Skip to main content
Security & trust

PCI-DSS Level 1

PCI-DSS Level 1 is the highest compliance tier of the card-industry security standard, for the largest transaction volumes and the most rigorous audits.

Quick answer

PCI-DSS Level 1 is the highest compliance tier of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, the security framework governing how card data is handled. Level 1 applies to organisations processing the largest volumes of card transactions and requires the most rigorous audits. Payment processors typically hold this certification so that merchants using them do not have to store raw card data themselves.

PCI-DSS is the security standard the card networks require of anyone who stores, processes or transmits cardholder data. It has tiers, and Level 1 is the most demanding — reserved for the highest transaction volumes and involving the most thorough, independently audited controls.

The practical benefit for a small business is delegation. When you accept payment through a processor that holds PCI-DSS Level 1, the card data flows through that processor's certified environment. You never touch or store raw card numbers, so you inherit a strong security posture without running Level 1 controls yourself.

KAZI processes payments through Paystack. The PCI-DSS certification belongs to Paystack as the processor, not to KAZI — which is precisely the point: the processor carries the certification so the merchant does not have to handle raw card data.

Run the money side of your business in one place

Start free. Priced per business, not per seat.

Start Free Trial
FAQ

Common questions

Does using a PCI-DSS Level 1 processor make my business PCI compliant?

It substantially reduces your burden because you never handle raw card data, but your own compliance scope depends on how you integrate payments. Using a certified processor is the main way small businesses avoid storing card data themselves.

Who holds the PCI-DSS certification when I use KAZI?

The certification belongs to the payment processor, Paystack. KAZI relies on Paystack to handle card data in its certified environment, so KAZI itself does not store raw card numbers.

One connected place to run the work

Clients, projects, invoicing, payments and AI in one place. Start free, priced per business.

No spam · unsubscribe anytime