A component for holding a magnetic reading head, and a slotted magnetic card reader comprising a magnetic card reader held by such a component. The holding device includes a single component having at least one perforated plane surface appreciably of the same length and same width as the rear face of the housing of the reading head. The reading head also has two surfaces perpendicular to the perforated plane surface that form two mutually parallel lateral uprights intended to grip the housing of the magnetic reading head, and at least one affixation point.