A space-efficient card reader for various electronic devices includes a plurality of adjacent, spaced-apart electrical connector pins extending outwardly from a portion of a printed circuit board (PCB) in an electronic device. A cover is configured to overlie the PCB portion, and includes a plurality of adjacent, spaced-apart apertures formed therein. Each aperture is configured to receive a respective one of the connector pins therethrough when the cover is in a secured position overlying the PCB portion. A receptacle is secured to an outer surface of the cover, and is configured to removablyreceive a card therein such that electrical contacts on the card make contact with the connector pins extending through the apertures in the cover.