As a Crowne Plaza merchant, what PCI requirement does continuing compliance with the FreedomPay P2PE Instruction Manual fulfill?

According to the 2025 Crowne Plaza Franchise Disclosure Document, continuing compliance with the FreedomPay P2PE Instruction Manual (PIM) is a PCI requirement for SAQ P2PE-HW merchant scope reduction qualification. This means that by adhering to the guidelines outlined in the PIM, a Crowne Plaza franchisee can potentially reduce the scope and complexity of their PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance efforts, specifically qualifying for the SAQ P2PE-HW self-assessment questionnaire.

For a prospective Crowne Plaza franchisee, this is significant because PCI DSS compliance can be a complex and costly undertaking. By using the FreedomPay P2PE solution and following the PIM, the franchisee may be able to simplify their compliance obligations, saving time and resources. The PIM serves as a guideline for implementing the PCI DSS standards, helping the franchisee to meet the necessary security requirements for processing card payments.

It's important to note that the PIM is based on PCI P2PE and/or DSS guidelines in effect as of the date of the manual and is provided solely for informational purposes. FreedomPay disclaims liability for any errors or omissions in the PIM and does not validate or warrant merchant compliance with PCI DSS or merchant eligibility for any validation or other accreditation standards. Therefore, while compliance with the PIM can help reduce the scope of PCI DSS requirements, it does not guarantee full compliance, and the franchisee remains responsible for ensuring their overall security posture meets PCI DSS standards.

Prospective franchisees should carefully review the PIM and understand their responsibilities regarding PCI DSS compliance. They should also consult with qualified security professionals to ensure they meet all applicable requirements and maintain a secure payment environment for their customers. IHG may charge the franchisee reasonable fees to compensate IHG for mitigation, including, without limitation, charging the then current list price for the applicable IHG services, if the franchisee does not comply with any obligation under the PIM.