Abstract: (57) Abstract: A card reader (10, 20, 110. 120, 210) for receiving a smart card (12) having leading and trailing edges joined by sides and laterally and longitudinally spaced card contacts (14) on a contact surface is disclosed. The card reader (10, 20, 110,210, 310)includes a frame (30, 32. 130, 132, 230), a plurality of reader contacts (22), an insertion indicator switch (18, 118) and a spring element (48). The frame provides an insertion opening (50, 150, 151) having opposite sides for slidably receiving such a smart card (12). The plurality of reader contacts (22) are for engaging the card contact (14). The insertion indicator switch (18, 118) is positioned and configured on the reader (10, 20, 110, 120, 210) to establish when the card (12) is positioned such that the card contacts (14) and reader contacts (22) are engaged. The spring element (48) engages a side of such a card to urge the card against the opposite side of the opening (50, 150, 151).