iZettle has launched a chip and PIN reader in six European countries, a move which makes it more competitive with rivals.

The company has launched the reader in the UK, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Previously, it only offered a chip and signature reader on which its small business customers could process card payments from users.

Among the credit card firms, Visa insists on the use of a PIN in transactions.

iZettle’s move follows that of rival Payleven which has just announced plans to introduce its own chip and PIN reader.

In addition, iZettle has announced a partnership agreement with Banco Santander in Spain under which it will offer the card reader to its customers. Santander is the first bank in the country to offer iZettle’s reader.