Abstract: A reading head able to process both inductive debit cards and chip cards comprising two dissimilar complementary portions, the internal surfaces of the portions defining the channel housing the data card inserted in the head, the first portion (80) having inductive sensors (83) for the reading of inductive credit cells and the second portion (140) having a magnetic metal plate (142) which completes the magnetic circuit of the inductive sensors, as well as contact pins (162) engaging the terminal pads on the surface of the card. The portions remain normally kept apart by a first set of mechanical coupling devices (84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 93, 94, 95, 144) placed between the two portions, the opening thus provided being substantially wider than the thickness of the card, the mutual approximation of the portions being provided by the mechanical devices at the final part of the card's insertion travel.