Skip to main content
BuiltInEu

GDPR Compliance Risk

Stripe is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.

Stripe logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Stripe

🇺🇸Stripe Inc. · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Payment processing platform for internet businesses with APIs for accepting payments and managing subscriptions.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Stripe

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Stripe has become a significant legal risk for EU organizations. The US CLOUD Act gives American authorities the power to access data held by US companies, regardless of where that data is physically stored — even if it's in an EU data center.

While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) adopted in 2023 provides a new legal basis for transfers, privacy experts and legal scholars have raised concerns about its long-term viability. The framework could face the same fate as its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield), both of which were struck down by the Court of Justice of the EU.

For organizations that want to eliminate compliance risk entirely, switching to a European-based payment & fintech is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Stripe, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Stripe, even if servers are located in Europe.

GDPR Fine Risk

Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.

EU Alternative Available

4 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.

4 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to Stripe

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Mollie logo

Mollie

🇳🇱

by Mollie B.V.

Mollie is a payment service provider that facilitates online transactions for businesses. It supports various payment methods, including credit cards and digital wallets, to help streamline the checkout process. The platform offers easy integration with websites and provides tools for managing payments and analytics.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Mollie has no setup fees, reducing initial costs for businesses.
  • Mollie supports multiple payment methods, including local EU options.
  • Mollie's dashboard analytics provide clear insights into transactions.

Consider

  • Migrating from Stripe may involve complex data transfer processes.
  • Mollie lacks some advanced fraud detection tools found in Stripe.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Mollie
Adyen logo

Adyen

🇳🇱

by Adyen N.V.

Dutch payment platform providing end-to-end infrastructure for accepting payments anywhere in the world.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedISO 27001
freemiumMigration:●●●2-3 days

Why switch?

  • Adyen offers unified commerce for online and offline payments.
  • Full GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers.
  • Adyen provides detailed data insights for better decision-making.

Consider

  • Migration from Stripe may require significant development resources.
  • Adyen's interface has a steeper learning curve for new users.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Adyen
GoCardless logo

GoCardless

🌍

by GoCardless Ltd

GoCardless is a payment processing platform that enables businesses to collect recurring payments directly from customers' bank accounts via Direct Debit. It simplifies the billing process, reduces transaction fees, and offers secure payment collection. Ideal for subscription services and invoice-based businesses.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedISO 27001
freemiumMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • GoCardless offers lower transaction fees for direct debits, averaging 1% + £0.20.
  • Direct debit payments with GoCardless have a 98% success rate on first attempt.
  • GoCardless is fully GDPR compliant, ensuring data protection for EU customers.

Consider

  • Migrating from Stripe may require significant developer resources and time.
  • GoCardless lacks advanced fraud detection features available in Stripe.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit GoCardless
SumUp logo

SumUp

🌍

by SumUp Limited

SumUp is a mobile payment processing solution designed for small businesses. It allows merchants to accept card payments via a card reader connected to a smartphone or tablet. The service includes a user-friendly app for sales tracking and reporting, enabling efficient management of transactions and finances.

GDPR CompliantEU-Based
freemiumMigration:●●●2-3 days

Why switch?

  • No monthly fees with SumUp, unlike Stripe's variable costs.
  • SumUp offers mobile POS with card readers for on-the-go payments.
  • Invoicing feature in SumUp simplifies billing without extra tools.

Consider

  • Migration may disrupt payment processing during the switch.
  • Stripe's advanced fraud detection is not matched by SumUp.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit SumUp

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Stripe
United StatesNoPartialNofreemium
🇳🇱MollieNLYesYesYesfreemium
🇳🇱AdyenNLYesYesYesfreemium
🌍GoCardlessGBYesYesYesfreemium
🌍SumUpGBYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stripe GDPR compliant?

Stripe is a US-based service operated by Stripe Inc.. While it may have some GDPR compliance measures, as a US company it is subject to the CLOUD Act, which allows US authorities to access data stored by US companies regardless of where the data is physically located. This creates a fundamental conflict with GDPR requirements for data protection.

What are the GDPR risks of using Stripe?

The main GDPR risks include: (1) Data transfers to the US may lack adequate protection since the Schrems II ruling invalidated Privacy Shield, (2) US authorities can demand access under the CLOUD Act, (3) Your organization may face GDPR fines up to 4% of annual revenue for non-compliant data transfers, and (4) User consent may not be sufficient to legitimize transfers given the systematic access by US authorities.

What are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Stripe?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Stripe include Mollie, Adyen, GoCardless. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from Stripe to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Stripe using their data export tools, (2) Create an account with your chosen EU alternative, and (3) Import your data into the new service. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative to make the switch as smooth as possible.

Can EU companies legally use Stripe?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Stripe. While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (2023) provides a new legal basis, its long-term stability is uncertain. Many EU data protection authorities recommend using EU-based alternatives to avoid compliance risks entirely.

Other GDPR Alternatives in Payment & Fintech

GDPR Alternative to VenmoGDPR Alternative to SquareGDPR Alternative to PlaidGDPR Alternative to PayPal

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026