Which integration approach minimizes the touchpoints with sensitive card information?

Using iframes for card information input is a highly effective integration approach to minimize touchpoints with sensitive card information. When implementing this method, sensitive data is entered directly into an iframe hosted by Stripe. This architecture ensures that card information never touches your server, thereby significantly reducing the scope and compliance requirements associated with storing or processing credit card data. By isolating the card data entry from your own systems, you mitigate risks such as data breaches and compliance implications related to PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).

In contrast, server-side API calls could involve handling sensitive information on your server before it reaches the payment processor, increasing the potential for exposure. Direct card data collection on the client's server poses the highest risk since it involves managing sensitive payment information directly, which is against best practices for security and compliance. Storing card information locally is not advisable as it increases vulnerability to data loss and breaches, along with severe regulatory penalties related to sensitive data handling.