Stripe vs GoCardless: The Data Security Showdown
Explore how US-based Stripe and UK-based GoCardless handle data privacy. Which offers the peace of mind your business needs in today's digital landscape?
Should You Switch to GoCardless?
Better privacy, EU servers, lower failure rates with GoCardless
Loss of advanced APIs, fraud detection, and global payment options
Switch if privacy and EU compliance are priorities; stay for advanced features
At a Glance
US data laws
GDPR protected
Stripe
Pay Per Transaction
GoCardless
freemium
Privacy & Compliance Comparison
Critical data sovereignty factors at a glance
| Criteria | Stripe | GoCardless |
|---|---|---|
Server Location | US (AWS), EU (optional) | EU |
GDPR Compliance | Partial (SCCs) | Full |
Open Source | ||
E2E Encryption | Optional | Optional |
Data Portability | Partial | Partial |
CLOUD Act Notice
Stripe is a US company and must comply with CLOUD Act data requests, even for data stored in EU data centers. GoCardless is not subject to US jurisdiction.
Stripe
🇺🇸Stripe Inc.
GoCardless
🇬🇧GoCardless Ltd
US Data Storage
Data subject to US CLOUD Act and may be accessed by US authorities
EU Data Protection
Data protected under GDPR with EU-only data residency
Certifications & Compliance
No certifications listed
Reasons to Switch
- ✓Lower transaction fees with GoCardless direct debit
- ✓EU-based servers ensure GDPR compliance
- ✓Retry intelligence reduces payment failures
- ✓ISO 27001 certification for strong data security
Things to Consider
- !Migration from Stripe requires time and resources
- !Limited support for one-time card payments
- !Learning curve for GoCardless API integration
Migration Overview
Depends on data size and complexity
Quick Steps
Plan migration timeline and backup all data
Set up GoCardless with custom configuration
Migrate in phases, test thoroughly at each step
Note: GoCardless is ideal for businesses focused on recurring payments, offering a straightforward migration path.
Other alternatives to Stripe
Ready to make the switch?
Start using GoCardless today and take control of your data privacy.