A holding mechanism for an integrated circuit card comprises a housing part having a recess for receiving the integrated circuit card, and a terminal unit provided in said depression having contact elements facing towards the integrated circuit card when inserted. The recess is formed with guiding means for maintaining the position of the integrated circuit card relative to said contact elements of the terminal unit. A pivotal lid having means for mounting the lid to the housing part for covering the recess in a closed position. The mechanism has locking means for engaging the lid in order maintain the lid in a releasable locked position upon this engagement, and the lid being provided with biasing means biasing the integrated circuit card towards the contact elements of the terminal unit when the lid is in the locked position.