Best PCI-Compliant Hosting Providers

TL;DR

The Best PCI-Compliant Hosting guarantees your business meets industry standards for securely handling payment card data. LiquidWeb stands out with fully PCI-compliant server packages. It delivers high performance servers and specialized support for businesses needing to adhere to strict security regulations. For companies managing sensitive transactions, LiquidWeb offers a reliable and secure hosting solution that ensure peace of mind.

Hosting Provider	Key Features	PCI Compliance Notes	Price (starting from)
Liquid Web	Fully managed, Dedicated IP, Advanced security	Supports PCI compliance with custom configurations	$249/month
OVHcloud	DDoS protection, High availability, Flexible hosting	Offers PCI DSS-certified servers for businesses in Europe	–
Verpex	Cloud, VPS hosting with managed services	Assistance provided to achieve PCI compliance	$12.00/month
InMotion Hosting	VPS and Dedicated servers, Managed security	Helps with configuring PCI-compliant environments	$29.99/month
Bluehost	Easy-to-use shared and dedicated hosting options	Offers tools and support to configure PCI compliance	$19.99/month

Note: While our HostScore ratings provide a general overview of host performance, there are other factors you should consider for your specific needs. Our PCI-Compliant hosting picks in this guide address this by offering tailored suggestions for different requirements.

1. LiquidWeb

Website: https://www.liquidweb.com/pci-compliant-hosting/

LiquidWeb is a high-performance hosting provider known for offering a variety of hosting solutions, including cloud, VPS, and dedicated servers. Their focus on premium support and reliable infrastructure makes them ideal for businesses that prioritize security and performance.

About LiquidWeb’s PCI-Compliant Servers

LiquidWeb offers dedicated PCI-compliant hosting solutions, specifically designed to meet the strict requirements of businesses processing payment card transactions. Their hosting environment includes essential features such as firewalls, data encryption, intrusion detection systems, and regular security patches to ensure ongoing compliance.

LiquidWeb also provides guidance throughout the compliance process, including assistance with completing PCI-DSS assessments and passing security scans. This makes them an ideal choice for businesses requiring high security and reliable support.

Learn more about LiquidWeb’s PCI-compliant hosting in our full review.

LiquidWeb Overall Pros and Cons

2. OVHcloud

Website: https://www.ovhcloud.com/en/enterprise/certification-conformity/pci-dss/

OVHcloud is one of Europe’s largest hosting providers, offering a wide range of cloud and dedicated hosting solutions. Their infrastructure is trusted by businesses worldwide with a particular emphasis on flexibility, scalability, and compliance.

About OVHcloud’s PCI-Compliant Servers

OVHcloud provides PCI-DSS certified hosting solutions tailored for businesses handling payment card transactions. Their infrastructure is designed to meet strict PCI-DSS requirements, including data encryption, secure firewalls, and real-time monitoring.

OVHcloud also offers dedicated environments and compliance assistance to ensure businesses meet the necessary security standards. With a strong focus on compliance, OVHcloud’s solutions are particularly suitable for enterprises in Europe and beyond ensuring full adherence to regulatory requirements.

Learn more about OVHcloud’s PCI-compliant solutions in our full review.

OVHcloud Overall Pros and Cons

3. Verpex

Website: https://verpex.com/

Verpex is a rapidly growing hosting provider that specializes in managed services, offering cloud, VPS, and dedicated hosting options. Known for its affordability and customer-centric approach, Verpex helps small businesses and startups achieve their hosting goals.

About Verpex’s PCI-Compliant Hosting

While Verpex doesn’t offer out-of-the-box PCI-compliant servers, they work closely with clients on cloud, VPS, and dedicated plans to help them pass PCI scans. They provide assistance in configuring firewalls, enabling SSL certificates, and performing security audits to ensure compliance. This hands-on support makes Verpex a flexible option for businesses looking to achieve PCI compliance without the higher costs of premium hosting.

Check out our full review of Verpex for more information on their PCI assistance.

Overall Verpex Pros and Cons

4. InMotion Hosting

Website: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/

InMotion Hosting is a US-based hosting provider offering a variety of shared, VPS, and dedicated server plans. Known for its strong support and reliability, InMotion is a popular choice among small businesses and developers.

About InMotion’s PCI-Compliant Hosting

InMotion Hosting doesn’t offer pre-configured PCI-compliant servers but provides extensive support to clients looking to achieve PCI compliance on their cloud, VPS, and dedicated hosting plans. Their support team helps businesses configure their hosting environments to pass PCI scans, including tasks such as configuring security features like firewalls and data encryption.

Read our full review of InMotion Hosting to learn more about their PCI compliance services.

Overall InMotion Hosting Pros and Cons

5. Bluehost

Website: https://www.bluehost.com/

Bluehost is one of the most recognized names in web hosting, offering affordable shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting plans. Their beginner-friendly services and comprehensive support make them a popular choice for individuals and small businesses.

About Bluehost’s PCI-Compliant Hosting

Bluehost doesn’t offer built-in PCI-compliant servers but assists clients with cloud, VPS, or dedicated hosting plans in setting up a compliant environment. Their support team helps configure security settings, including SSL certificates and firewalls. This ensures that businesses meet PCI standards. While Bluehost may not offer the most comprehensive solution, it provides a cost-effective option for businesses aiming for PCI compliance.

Discover more about Bluehost’s PCI services in our full review.

Overall Bluehost Pros and Cons

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PCI-CSS Compliance Explained

What is PCI-DSS?

PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security standards created to safeguard cardholder data from fraud.

Developed by major credit card companies like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, these standards ensure that businesses handling payment card information maintain a secure environment.

PCI-DSS is mandatory for any organization that processes, stores, or transmits credit card data, regardless of size or transaction volume. The requirements include maintaining secure networks, protecting cardholder data, implementing strong access controls, and regularly monitoring and testing systems.

What is a PCI-Compliant Hosting?

PCI-compliant hosting refers to hosting environments that adhere to the security requirements set by PCI-DSS. This ensures businesses can securely process, store, or transmit credit card information. While hosting providers supply the necessary infrastructure, businesses remain responsible for maintaining compliance through proper server configurations, data encryption, and ongoing security monitoring.

What Are The Features of PCI-Compliant Hosting?

The key features of PCI-compliant hosting includes:

• Firewalls and Intrusion Detection: To block unauthorized access to sensitive data.
• Encryption: Encryption of sensitive cardholder data, both in transit and at rest.
• Vulnerability Management: Regular scans, patching, and updates to address known vulnerabilities.
• Access Control: Restricting system and data access to authorized personnel only.
• Regular Monitoring: Continuous logging and monitoring of server activity to detect and prevent breaches.

A PCI-compliant host helps you meet these standards by providing a secure environment for your business. However, full PCI compliance also depends on your own practices, such as how you manage data on your website.

PCI-Compliant vs Regular Hosting

PCI-compliant hosting offers features specifically designed to meet the security requirements outlined by PCI-DSS. This includes:

Feature	PCI-Compliant Hosting	Regular Hosting
Security Requirements	Meets strict PCI-DSS standards, including encryption and firewalls	May not include advanced security measures
Monitoring	Continuous logging and monitoring for compliance	Basic monitoring, often limited to uptime and performance
Data Encryption	Encrypts cardholder data both in transit and at rest	Encryption may not be standard, depending on the provider
Vulnerability Management	Regular security audits, patches, and updates	Limited vulnerability management
Cost	Higher due to enhanced security and compliance features	Lower cost, but lacks the same level of protection
Support for Compliance	Hosting provider assists with PCI compliance setup	No direct assistance for PCI compliance

Is It Worth Paying Extra for PCI-Compliant Hosting?

Short answer: Yes. While PCI-compliant hosting may come with a higher price tag, the added security measures and peace of mind are well worth the investment for businesses that handle payment card data. Failing to comply with PCI standards can lead to costly data breaches, legal penalties, and damage to your brand’s reputation.

What Does It Mean When Hosting Providers Say “They Will Help You Pass a PCI Scan”?

Some hosting providers, like Verpex, InMotion Hosting, and Bluehost mentioned in this post, offer assistance in configuring your server to pass a PCI scan. This means they help ensure that your server settings meet PCI-DSS requirements, such as installing SSL certificates, setting up firewalls, and managing security patches. However, the responsibility still lies with the business to maintain ongoing compliance.

What Does It Mean When a Host Isn’t PCI-Compliant?

When a hosting provider states they do not offer PCI-compliant environments, like Hostinger and WP Engine for examples, it means they don’t guarantee that their infrastructure meets PCI standards. Businesses using these web hosts must take additional steps—like purchasing third-party security tools or migrating to a PCI-compliant provider—to ensure their site complies.

If your current hosting provider isn’t PCI-compliant, you have a few options:

• Upgrade to a PCI-compliant plan: Some hosts offer higher-tier plans that meet PCI standards.
• Use third-party payment processors: Services like Stripe, PayPal, or Square handle PCI compliance that allow you to process payments securely without needing a compliant host.
• Switch to a PCI-compliant host: Migrating to a provider like LiquidWeb or OVHcloud ensures that your hosting environment meets PCI requirements.

Tools and Services for PCI Compliance

Maintaining PCI compliance requires more than just choosing the right hosting provider. You need tools and services that enhance security, manage data encryption, and continuously monitor your environment. These solutions help ensure your business adheres to PCI-DSS requirements by offering real-time protection, vulnerability scanning, and regular reporting.

Below is a list of highly recommended tools and services that can support your PCI compliance efforts whether you are configuring a new server or managing an existing environment.

Tool/Service	Function
Qualys PCI Compliance	Offers automated scans to detect vulnerabilities and ensure PCI compliance.
Trustwave	PCI scanning and validation services, along with breach protection.
Sucuri	Provides a web application firewall (WAF) and malware detection for secure hosting.
Rapid7 InsightVM	Continuous vulnerability management and PCI-DSS compliance monitoring.
Acronis Backup	Cloud-based backup solutions with data encryption to protect cardholder data.
Plesk Security Advisor	A server management tool with built-in security features for maintaining PCI compliance.
Cloudflare	Delivers firewall, SSL management, and DDoS protection to safeguard data and prevent attacks.
Veeam Backup & Replication	Provides reliable backups with encryption, ensuring data is stored securely and complies with PCI standards.

These tools are essential for maintaining PCI compliance and can help businesses avoid costly security breaches.

Final Thoughts

For businesses handling online payments, choosing PCI-compliant hosting is not just a recommendation—it’s a requirement. Hosts like LiquidWeb and OVHCloud provide fully compliant environments, while others assist with configuration to meet standards. Investing in PCI-compliant hosting ensures your business is protected from data breaches and complies with industry regulations, providing long-term security and peace of mind.