payleven and Apple launch Chip & PIN card reader

payleven says it is making its Chip & PIN card reader available for anyone to buy off the shelf in Apple retail stores and on the Apple online store across Europe. This marks the first time ever that it has been possible to buy a card machine on the high street, lowering the barriers to entry for budding entrepreneurs wanting to start their own retail business.

The small gadget links up with an iPhone, iPad or Android device via Bluetooth to make it quick and easy for anyone to start taking card payments from major card providers such as VISA and MasterCard.

“Apple’s decision to sell Payleven Chip & PIN card readers in their stores is a great step forward for mobile card acceptance and we’re delighted to see solutions emerge that can bring Chip & PIN out of the shop and into the hands of small businesses wherever they provide their goods and services to the public,” says Neil Horseman, VP, acceptance at Visa Europe. "Payleven’s solution helps to increase card acceptance while preserving the important Chip & PIN functionality and all the security benefits that it provides.”