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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Clover logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Clover

🇺🇸Clover · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Point-of-sale system for restaurants and retail businesses with payment processing, inventory management, and employee tools.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Clover

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Clover 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 Clover, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Clover, 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

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

2 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to Clover

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Flatpay logo

Flatpay

🇩🇰

by Flatpay

Flatpay provides businesses with streamlined payment solutions and a powerful point of sale system, allowing merchants to easily accept payments anytime, anywhere, with no hidden fees.

EU-Based
paid
SumUp logo

SumUp

🇬🇧

by SumUp Limited

SumUp is a European mobile payment processing company headquartered in London, UK (founded 2012). It enables small businesses to accept card payments via portable card readers and a smartphone app. SumUp operates across 36 markets in Europe, the Americas, and globally. The platform includes card readers, mobile POS, online payments, invoicing, and a business account — all with no monthly fees on the standard plan. Merchants pay only per transaction (1.69% for in-person payments in Europe).

GDPR CompliantEU-Based
Pay Per Transaction

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Clover
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇩🇰FlatpayDKYesYesYespaid
🇬🇧SumUpGBYesYesYesPay Per Transaction

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clover GDPR compliant?

Clover is a US-based service operated by Clover. 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 Clover?

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 Clover?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Clover include Flatpay, SumUp. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Clover 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 Clover?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Clover. 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

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission to promote European alternatives. Our recommendations are based on objective criteria.

Last updated: March 18, 2026