For businesses that accept payment cards, PCI compliance is not only a security responsibility; it is also an operational cost that should be easy to understand and budget for.
One of the most common questions businesses ask is: How much does a PCI scan cost?
In 2026, the cost of a PCI scan depends primarily on the number of external IP addresses or domains/URLs included in your PCI scope. At Clone Systems, PCI ASV certified scanning starts at $185 per year for a single IP address or domain/URL.
For a limited time, businesses can use coupon code 5COST to receive 5% off eligible PCI ASV scanning purchases.
What Is a PCI Scan?
A PCI scan, often referred to as a PCI ASV scan, is an external vulnerability scan performed by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV).
An ASV is a security organization whose scanning solution has been tested and approved by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to support the external vulnerability scanning requirements of PCI DSS Requirement 11.3.2.
PCI ASV scans are designed to identify vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems that may expose cardholder data or increase payment security risk. Depending on your PCI validation requirements and environment, passing external vulnerability scans may be required quarterly.
PCI Scan Cost in 2026
Clone Systems offers annual PCI ASV certified scanning packages based on the number of IP addresses or domains/URLs that require scanning.
| Package | Included Scope | Annual Price | Price with Code 5COST |
| Starter | 1 IP address or 1 domain/URL | $185/year | $175.75/year |
| Standard | 10 IP addresses or 10 domains/URLs | $625/year | $593.75/year |
| Advanced | 25 IP addresses or 25 domains/URLs | $1,575/year | $1,496.25/year |
Need to scan more than 50 IP addresses or URLs? Contact Clone Systems for pricing tailored to your environment, merchant portfolio, or business requirements.
What Is Included in Clone Systems PCI ASV Scanning?
Our PCI ASV scanning packages are designed to help businesses efficiently manage external vulnerability scanning requirements and understand what actions may be needed to achieve a passing scan result.
Every package includes:
- PCI ASV certified external vulnerability scans
- Annual access to a web-based scanning portal
- Agentless scanning with no software installation required
- Online SAQ v4.0 wizard
- ASV compliance reports
- Website security validation reporting
- Website trust seals
- 24/7 support by email and phone
- Unlimited rescans until you pass
Clone Systems helps organizations identify externally visible vulnerabilities, review scan findings, remediate issues, and generate appropriate reporting for PCI compliance validation needs.
What Affects the Cost of a PCI Scan?
The primary factor affecting PCI scan pricing is the size of your external scope.
Your scope may include:
- Public-facing IP addresses
- Payment-related websites
- E-commerce domains
- Externally accessible applications
- Internet-facing infrastructure supporting payment operations
A small business with one payment-related website may only need a single-target package. A business with multiple locations, web applications, customer environments, or externally accessible systems may require a larger package or customized pricing.
Accurate scoping is important. Scanning too few targets may leave required systems out of your assessment, while scanning unnecessary targets may increase cost and administrative effort.
How Often Are PCI ASV Scans Required?
PCI DSS external vulnerability scanning requirements typically require applicable organizations to complete scans at least quarterly and after significant changes to the environment, where applicable.
If your SAQ also includes Requirement 11.4, you need a penetration test as well. See what a penetration test costs and why two quotes can differ by 5x.
This means businesses should consider annual pricing rather than treating a PCI scan as a one-time purchase. A reliable PCI scanning solution should support ongoing scanning, remediation, rescanning, and reporting throughout the year.
Clone Systems’ annual PCI ASV scanning packages are structured to help businesses manage these recurring scanning requirements through a centralized portal.
Does your SAQ also require a penetration test?
A quarterly ASV scan covers Requirement 11.3.2. Some SAQs also require an annual penetration test under Requirement 11.4, and most merchants find out from their bank or QSA after the fact.
SAQ A-EP, C or D
A penetration test is required at least annually and after significant changes, plus segmentation testing where you segment.
See what each SAQ requiresNot sure which SAQ you file?
Answer a few questions and get the SAQ, and whether a pen test applies, in under a minute.
Use the SAQ finderAutomated external tests start the same day you order, with retests included for 30 days. Expert-led tests are scoped per environment.
Is a Low-Cost PCI Scan Enough?
Price matters, but cost should not be the only consideration when selecting a PCI scanning provider.
A PCI scan should be performed through an Approved Scanning Vendor with an approved scanning solution. Businesses should also consider:
- Whether certified ASV reporting is included
- Whether rescans are available after remediation
- Whether the solution supports the full required external scope
- Whether reporting is clear and actionable
- Whether assistance is available when vulnerabilities are identified
A lower upfront price may not provide value if the scan does not support your compliance needs or leaves your team without clear next steps.
Need more than PCI scanning? See how Clone Systems compares to other vulnerability management platforms.
Why Choose Clone Systems for PCI ASV Scanning?
Clone Systems is an Approved Scanning Vendor providing PCI compliance scanning solutions for merchants, service providers, and organizations responsible for protecting payment environments.
Our PCI ASV scanning service is built to make external vulnerability scanning easier to manage by providing:
- Straightforward annual pricing
- Secure web-based access
- Certified ASV reporting
- Clear remediation information
- Solutions for individual businesses and larger environments
- Options for partners, processors, hosting providers, and organizations managing multiple customers
Whether you need to scan a single payment-related website or manage a larger external footprint, Clone Systems can help you understand your scope, identify vulnerabilities, and support your PCI scanning requirements.
Save 5% on PCI ASV Scanning
Businesses purchasing PCI ASV scanning in 2026 can use coupon code:
5COST
to receive 5% off eligible PCI scanning purchases.
Choose the package that fits your environment and begin scanning with an experienced PCI Approved Scanning Vendor.
