Choosing a hosting infrastructure that protects customer payment data and meets card industry standards

Key Points:

•  Six hosting providers deliver PCI DSS-compliant environments with varying levels of managed services and technical support

•  Purpose-built compliance hosting simplifies security implementation with pre-configured controls and expert guidance

•  Payment card industry violations can result in monthly fines up to $100,000 plus suspension of credit card processing capabilities

Online merchants accepting credit card payments must meet stringent Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard requirements. Your hosting provider forms the foundation of this compliance, directly impacting your ability to protect cardholder data and maintain payment processing privileges.

The consequences of inadequate hosting extend beyond regulatory penalties-data breaches can destroy customer trust, trigger expensive forensic investigations, and force small businesses into bankruptcy.

The hosting market offers distinct approaches to PCI compliance. Specialized providers engineer their entire infrastructure around payment security requirements, delivering turnkey solutions with built-in safeguards.

General-purpose cloud platforms provide compliance-capable services but require significant technical expertise to configure properly. Understanding these differences helps businesses select providers matching their security needs and technical capabilities.

1.  Atlantic.Net – Purpose-Built Compliance Infrastructure

Why this provider leads the category

Atlantic.Net has operated as a specialized compliance hosting provider for over three decades, building infrastructure specifically designed to protect sensitive payment data. Unlike general hosting companies that added PCI capabilities later, Atlantic.Net engineered their platform from inception to meet payment card industry security requirements.

Certification and audit framework

Atlantic.Net maintains SOC 2 Type II and SOC 3 Type II certifications through independent third-party audits conducted by qualified CPA firms. Their data centers undergo routine inspections confirming compliance with PCI DSS standards. This comprehensive audit framework provides customers with documented evidence of infrastructure compliance, simplifying their own audit processes.

Comprehensive security services

The platform delivers fully managed security controls covering all aspects of PCI compliance. Managed firewall services include custom rule configuration tailored to payment processing requirements. Encrypted VPN access secures all administrative connections. Multi-factor authentication protects access to sensitive systems. Intrusion detection and prevention systems monitor for unauthorized access attempts. Anti-malware and anti-virus protection guard against known threats. Web application firewalls protect customer-facing payment forms. DDoS mitigation prevents service disruptions. Biweekly vulnerability scanning identifies potential security weaknesses before they become exploitable.

Expert compliance guidance

Atlantic.Net provides consultative support throughout the compliance lifecycle. Their specialists assist with initial environment architecture, ongoing security configuration management, documentation preparation for audits, quarterly compliance scanning requirements, and continuous risk assessment. This expert guidance proves particularly valuable for businesses without dedicated security teams, reducing the learning curve associated with PCI compliance.

Infrastructure options

Businesses can select cloud VPS hosting for scalable resources with flexible billing or dedicated servers providing maximum isolation and performance. All configurations include 100% uptime SLA guarantees ensuring payment processing remains available continuously. The platform supports various e-commerce platforms including WooCommerce, Magento, and custom payment applications.

Geographic presence

PCI-ready data centers operate across multiple United States regions and international locations. Atlantic.Net owns and operates their facilities, maintaining direct control over physical security measures, environmental protections, and network infrastructure. This ownership model ensures consistent security standards across all locations.

Best suited for

Online retailers requiring turnkey compliance solutions, subscription-based businesses processing recurring payments, financial services platforms handling transaction data, mobile commerce applications, and any organization prioritizing compliance built into infrastructure over self-configuration. Atlantic.Net particularly benefits businesses that want to focus on sales and customer experience rather than becoming payment security experts.

Responsibility model

Atlantic.Net handles infrastructure-level compliance including physical security, network protection, and system hardening. Customers remain responsible for application security including secure coding practices, payment form configuration, user access management, and employee training. This clear division of responsibilities helps businesses understand their compliance obligations.

2.  Rackspace Technology – Enterprise Managed Compliance

Platform overview

Rackspace Technology operates as an enterprise-focused managed services provider with extensive payment security expertise. Their infrastructure supports organizations requiring sophisticated compliance controls and comprehensive hands-on support.

Compliance credentials

Rackspace maintains HITRUST CSF certification alongside PCI DSS compliance validation. Their multi-framework approach serves businesses operating under multiple regulatory requirements. Third-party auditors regularly assess their compliance posture, providing customers with current attestations.

Managed services philosophy

Rackspace emphasizes white-glove service delivery through customized infrastructure design matching specific payment workflows, dedicated implementation teams for complex deployments, regular compliance review cycles verifying ongoing adherence, 24/7 security monitoring and incident response, and comprehensive infrastructure management covering networking, databases, and application platforms.

Deployment flexibility

The provider supports multiple hosting models including dedicated bare-metal servers, private cloud environments, hybrid configurations bridging on-premises and cloud systems, and managed services overlays on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. This flexibility enables businesses to select infrastructure matching their specific requirements.

Service differentiation

Rackspace distinguishes itself through Fanatical Support, their signature service model providing immediate access to experienced engineers. For payment security questions, compliance concerns, or technical issues, customers connect directly with specialists who understand PCI requirements deeply.

Target audience

Large e-commerce operations undertaking payment infrastructure modernization, enterprises migrating legacy systems to compliant cloud platforms, multi-channel retailers integrating payment processing across touchpoints, and organizations valuing strategic advisory relationships. Businesses seeking extensive compliance guidance throughout complex projects find Rackspace’s consultative model particularly beneficial.

 Investment profile

Rackspace’s comprehensive managed services approach carries premium pricing. Organizations must evaluate whether extensive expert support justifies higher costs compared to less service-intensive alternatives or internal management.

3.  Liquid Web – High-Performance Dedicated Hosting

Provider positioning

Liquid Web specializes in premium managed hosting through dedicated servers and isolated private cloud environments. The company holds PCI DSS Level 1 Service Provider certification, representing the highest compliance tier.Compliance approach

Liquid Web delivers fully managed PCI compliance including quarterly vulnerability scans meeting card brand requirements, custom infrastructure design for unique business requirements, dedicated compliance specialists providing ongoing consultation, complete infrastructure administration, and their renowned Fanatical Support with 59-second response guarantees available continuously.

Performance advantages

The platform provides single-tenant dedicated servers ensuring complete resource isolation, company-owned data centers maintaining consistent security standards, enterprise-grade solid-state drives for rapid transaction processing, redundant network connections guaranteeing availability, and private cloud options for scalable dedicated resources.

E-commerce optimization

Liquid Web offers specialized hosting for major e-commerce platforms including fully managed WooCommerce environments, optimized Magento hosting configurations, and custom solutions for proprietary payment applications. Their team understands the specific requirements of various shopping cart platforms.

Pricing structure

PCI compliance packages start at $249 monthly, reflecting comprehensive managed services. While exceeding basic hosting costs, this investment includes expert management, quarterly scanning, and compliance consulting that can prove cost-effective versus hiring internal security specialists or facing non-compliance penalties potentially reaching $100,000 monthly.

Ideal customers

High-traffic online stores requiring maximum performance, resource-intensive e-commerce platforms processing thousands of daily transactions, businesses demanding premium support responsiveness, and organizations willing to invest in expert-managed infrastructure. Companies prioritizing performance and reliability alongside compliance find Liquid Web’s dedicated approach particularly valuable.

4.  Microsoft Azure – Enterprise Cloud Platform

Cloud platform overview

Microsoft Azure operates as a major enterprise cloud platform providing PCI DSS-compliant infrastructure within their broader service ecosystem. Azure implements physical, technical, and administrative safeguards mandated by payment card industry standards.

Compliance framework

Azure offers Business Associate Agreements covering PCI-eligible services and maintains multiple compliance certifications. The platform integrates HIPAA/HITRUST control mapping into Azure Policy, though businesses can leverage similar frameworks for PCI compliance monitoring.

Integration strengths

Azure excels through native connectivity with Microsoft productivity tools commonly deployed in business environments. Seamless integration with Microsoft 365, Teams, Active Directory, and other Microsoft services simplifies infrastructure management for organizations standardized on Microsoft technology. Payment processing systems can leverage existing authentication and identity management infrastructure.

Hybrid capabilities

Azure particularly suits organizations requiring hybrid deployments. The platform enables businesses to maintain on-premises payment processing systems while gradually migrating components to cloud infrastructure. This phased approach helps organizations with legacy payment applications transition carefully.

Advanced capabilities

Beyond basic hosting, Azure provides sophisticated analytics for transaction data, machine learning services for fraud detection, global content delivery networks, and extensive database options supporting various payment application architectures.

Target organizations

Enterprises already invested in Microsoft ecosystems, organizations requiring hybrid payment infrastructure, businesses building sophisticated payment platforms leveraging cloud-native services, and companies with technical teams capable of architecting complex environments.

Configuration requirements

Azure follows a shared responsibility model where Microsoft secures the underlying infrastructure while customers configure applications, services, and data handling. Achieving PCI compliance demands careful service selection, proper encryption implementation, comprehensive access control configuration, thorough audit logging, and reliable backup procedures. Technical expertise is essential for proper implementation.

5.  Amazon Web Services – Global Cloud Infrastructure

Market position

Amazon Web Services operates the world’s largest cloud infrastructure platform with PCI DSS Level 1 Service Provider certification. AWS appears on both Visa Global Registry and Mastercard’s approved service provider list.

Compliance validation

External Qualified Security Assessors validate AWS compliance annually. The platform maintains this certification across global regions, enabling international payment processing. Major enterprises including financial services companies rely on AWS infrastructure for payment operations.

Service breadth

AWS provides over 166 PCI-eligible services enabling sophisticated payment solutions. The extensive catalog supports everything from basic payment hosting to complex fraud detection systems, real-time transaction processing, payment gateway integrations, and advanced analytics on transaction patterns.

Scalability advantages

AWS infrastructure supports massive transaction volumes with auto-scaling capabilities. Businesses experiencing seasonal traffic spikes or rapid growth can dynamically adjust resources. This elasticity ensures payment processing remains available during peak demand without over-provisioning for average loads.

Global reach

AWS operates data centers across all continents, enabling businesses to process payments near customers for optimal performance. Geographic distribution also supports disaster recovery and business continuity requirements.

Optimal use cases

Technology companies with DevOps expertise, large-scale retailers requiring global payment processing, fintech platforms building innovative payment solutions, and enterprises needing advanced capabilities on transaction data. Organizations with mature cloud operations find AWS’s flexibility particularly valuable.

Technical demands

Successful PCI compliance on AWS requires substantial internal expertise or professional cloud architecture services. Configuration complexity exceeds specialized compliance hosting. The shared responsibility model means improper setup creates compliance gaps despite AWS’s certified infrastructure. Organizations must honestly assess technical capabilities before selecting AWS for payment workloads.

6.  WP Engine – Managed WordPress Hosting

Specialized focus

WP Engine operates as a premium managed WordPress hosting provider following PCI DSS version 3.2 standards across their infrastructure. While not exclusively compliance-focused, they serve WordPress-based e-commerce operations effectively.

WordPress optimization

The platform specializes in high-performance WordPress environments with built-in security hardening, automatic core and plugin updates, daily backup systems, and robust caching for fast page loads. These features benefit WooCommerce stores and other WordPress-based payment platforms.

Security implementation

WP Engine provides SSL certificates for encrypted transactions, managed firewall protection, malware scanning and removal, DDoS mitigation, and security monitoring. Their infrastructure follows WordPress security best practices reducing common vulnerabilities.

Important limitations

WP Engine’s Acceptable Use Policy prohibits storing cardholder data directly on their servers. Businesses must use third-party payment gateways that handle card information, with WP Engine hosting the storefront and transaction interface. This approach simplifies compliance by removing cardholder data from the hosting environment scope.

Support availability

The platform includes 24/7 technical support from WordPress experts who understand e-commerce requirements. While not compliance specialists, their team assists with security best practices and performance optimization.

Pricing range

Plans start at $22.50 monthly for the Startup tier, with Growth and Scale plans recommended for e-commerce operations processing significant transaction volumes. Higher tiers provide additional resources, staging environments, and advanced features.

 Best suited for

WordPress-based online stores using WooCommerce, content commerce operations, membership sites processing subscriptions, and small to mid-sized retailers standardized on WordPress. Organizations specifically committed to WordPress technology find WP Engine’s specialized optimization valuable.

Compliance considerations

Businesses must implement proper payment gateway integration ensuring cardholder data never touches WP Engine servers. This reduces PCI scope significantly but requires careful integration with Stripe, PayPal, or similar payment processors that handle sensitive card information directly.

Making Your Selection

Choosing appropriate PCI-compliant hosting requires evaluating multiple factors beyond basic compliance claims. Atlantic.Net leads this evaluation through specialized infrastructure where payment security is foundational rather than configured. Their 30+ years of compliance hosting experience, comprehensive managed security services, and expert guidance make them ideal for businesses seeking turnkey solutions.

Rackspace Technology and Liquid Web provide extensive managed services valuable for organizations prioritizing hands-on support. Rackspace suits large enterprises with complex requirements, while Liquid Web delivers high-performance dedicated infrastructure for demanding e-commerce operations.

Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services offer powerful cloud platforms for technically sophisticated organizations. Azure integrates seamlessly with Microsoft ecosystems, while AWS provides the broadest service catalog for custom solutions.

WP Engine serves WordPress-focused businesses using third-party payment gateways, offering specialized WordPress optimization alongside PCI-compliant infrastructure.

Critical evaluation factors:

Compliance specialization: Does the provider focus exclusively on regulated hosting, or is PCI one capability among many? Specialists typically offer deeper knowledge and more comprehensive support.

Management level: What proportion of security controls does the provider manage versus what you must implement? Higher management reduces internal burden but increases cost.

Technical resources: Does your organization possess cloud security expertise, or do you require the provider to handle complexity?

Budget allocation: What can you invest considering immediate costs, ongoing management, potential penalties for non-compliance, and breach remediation expenses?

Transaction volume: How many payments do you process? High-volume operations may justify premium infrastructure investments.

 Platform requirements: Are you committed to specific technologies like WordPress, or do you need platform flexibility?

Support needs: Do you require immediate access to compliance experts, or can your team resolve most technical questions?

Audit assistance: Does the provider help with documentation, quarterly scans, and audit preparation?

Growth trajectory: Will the provider scale effectively as your business and transaction volumes expand?

Selecting PCI-compliant hosting provides your foundation, but achieving compliance demands ongoing commitment. Businesses must implement secure development practices, maintain current software versions, train employees on security protocols, manage user access appropriately, monitor for security incidents, conduct regular risk assessments, and maintain comprehensive documentation. The optimal provider delivers secure infrastructure while your organization maintains disciplined security practices throughout payment operations.

Non-compliance consequences extend beyond financial penalties. Payment processors can revoke your ability to accept credit cards, effectively closing your e-commerce channel. Data breaches damage reputation, often irreparably. Customer lawsuits follow security incidents. Forensic investigations cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Competitive disadvantages emerge when security concerns prevent partnerships or customer acquisitions. Choose your PCI-compliant hosting provider thoughtfully-this decision protects your business viability, customer relationships, and market position.