Who is the SAQ P2PE intended for?

The SAQ P2PE (Self-Assessment Questionnaire for Point-to-Point Encryption) is specifically designed for merchants who are utilizing a validated Point-to-Point Encryption solution. This questionnaire allows these merchants to affirm their compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements tailored for secure payment solutions.

Using a validated P2PE solution significantly reduces the scope of PCI DSS requirements that merchants need to adhere to, as the encryption protects cardholder data during transmission. The SAQ P2PE simplifies the assessment process for these merchants because it encompasses the necessary controls associated with the P2PE solution, guiding them in demonstrating that they meet the required security standards.

Merchants using unvalidated solutions would be outside the scope of this specific self-assessment, as they do not benefit from the security measures associated with a validated P2PE solution. Similarly, the SAQ P2PE does not apply to all service providers or exclusively to online retail merchants, as it is focused on those who have implemented a validated P2PE method in their payment process, regardless of the merchant's industry.