CARD READER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

Provided is a card reader being capable of easily determining whether or not the orientation of the inserted IC card is correct. This card reader comprises: an insertion port (3) wherein a card (2) having a built-in IC chip is inserted; a metal detection mechanism (10) for detecting an external connection terminal (2C) of the IC chip formed in the card (2); and a tip detection mechanism (11) for detecting the tip, in the insertion direction, of the card (2) inserted from the insertion port (3). In this card reader (1), the metal detection mechanism (10) and the tip detection mechanism (11) detects the tip, in the insertion direction, of the card (2) inserted in the correct orientation from the insertion port (3), the metal detection mechanism (10) is arranged at a position that detects the external connection terminal (2c).