A smart card connector of simple design and small size is provided, which retains a fully inserted smart card until a person deflects a tab (172) that releases the smart card, with the connector including a spring (130A) which then partially ejects the smart card so it can be grasped and removed. The apparatus includes a housing (302A) with a dielectric plastic plate-shaped support (72A) that holds contacts (94) with pad-engaging ends (92) projecting above an upwardly-facing face (106) of the pl...