Mobile payments startup Payleven has struck a deal that calls for Apple to start selling chip-and-PIN readers in its retail stores across Europe.
Payleven's chip-and-PIN reader can be connected to an iPhone, iPad or Android device via Bluetooth, allowing users to take payments from major card providers such as Visa and MasterCard. The device can be used anywhere where a mobile or Wi-Fi connection is available and is intended to be used by small businesses and sole practitioners such as plumbers, electricians or outdoor market stalls, Payleven said in a news release Thursday.
The device is available for $150 and has no fixed monthly fee. Payleven charges 2.75% per transaction.
"Anyone who wants to buy one can go to an Apple retail store in London right now and get one," said a Payleven spokesman.
Payleven is active in Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands, Italy, Poland and Brazil. The Payleven spokesman declined to say when the readers would be available in other countries.
Payleven is one of many companies that offer mobile chip-and-PIN systems in Europe. PayPal, for instance, launched its mobile chip-and-PIN service in the U.K. last February. Other competitors are iZettle and Elavon, which offer similar mobile chip-and-PIN services.
IZettle offers its services in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the U.K. and Spain. Elavon is available in the U.K. and Ireland.
