Payments: European providers compared
Payment service providers (PSPs) for online and in-person payments – card, SEPA, iDEAL and more. For European merchants, EU data processing, fair fees and an EU licence matter.
Recommendations
Mollie
Netherlands
Dutch payment provider with an EU licence and EU data processing – a European alternative to Stripe and PayPal.
Adyen
Netherlands
Dutch enterprise payment platform with a European banking licence – online, in-store and marketplace payments from one provider.
Comparison table
Selection criteria
Key factors are the supported payment methods (card, SEPA, iDEAL, Bancontact …), transparent transaction fees, payout countries and integration into your shop or checkout. For European data control, choose a provider with an EU licence and EU data processing.
Data protection & compliance
Payment providers process sensitive payment and customer data and are regulated (e.g. PSD2, PCI-DSS). Look for an EU/EEA licence (e.g. as an e-money institution), EU data processing and a DPA.
The Sovereignty Score is an editorial orientation aid, not legal advice.
Typical use cases
- Online payments in your own shop
- Recurring payments and SEPA direct debit
- Marketplace and platform payments
- European payment methods (iDEAL, Bancontact, SEPA)
Pricing guidance
Usually transaction-based (percentage + fixed amount per payment), often with no monthly fee; higher tiers offer lower variable rates.
Providers in this category
Mollie
Netherlands
Dutch payment provider with an EU licence and EU data processing – a European alternative to Stripe and PayPal.
Adyen
Netherlands
Dutch enterprise payment platform with a European banking licence – online, in-store and marketplace payments from one provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a European Stripe/PayPal alternative?
The Sovereignty Score is an editorial orientation aid, not legal advice. How we rate.