Swedish firm iZettle has launched its card reader, which enables small businesses to process payments using a smartphone or tablet, in the UK. It is partnering with UK mobile operator Everything Everywhere.

iZettle has also announced that it is now able to process payments made via Visa cards, following an announcement several months ago when it was unable to handle such payments in three Scandanavian countries because of “a policy decision” by the credit card giant.

The firm’s service had been in beta in the UK since May this year where it already has 4,000 users. Elsewhere in Europe, it recently launched in Germany with Deutsche Telekom and is already present in the four Scandanavian countries.

The card reader now works with both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, the company also announced.

iZettle is racing to establish itself as a market leader in Europe ahead of the emergence of any local rivals and any future launch by US market leader Square.

The announcement about working with Everything Everywhere was made on iZettle’s blog. The operator will sell the card reader in selected stores in the UK. The device does not currently appear in a search of the operator’s website.

The company has found a roundabout way to handle payments made by Visa card, although it appears not a rapprochement with the credit card firm itself.  Visa made a decision several months ago that iZettle did not meet “our standard acceptance device requirements” without supplying further details. Visa is an investor in Square, which although a rival to the Swedish firm, has not launched in Europe, at least not yet.