Electronic franking machine having improved security capabilities

An electronic franking machine comprising:

• means for reading data stored in a microcircuit fitted in a chip card, said means for reading including a receptacle for receiving said chip card;
• a punching mechanism disposed in a predetermined position with respect to the receptacle, having a punch able to move between an idle position where it is outside a space for receiving said chip card and an activated position where it passes through said space for receiving said chip card;
• and
• a controller that determines if the data stored in said microcircuit of said chip card, just after introduction of said chip card into the receptacle, conform to a predetermined criterion, and to control, as a result, said punching mechanism;
• wherein said chip card is made with a hole through its thickness in a predetermined position corresponding to that of the punching mechanism with respect to the receptacle.