What PCI actually is
PCI DSS is a set of security rules created by the card networks to protect cardholder data. Every business that accepts cards must comply, but the effort scales with how you handle card data. If you never touch raw card numbers, your obligations are light.
The SAQ: your main task
Most small merchants complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) once a year, a checklist confirming you follow basic security practices. The right SAQ type depends on how you accept payments; hosted checkout qualifies for the shortest one.
How to shrink your scope
Use hosted checkout or tokenization so card data is entered on your provider's secure systems, not yours. This dramatically reduces what you're responsible for and is the single best thing a small store can do for compliance. See connecting a gateway the right way.
Staying compliant year-round
Complete your SAQ annually, keep software updated, use strong passwords, and never store raw card numbers. Armour Payments provides PCI-compliant infrastructure so you inherit most of the heavy lifting. Contact sales with questions.