An information collecting system comprises an access terminal connectable to a data base through a network and a host computer, an IC memory card adapted for removable insertion into the access terminal, and a portable personal terminal. Requests for an item of information, from a customer, are inputted and recorded in the IC memory card using the personal terminal and the IC memory card is inserted into the access terminal. The request for information is transmitted through the access terminal to the data base and the requested information, transmitted from the data base, is stored in the IC memory card. Thereafter, the IC memory card, storing the information, is inserted into the personal terminal whereby the requested information is displayed on a display formed in the personal terminal.