We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
Electronic pickpocketing can result in fraud and identity theft, but an RFID wallet can help protect you. When in close enough proximity, scanning devices can possibly be used to steal account information stored in credit and debit cards. This is known as radio-frequency identification (RFID) skimming. It’s uncommon, but it’s also relatively simple to protect yourself against. The bad news is your traditional wallet likely won’t do the trick. The good news is there are now plenty of RFID-blocking wallets so that you won’t have to constantly worry about someone skimming your information without you even realizing it. So, if you want to create a virtual shield for your tap-to-pay cards, check out our selection of the best RFID wallets.
- Best overall: The Ridge
- Best for minimalists: Buffway Slim
- Best zippered: Travelambo
- Best billfold: Fossil
- Best for passports: Zoppen
- Most anti-theft protection: PacSafe Z50
How we chose the best RFID wallets
There’s a decent selection of RFID wallets, ranging in price, style, size, and functionality. For our final recommended list of best RFID wallets, we first looked at dozens of choices. We considered key features such as the level of RFID protection, the size of the wallet, style versus functionality, the material used to produce the wallet, and manufacturer reputation. Skimmers can use a wide array of devices to snoop on your info, so it’s important to consider all the potential attack vectors.
The best RFID wallets: Reviews & Recommendations
Choosing the right RFID wallet can be overwhelming. We have selected options to fit practically any lifestyle and budget, as prices can range from as little as $10 to upwards of a couple of hundred dollars. The highest-priced wallet on this list starts just shy of $100, and you don’t need to pay more for RFID benefits, though you can based on material preferences. If paying with your phone isn’t your jam, one of our choices should keep the cards in your pocket protected.
Best overall: The Ridge
Tactical Traits
Pros
- Military-grade materials
- Minimal design
- Lots of material options
Cons
- Highest price on the list
- Limited edition coatings, prints, and engravings may sell out quickly
- Some finishes are more prone to scratch and chip than others
Why it made the cut: Its design is unique compared to other wallets, and it’s super-durable.
Specs
- 6061-T6 aluminum, as well as titanium, Damascus steel, and 3k carbon weave options
- Anodized gunmetal plates
- Weighs 2.5 ounces or less
- Easily accessed and adjusted elastic and screws
- Interchangeable money clip or cash strap
The Ridge Wallet is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a durable and modern solution to secure their essentials. With design and functionality in mind, the Ridge Wallet takes up minimal space without limiting its use. Made primarily from metal (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, or carbon fiber, depending on the variant you choose), the Ridge Wallet is designed to last for years without degrading in quality. It easily protects credit and ID cards within its elastic-attached casing, keeping everything safe from falling out even if you drop the wallet. The main compartment is expandable but hard-sided, allowing it to stretch to hold 1-12 cards and prevent both physical and digital defilement of the contents.
It might take time to get used to fanning out the cards and picking the one you need, especially if you’re transitioning from a traditional wallet. And the wallet is optimized more for cards than cash. However, the wallet’s design allows users to disassemble and reassemble it, meaning parts can be replaced if they wear out or the owner wishes to customize it. For instance, you can choose between a money clip or a cash strap based on personal preference. The kit even includes a small Torx bit driver and instructions to modify the wallet.
This wallet has a dual-track design, which includes RFID-blocking inner plates to protect all of your important information and valuable cards. It works in a front pocket, but it can also survive in a purse. You might not want to put it in your back pocket, however, since its hard sides won’t be comfortable to sit on, and if there’s one thing that might bend or dent it, it’s your entire body weight shifting. But the Ridge Wallet is an excellent choice for individuals seeking both minimalism and maximized peace of mind. — Scott Ferguson
Best for minimalists: Buffway Slim
Money Minimalist
Pros
- Extremely compact
- Comes in 20-plus colors
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not able to block 125KHz signals (i.e., hotel room keys and access cards)
- Doesn’t form a complete cage around cards
Why it made the cut: It’s slim and lightweight but still provides RFID-blocking technology and space for your essentials, ultimately making it great for individuals looking to lighten their load while protecting their identity.
Specs
- Measures 3 ⅛” x 4 7/16” x 1/8”
- Weighs 1.05 oz
- Includes 8 slots
- Front pocket money clip
Having a wallet that is strong, durable, and offers RFID protection doesn’t have to mean bulky automatically. Whether you’re traveling or just prefer not to feel weighed down by a clunky wallet, a slim, minimalist wallet is a must.
We were impressed with the lightweight and slimness of the Buffway Slim Wallet and how it proves that big things can come in small packages. While weighing just over 1 ounce and ⅛ of an inch in thickness, this wallet still provides plenty of space to carry your essential cards and cash. Included are four slots that can hold credit, debit, and bank cards; one clear slot made for your ID, work badge, or driver’s license; two side-slip pockets for items such as business cards or train passes; and one middle pocket for cash, tickets, receipts, and more.
This wallet is equipped with a protective layer that blocks 13-14Mhz electronic signals, which includes the most common radio frequencies, from trying to retrieve your personal information.
The Buffway Slim Wallet is available in almost 30 different colors, ranging from neutrals to pastels to bright hues. Each wallet is 100-percent genuine leather with a polyester lining.
Best zippered: Travelambo
Zip It Up
Pros
- Plenty of space
- Comes in 30-plus colors
- Affordable
Cons
- Requires some breaking-in
- Can get bulky fairly quickly
- Doesn’t fit more recent (larger) smartphones
Why it made the cut: Its design includes zipper and button closures, giving users an alternative to a bifold or trifold.
Specs
- Measures 8” x 4” x 1”
- 100-percent leather
The Travelambo zippered wallet is impressive, first and foremost, for its large capacity. It offers 16 slots for cards, one window slot for an ID card, and two zippered pockets. Your credit and debit cards, receipts, coupons, cash, and more can all easily fit in this practical and stylish wallet without feeling like it’s overloaded and unorganized. You can use the inner button when the wallet is on the fuller side and the further button while empty.
The Travelambo wallet is available in more than 30 color options ranging from basic neutrals to bold colors. Each wallet is handmade from genuine leather. Because it fully closes around the cards, it creates a more effective layer of RFID protection than an open-faced wallet.
Best billfold: Fossil
The Traditionalist
Pros
- Several compartments
- Traditional look
Cons
- Fewer color choices than others
Why it made the cut: Its traditional look and design are perfect for individuals weary of change.
Specs
- 100-percent leather
- Bifold closure
- Flip ID windows
- Front slide pocket
- Measures 4.25″ x 0.75″ x 3.5″
The initial impression of this Fossil wallet may be that it looks like one you currently own. That’s because it still has Fossil’s highly loved look while providing extra levels of protection for essentially the same price and without adding extra bulk.
This RFID wallet has what has traditionally been referred to as a masculine design. Perfectly fitting in your front or back pocket, it is a great size for someone who isn’t quite ready to go as small as a minimalist design but still wants something that will fit in their pocket. If you still pay with a balance of cash and cards and like to collect physical receipts, this is the best design for you.
Best for passports: Zoppen
With Travelers In Mind
Pros
- Great for travel
- Several compartments
- Over 30+ color options
Cons
- Only effective on a frequency of 13.56Mhz
- Small coin pocket
Why it made the cut: Its design combines practicality, plenty of space, and style into one slim package.
Specs
- Faux leather
- Tri fold closure
- Measures 7.75” x 5” x 1”
- Weighs 6 ounces
This extremely spacious wallet is made with travelers in mind. The multiple compartments will hold all of your daily and travel essentials, including a passport pouch that can hold up to two standard US passports. Other compartments include eight card slots, a flap compartment for coupons or receipts, a coin zipper pocket, a pen holder, and a SIM card slot.
What is really impressive about the Zoppen Passport Holder is the capability to hold things outside of financial-related items. It also includes a smartphone pocket that holds a phone with a maximum size of 154 x 77 x 7.7mm. It also includes a key ring so you can keep your phone, money, and keys all connected.
This wallet makes for a great choice for someone who likes the cosmetic look of leather wallets but prefers not to have genuine leather. It is produced using premium polyurethane (PU) leather and faux suede.
Best for anti-theft protection: PacSafe
Security First
Pros
- Great for travel
- Extra security
- Unisex
- Mid-range pricing
Cons
- Not as stylish as other options
- May be slightly bulky for a pocket
Why it made the cut: It’s great for travel, durability, and the added level of protection.
Specs
- Bifold
- Measures 5.1″ x 3.5″ x 0.6″
- Weighs 5.99 ounces
- Nylon and polyester
- Blocks transmission of 10Mhz to 3GHz
PacSafe is a brand known for its dedication to security and mobility. The PacSafe Z50 RFID Travel Wallet is made with PacSafe’s award-winning RFIDsafe blocking material and a detachable, hard-to-cut metal chain. This strap makes it harder for pickpockets to slash the strap in their attempt to steal it. It can also be used to wrap it around your wrist or secured to a belt loop while in your pocket.
As for the storage capabilities, this wallet includes a zippered note slot, a slip note slot, six slots for cards, and a split pocket. The RFIDsafe blocking material blocks out between 10MHz and 3GHz, which covers the radio frequency used in most e-passports, credit cards, ID cards, and key cards.
What to consider when buying the best RFID wallets
What should you consider when you’re searching to buy a quality RFID wallet? Here are some things you’ll want to keep in mind before making your purchase:
- Price: RFID wallets come in a wide variety of materials, and it will be up to personal preference on what type of material you’d like to utilize. Options include genuine and synthetic leather, military-grade materials, and other synthetic materials.
- Material: Higher price points usually are due to special features such as lifetime guarantees, anti-theft properties, or mainstream brand names. However, if you have a small budget, there are plenty of stylish and practical options for under $20.
- Planned Usage: Deciding whether you’re looking for something to use in your day-to-day life, just when you travel, or for all occasions will likely drive your decision by a decent amount. Some very minimalist designs may not be practical if you’re headed on a trip with travel documents and other additional items you need to keep safe. On the other hand, a wallet made with travel in mind may just be too bulky to use every day for your taste.
FAQs
The cost of an RFID wallet depends very much on the materials from which it is made. The picks on this list range from about $15 for options made from nylon to $95 or more for The Ridge, which is made with military-grade aluminum, among other materials.
RFID wallets can effectively prevent the transmission to possible thieves. The range of wallets and other products that have RFID-blocking features has risen tremendously in recent years. The chances you’ll get skimmed are low, but the penalty for failure is high, and the cost for protection is low.
Generally, the only time this could possibly be an issue is with a wallet that has magnetic closures. However, this applies to non-RFID wallets as well. Other magnetic sources such as refrigerator magnets, speakers, and TVs are possible sources that could demagnetize cards.
In short, no. Chip cards are called EMV cards. The difference is that an EMV chip card must be inserted into the reader, while an RFID card just has to get close to one. An example would be just touching your card to the reader rather than inserting or swiping it. To know if you have an RFID card, look for radio waves on the card, similar to the symbol you see on your phone or computer when you’re connected to WiFi.
Final thoughts on the best RFID wallets
- Best overall: The Ridge
- Best for minimalists: Buffway Slim
- Best zippered: Travelambo
- Best billfold: Fossil
- Best for passports: Zoppen
- Most anti-theft protection: PacSafe Z50
If you still have the same wallet from high school, you may consider that it’s time to update the item that carries some of the most important information in your life. Taking just a little bit of time to find and pick the best RFID wallets will pay off in the long run. Having a wallet that protects you against theft in your back pocket will give you some peace of mind.
