The best Payment Processing & Gateways
Payment processing software handles online transactions, subscription billing and invoicing for businesses. European solutions differ in supported payment methods, fees and where transaction data is stored and processed under GDPR rules. Choosing an EU-based provider keeps data within the region, simplifies compliance and avoids reliance on US-controlled infrastructure.
Providers
What to look for
Supported payment methods
Check which local and international payment options the provider supports, including cards, bank transfers and digital wallets relevant to your markets.
Transaction fees
Compare fee structures for different payment types, volumes and currencies. Some providers offer flat rates, others use tiered pricing.
Server location and compliance
Verify that transaction data is processed and stored within the EU. Look for GDPR compliance and a data processing agreement.
Integration options
Assess how easily the solution connects with your existing systems, such as e-commerce platforms, accounting software or CRM tools.
Frequently asked questions
Which European payment processors are GDPR-compliant?
Most EU-based providers process and store data within the region by default, meeting GDPR requirements. Examples include Mollie, which offers EU-hosted transaction data, and Adyen’s European entity. Always confirm the server location and data processing terms in the DPA.
How do European payment gateways compare to Stripe or PayPal?
European alternatives like Mollie or Paynl often provide better support for local payment methods such as iDEAL, Bancontact or Sofort. They also guarantee EU data hosting, which Stripe and PayPal do not by default. Pricing and feature sets can be similar, but compliance and data sovereignty differ.
Do European payment processors offer a free plan?
Some providers offer limited free tiers for low-volume users, but most charge per transaction. Mollie, for example, has no monthly fee but applies transaction-based pricing. Check the provider’s pricing page for exact terms.
Can I migrate from Stripe to a European payment gateway?
Yes, most European providers offer migration tools or APIs to import existing customer and transaction data. Mollie and Paynl provide documentation for switching from Stripe. The process typically involves updating payment links and testing the new integration.
What integrations do European payment gateways support?
Most support major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento, as well as accounting tools such as Exact or Datev. Mollie, for instance, offers plugins for Shopify and WooCommerce. Check the provider’s integration list for your specific stack.
Are there European payment processors with EU-only server locations?
Yes, providers like Mollie and Paynl store and process all transaction data exclusively within the EU. This ensures compliance with GDPR and avoids data transfers to third countries. Always confirm the exact server locations in the provider’s documentation.
How do I get started with a European payment gateway?
Sign up for an account, complete the verification process and integrate the gateway using the provided API or plugins. Mollie, for example, offers a sandbox environment for testing before going live. Most providers also offer developer documentation and support.
Do European payment gateways support recurring payments?
Yes, most providers support subscription billing and recurring payments for SaaS, memberships or installment plans. Mollie and Paynl include features for managing recurring transactions and failed payment retries.