Abstract: A card reader receives electronic chip cards of different thicknesses incing relatively thick and thin chip cards, each card having electrical interface connection terminals thereon. The reader includes a front panel having a card introduction opening. A first mating connector is positioned to engage the interface connection terminals of the thick chip cards. A fixed first guide positions the interface connection terminals of the thick cards into engagement the first mating connector. A second mating connector is positioned to engage the interface connection terminals of the thin chip cards. A moveable second guide means guides the interface connection terminals of the thin chip cards into engagement with the second mating connector. The second guide is retractable under action of introduction of the thick cards against a resilient return means.