The disclosure relates to a card reader head assembly which comprises stationary and movable contact members between which is provided a card receiving area in which a data card or cards are to be disposed. The movable contact members are provided with contact fingers disposed in an insulating block with the contact members forming plate means having leg members extending outwardly at an acute angle with respect to the plate means and contact feet at the free ends of the leg members. The contact feet are disposed in alinement with respective contact elements on the stationary contact means. A holding device is provided which includes a plurality of fingers positioned on the movable contact means adjacent the contact members and sloping in a direction opposite to the contact members. Operating means is connected to the movable contact means to move same toward the stationary contact means with the edges of the contact feet wipingly engaging respective contact elements of the stationary contact means and the contact feet and leg members being movable in the same containing plate means.