Looking for a Stripe alternative based in Europe?
Stripe Managed Payments charges 3.5% on top of regular Stripe fees, making it the most expensive MoR option. If you want EU jurisdiction, transparent pricing, and native European payments, here's how Vatly differs.
Vatly vs Stripe: feature comparison
Both offer Merchant of Record. Here's where Vatly differs.
| Feature | Vatly | Stripe Managed Payments |
|---|---|---|
|
Company headquarters
Where the legal entity is based
|
🇳🇱 Netherlands (EU) | 🇺🇸 USA |
|
CLOUD Act exposure
US government data access risk
|
✓ None | ✗ Exposed |
|
Data processing
Where customer data is processed
|
✓ EU only | US-based |
|
Merchant of Record
Handles tax as the legal seller
|
✓ | ✓ |
|
Global tax compliance
VAT, GST, Sales Tax handled
|
✓ | ✓ |
|
European payment methods
iDEAL, Bancontact, SEPA, etc.
|
✓ Native via Mollie | ✓ |
|
Payment processor
Who handles the payments
|
Mollie (EU) | Stripe (US) |
|
MoR fee
Merchant of Record surcharge
|
✓ Included in pricing | +3.5% on top of Stripe fees |
|
Total for EU int'l card
Realistic cost per transaction
|
~5% | ~6.75% + €0.25 |
|
Payout fees
Cost to receive your money
|
✓ 5 free/month, then €0.25 | Standard Stripe fees |
Why Stripe Managed Payments is the most expensive MoR
💸 The math doesn't work for EU merchants
Stripe Managed Payments charges 3.5% on top of regular Stripe fees. For an EU merchant receiving an international card payment, that's: 3.25% (int'l card) + €0.25 + 3.5% (MoR) = 6.75% + €0.25.
That makes Stripe Managed Payments one of the most expensive Merchant of Record options on the market.
🏛️ Still US jurisdiction
Stripe is a US company. Even with EU data centers, your merchant agreement and business relationship fall under US jurisdiction. CLOUD Act applies. US government data requests are possible.
Vatly is a Dutch company (EU). Your data stays under EU legal frameworks. Full GDPR protection without the US jurisdiction risk.
💳 European payments aren't native
Stripe was built for the US market. European payment methods like iDEAL, Bancontact, and SEPA Direct Debit are available but not native. They're add-ons to a US-first platform.
Vatly is built on Mollie, Europe's leading payment provider. European payment methods are first-class citizens, not afterthoughts.
Why EU-based matters
🇪🇺 True GDPR compliance
With Vatly, your data never leaves EU-controlled infrastructure, simplifying your compliance burden. No complex SCCs or data transfer mechanisms needed.
🏛️ Data sovereignty
Your customers' payment data, invoices, and personal information stay within EU jurisdiction. Essential for enterprise customers with strict data residency requirements.
💶 European payment expertise
Built by developers who understand SEPA, iDEAL, Bancontact, and European payment preferences. Native support for the payment methods your EU customers prefer.
🤝 EU support hours
Get support during European business hours from a team that understands EU business practices, tax requirements, and regulatory landscape.
Ready?
Ready to switch to an EU-based MoR?
Join European SaaS founders who chose data sovereignty without compromising on features.