The present invention relates to a card reader assembly. The card reader assembly can be mounted in a variety of vending equipment, arcade game equipment, and other suitable equipment. Furthermore, the card reader assembly can be mounted in a standard size vending machine bill validator opening.The card reader assembly can provide for the optional mounting of a card reader, a card reader interface circuit board, a payment module board, a communication board, and or a printer. The printer mechanism is mounted on a printer bracket. The printer bracket can be slid over the edges of and fastened to the support bracket. A paper exit slot can be provided in the card reader assembly faceplate to allow the printer paper to exit through the faceplate such that a user can receive the printer paper.In addition, the printer mechanism, card reader, and or a pushbutton can be electrically connected to the card reader interface board. The card reader interface board can be electrically connected to a computing platform 802, vending interface unit (system 500), or other suitable data processing device. In addition, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) can be incorporated into the card reader assembly. The LED display can be viewable by a user of the card reader assembly.