 years, audit savings alone (around EUR 16,500) exceed the project cost, before the penalty risk avoided.
FAQ
What does PCI-DSS compliance cost in 2026? Between EUR 8,000 and 40,000 depending on SAQ level. SAQ A (payment outsourced to the PSP) is cheapest; SAQ D (in-house card handling) is the heaviest.
How do I stay at SAQ A? By never letting card data touch your servers: redirect, iframe or PSP-side tokenisation. It is the safest way to cut cost and scope.
What is tokenisation? Replacing the card number with a token that is useless if leaked. It costs EUR 4,000 to 8,000 extra but sharply reduces risk and audit scope.
Are there recurring costs? Yes: quarterly vulnerability scan (ASV) and annual audit, i.e. EUR 3,000 to 12,000/year depending on level. Compliance is not a one-shot.
What is the risk without compliance? Card-network penalties, full liability on a breach and, often, the inability to work with large accounts that require it contractually.
Let's scope your project. Tell us how your site touches card data and your audit deadline: we cost compliance at the right SAQ level. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
