PCI DSS SAQ vs RoC: Choosing the Right Compliance Path for Your Business
Every organization that processes payment card data must comply with PCI DSS, as this requirement has no exceptions. What varies is the method you use to show that compliance.
The majority of organizations can meet their needs by using the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), a self-guided validation process. It serves as a compliance instrument provided by an external entity, which many organizations can employ to meet their compliance goals. Organizations that have significant volumes of transactions or engagements with large service providers must be assessed by a Report on Compliance (RoC), based on an assessment done by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).
This guide will help you understand the essential differences, determine each of your duties, and know what to do to comply and stay compliant.
What is PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire?
The Self Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) for PCI DSS enables a merchant or service provider to verify that it is properly handling payment card data and is fulfilling the requirements outlined in the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.
The SAQ is a structured questionnaire that guides organizations in evaluating their own:
- Security Controls
- Processes
- Compliance levels
This can be done without the immediate necessity of a formal on-site audit.
By completing an SAQ, an organization will be able to highlight areas for improvement in its payment security practices and demonstrate to acquiring banks or card brands that it is effectively protecting cardholder data.
The SAQ comprises:
- Basic business and processing details
- Yes/No questions for each PCI DSS control
- Possible responses include: In Place, In Place with a Compensating Control Worksheet (CCW), Not in Place, or Not Applicable (N/A).
Every SAQ must be accompanied by an Attestation of Compliance (AoC), which is a signed declaration that your organization meets PCI DSS requirements.
Who Can Use the SAQ?
- Level 2–4 merchants, that is, those processing fewer than 6 million transactions a year.
- Service providers that handle no more than 300,000 transactions each year.
- Merchants with no recent security breach.
Important: Storing cardholder data in an unencrypted manner outside of PCI approved locations is strictly prohibited.
SAQ Types at a Glance
| SAQ Type | Who It’s For | Card Data Handling | Stores Card Data? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAQ A | Outsourced all processing (mail/phone order, hosted checkout) | No direct contact | No |
| SAQ A-EP | E-commerce redirecting to third-party | Website helps transmit data | No |
| SAQ D (Merchant) | Not covered above | Handles card data | Yes |
| SAQ D (Service Provider) | Payment processors, hosting providers | Handles/stores card data | Yes |
Other SAQs like B, B-IP, C, C-VT, P2PE-HW apply to specific POS scenarios.
What is a PCI DSS Report on Compliance (RoC)?
A Report on Compliance (RoC) for PCI DSS is composed of a detailed assessment report by a qualified security assessor claiming whether an organization fully meets the requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. It is based on an in-depth audit of security controls, policies, and technical measures used to protect cardholder data. The RoC provides a formal record of compliance that is submitted to acquiring banks or payment brands, often required for larger merchants and service providers processing high volumes of transactions.
Required for:
- Level 1 merchants (over 6 million transactions/year)
- Service providers processing over 300,000 transactions/year
- Organizations with a security breach
- Situations where your acquiring bank requires it, regardless of how few transactions you process
SAQ vs RoC: Quick Comparison
| Aspect | SAQ | RoC |
|---|---|---|
| Completed By | The business itself | QSA or Internal Security Assessor |
| Applicability | Smaller/lower-risk environments | High-volume/higher-risk environments |
| Assessment Method | Yes/No checklist | Onsite review, interviews, system testing |
| Documentation | SAQ + AoC | Detailed RoC + AoC |
| Cost/Time | Lower | Higher |
| Frequency | Annual | Annual or after major changes/incidents |
Choosing the Right Path
- If your environment is simple, low-volume, and without stored card data, the SAQ is likely your route.
- If your business is high-volume, high-risk, or complex, you will need a RoC.
Why Involve a QSA Even for SAQs?
While a QSA is not mandatory for SAQ completion, many organization engage one to:
- Interpret tricky PCI DSS requirements
- Validate technical scope and evidence
- Avoid errors that could be costly in the event of a breach
RSL Tip
Improper SAQ filing is a common compliance failure. Many businesses tick “In Place” without truly validating controls, a mistake often caught only after a breach.
How RedSecLabs Can Help
At RedSecLabs, we make the PCI DSS journey easier, whether you need to complete an SAQ or prepare a RoC. By knowing how your business processes payment information, we work with you to help you navigate your various requirements in plain language.
- For SAQs, we help you select the appropriate type, guide you through the questions, and validate your answers are consistent with safe and compliant behavior.
- For RoCs, we support you through the entire audit process, from gathering evidence to strengthening any weak areas before the assessor review
Our goal is to remove the confusion, save you time, and give you the confidence that your payment environment meets the highest security standards while showing your customers they can trust you.
Our aim is to ensure that cardholder data is protected, and the risk of breaches is reduced. Choosing between SAQ and RoC depends on the size of your operations, the complexity of your environment, and your specific compliance obligations. The most important part is not just ticking the compliance box but using the process to strengthen your security posture, improve operational resilience, and build lasting trust with your customers.
As a PCI SSC–approved QSA company, RedSecLabs supports organizations globally through:
- PCI DSS scoping and gap analysis
- SAQ preparation and validation
- Full RoC assessments for Level 1 entities
- Remediation guidance and retesting
From small merchants to global service providers, we make the PCI DSS journey faster, easier, and fully audit-ready.
Book a Free PCI Consultation: Talk to a PCI-certified consultant about your environment and requirements.