Frequently Asked Question
![](https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FAQs-alt.jpg)
Why is SAQ A-EP used for Direct Post while SAQ A is used for iFrame or URL redirect?
There is a distinct difference in terms of how payment data is accepted between Direct Post & iFrames/redirects, which is why there are different SAQs. In a Direct Post implementation, the merchant website produces some or all of the web page that is used to accept payment data, and then passes it directly to the third-party payment processor. In this implementation, the consumer (cardholder) never leaves the merchant website. Conversely, with a redirect or iFrame, the third-party payment processor produces the webpage that accepts payment data. The merchant website is not directly involved in the acceptance of payment data as this is directly accepted by the third-party payment processor. In these implementations, the consumer leaves the merchant website and goes to the payment processor for payment acceptance and processing.
This data flow is a key difference between the different methods, and is reflected in the eligibility criteria for SAQ A and SAQ A-EP as follows:
-
SAQ A: All elements of the payment page(s) delivered to the consumer's browser originate only and directly from a PCI DSS validated third-party service provider(s)
- SAQ A-EP: Each element of the payment page(s) delivered to the consumer's browser originates from either the merchant's website or a PCI DSS compliant service provider(s)
Related
-
What is the scope of a PCI DSS assessment for service providers that can impact the security of payment account data, if the service provider does not directly store, process, or transmit payment account data?
-
Does PCI DSS apply to service providers that can impact the security of payment account data, if the service provider does not directly store, process, or transmit payment account data?
-
Can service providers use eligibility criteria from a merchant Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) to determine applicable PCI DSS requirements for the service provider’s assessment?
Featured FAQ Articles
Featured
-
Do PCI DSS requirements for keyed cryptographic hashing apply to previously hashed PANs?
-
Is the PCI DSS Attestation of Compliance intended to be shared?
-
How does an entity report the results of a PCI DSS assessment for new requirements that are noted in PCI DSS as best practices until a future date?
-
Where do I direct questions about complying with PCI standards?
-
Can SAQ eligibility criteria be used for determining applicability of PCI DSS requirements for assessments documented in a Report on Compliance?
Most Popular
-
What is the scope of a PCI DSS assessment for service providers that can impact the security of payment account data, if the service provider does not directly store, process, or transmit payment account data?
-
Does PCI DSS apply to service providers that can impact the security of payment account data, if the service provider does not directly store, process, or transmit payment account data?
-
Can service providers use eligibility criteria from a merchant Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) to determine applicable PCI DSS requirements for the service provider’s assessment?
-
What does “console access” mean for PCI DSS Requirements 8.4.1 and 8.4.2?
-
What evidence is a TPSP expected to provide to customers to demonstrate PCI DSS compliance?
Most Recently Updated
-
How do I contact the payment card brands?
-
What is the scope of a PCI DSS assessment for service providers that can impact the security of payment account data, if the service provider does not directly store, process, or transmit payment account data?
-
Does PCI DSS apply to service providers that can impact the security of payment account data, if the service provider does not directly store, process, or transmit payment account data?
-
Can service providers use eligibility criteria from a merchant Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) to determine applicable PCI DSS requirements for the service provider’s assessment?
-
Which version of the P2PE Standard should be used for a P2PE assessment?