The EU card vault alternative to Shift4
PCI Proxy is a European PCI DSS Level 1 card vault that stores card data exclusively in EU data centres, issues portable tokens for any acquirer, and offers optional acquiring with transparent IC++ pricing from 0.45%, free from Shift4's US-headquartered ecosystem.
Why European merchants choose PCI Proxy over Shift4
Shift4 is US-headquartered, raising GDPR data residency concerns for EU merchants. PCI Proxy stores all card data in EU-only data centres, issues portable tokens and itemises every cost with full IC++ transparency.
EU data residency
Card data stored exclusively in European data centres. Unambiguous GDPR compliance without transfers to US-based Shift4 infrastructure.
Dedicated PCI L1 vault
PCI Proxy is purpose-built for secure card storage, certified annually to PCI DSS Level 1.
Transparent IC++ pricing
Interchange++ from 0.45%, fully itemised. Interchange, scheme fees and margin listed separately.
Processor-agnostic tokens
The same PCI Proxy token routes to Shift4, Adyen, Stripe, Nexi or any acquirer without re-tokenisation.
Multi-acquirer flexibility
Route transactions to the cheapest acquirer per BIN, geography or currency without re-capturing cards.
All capture channels
Hosted fields, mobile SDKs, MOTO/call centre, email payment links and API.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | Shift4 | PCI Proxy (EU)RECOMMENDED |
|---|---|---|
| Data residency | US-headquartered (global) | EU only |
| Token portability | Shift4 ecosystem only | Any acquirer |
| Pricing model | Enterprise / opaque | IC++ itemised from 0.45% |
| PCI scope reduction | Via Shift4 gateway | SAQ D to SAQ A |
| Dedicated vault | Full-stack US processor | Dedicated EU PCI L1 vault |
| Certifications | PCI DSS compliant | PCI L1, ISO 27001/9001, DORA |
Switch vault without re-capturing cards
We manage secure vault migrations from Shift4 and any PCI-compliant provider. Tokens are transferred into the PCI Proxy EU vault without customers re-entering card details, and recurring subscriptions continue uninterrupted.
Plan your migrationNo re-capture
Migrates existing cards to portable EU-stored tokens.
No downtime
Recurring billing continues without interruption.
Easy exit
Leaving is as simple as joining.
Shift4 alternative, answered
01What is the best European alternative to Shift4?
PCI Proxy is a European PCI DSS Level 1 card vault with processor-agnostic tokenisation, 100% EU data residency and transparent IC++ pricing from 0.45%. All card data is stored exclusively in EU data centres.
02How does PCI Proxy differ from Shift4?
Shift4 is a US-headquartered full-stack processor. PCI Proxy is a dedicated EU card vault with portable tokens and itemised IC++ pricing for any processor or acquirer.
03Can I use PCI Proxy alongside Shift4?
Yes. PCI Proxy stores cards in the EU vault and only detokenises to Shift4 at the point of charge.
04Does PCI Proxy reduce PCI DSS scope?
Yes. Most merchants move from SAQ D to SAQ A.
Dedicated EU vault. Portable tokens. Transparent IC++ pricing.
Tell us your current Shift4 setup and we will show you how to store card data in the EU, gain portable tokens and know exactly what you pay.