SumUp: Secure & Seamless Payments for You and Your Customers
Security is a top priority when it comes to processing payments. Small businesses, in particular, face growing challenges when it comes to keeping customer data safe while complying with PCI DSS regulations.
At SumUp, we take security seriously. That’s why we’ve gone above and beyond to ensure our mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) devices and services offer the safest, most PCI DSS-compliant payment experience.
If you're a small business owner looking for secure payment solutions, read on to learn how SumUp protects your transactions. Get to know what PCI DSS compliance means for your business and why payment data encryption is essential for fraud prevention.
What is PCI DSS Compliance?
Many business owners have heard of PCI DSS compliance, but what does it actually mean?
PCI DSS is a security standard that protects payment data. It was established by card payment networks like Mastercard, American Express, Visa, Discover and JCB to protect payment data.
Businesses that handle, process or store cardholder information must comply with PCI DSS regulations to safeguard customer transactions. If you don’t meet these standards, you may attract hefty fines or face legal consequences. You also need to be compliant to maintain the trust of your customers.
Why PCI Compliance is Important for Small Businesses
As a small business, securing payments and transactions isn’t just about meeting regulatory standards. It’s about building trust with your customers. When you use a PCI DSS-compliant system like SumUp, you get:
Protection against data breaches and fraud
Reduced risk of financial penalties
Build a reputation as a trustworthy business
Seamless and stress-free payment experience
How SumUp Ensures Secure Payments
When it comes to taking payments from customers, security is built into every step of SumUp’s contactless payment solution. Here are some of the ways we keep business owners at ease with secure payments:
1. PCI DSS & PCI PTS Certified Card Readers
The SumUp Air Card Reader is certified under PCI DSS, which ensures that the entire payment system adheres to the highest security standards. In addition, it is PCI PTS (Payment Card Industry PIN Transaction Security) verified to process PIN transactions securely. The good news is you don’t have to worry about certification as a regular SumUp customer. Our hardware and software are covered, so you can get on with doing what you do best.
By choosing SumUp, you eliminate the hassle of maintaining compliance yourself.
2. Payment Data Encryption for Maximum Security
To protect sensitive card details, SumUp uses end-to-end encryption for every transaction. This means that — the moment a card is tapped, inserted or swiped — customer data is converted into unreadable code.
Even if a hacker intercepts the data, it remains useless to them. This protection significantly reduces the risk of fraud and ensures compliance with PCI DSS regulations.
3. Tokenisation in Payments: What it Means for You
Another advanced security measure we use is tokenisation in payments. Instead of the Air Card Reader storing actual card details, tokenisation replaces them with a unique, randomly generated string of numbers (a ‘token’).
For example, when customers pay via Apple Pay or Google Pay, their real card number is never shared with merchants. Instead, only a tokenised version is used, ensuring additional security.
4. Contactless Payment Security: No PINs on Unverified Devices
With the rise of contactless payments, fraudsters have tried to exploit weaknesses in payment systems. However, SumUp ensures that PINs are always entered directly on the card reader, not on external devices like smartphones or tablets.
This prevents tampering, keylogging and unauthorised access to cardholder information, offering businesses and customers peace of mind when processing transactions. Rest assured, knowing your customers’ data is safe.
Discover SumUP Air Card Readers
How SumUp Helps Small Businesses Stay PCI Compliant
Unlike traditional payment providers that require merchants to handle compliance independently, SumUp simplifies PCI DSS compliance for small businesses by taking care of everything for you.
1. Built-in PCI DSS Compliance
From hardware to software, every part of the SumUp ecosystem is pre-certified to meet PCI DSS standards. This means you don’t have to worry about additional paperwork or compliance headaches. You also don’t incur extra costs for PCI compliance fees. And the best part? Your customers enjoy secure transactions from the first tap.
2. Easy-to-Use, Secure Payment Solutions
Our SumUp Air Card Reader provides an all-in-one secure payment solution that supports:
Chip & PIN transactions
Contactless payments (Apple Pay and Google Pay)
Swipe & sign transactions
3. Fraud Prevention and Chargeback Protection
SumUp regularly updates its software to meet technological advancements. You are guaranteed that we have the latest protection in place to reduce fraud and data breaches for businesses. Plus, our system protects merchants from chargebacks due to unauthorised transactions.
The Benefits of PCI DSS Compliance with SumUp
By using a PCI DSS-compliant payment provider like SumUp, your coffee shop, restaurant or retail business gains several advantages, including:
Peace of mind: You can feel secure knowing that every transaction is secured with industry-leading payment data encryption.
Reputation as trustworthy: Customers feel safer knowing you use a PCI-certified payment solution. This helps grow your customer base and profits.
No penalties: Accepting card payments using SumUp while respecting our terms and conditions means you’re protected against possible fines incurred for non-compliant transactions (e.g. incorrect storage of credit card numbers).
Dedicated Support for Your Business
As an FCA-approved company, SumUp has been serving UK businesses for many years. Our expert support team is available during business hours to answer any security-related questions and provide guidance on PCI DSS compliance.
Secure Your Business with SumUp
Choosing the right payment provider isn't just about convenience; it's about ensuring every transaction is safe, secure and compliant with industry standards. Don’t leave your business vulnerable. Switch to SumUp today and experience the highest level of payment security and PCI compliance for businesses.
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SumUp Secure Payments FAQs
Who needs to comply with PCI DSS?
Any business that accepts, processes, stores or transmits cardholder data must comply with PCI DSS. This applies to all merchants, from small businesses to large enterprises, ensuring secure payment solutions.
What happens if you don’t comply with PCI DSS?
Non-compliance with PCI DSS can result in hefty fines, increased transaction fees and potential lawsuits. It also exposes businesses to security breaches, reputational damage and possible termination of merchant accounts.
How does SumUp ensure you are PCI compliant?
SumUp ensures PCI DSS compliance by using secure payment processing, end-to-end encryption and tokenisation in payments. The POS systems and card readers are PCI-certified.
How does SumUp ensure secure payment?
SumUp protects transactions through advanced encryption, tokenisation and PCI DSS compliance. The contactless payment security measures prevent fraud, ensuring safe and seamless transactions.
