With more people using credit cards and smartphones for their purchases, the need for big bulky wallets has declined. If you still use a wallet that barely fits in your back pocket, you probably haven't thought about getting a minimalist replacement. However, despite their name and appearance, choosing a minimalist wallet isn’t a simple task. Fortunately, Everyday Carry is here to help with this review of the 17 best minimalist wallets.
Wallet | Rating | Price Range | Weight (oz) | Size (in) | Material |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10/10 | $100 - $170 | 2 | 3.4 x 2.1 x 0.2 | Multiple | |
9.4/10 | $50 - $60 | N/A | 4 x 2.8 | Leather | |
8.8/10 | $30 - $40 | N/A | 3.5 x 2.1 x 0.3 | Leather | |
Airo Collective Stealth Razor Wallet | 8.4/10 | $60 - $70 | 0.81 | 7.75 x 3.25 x 0.13 | Military-spec ballistic material |
8.8/10 | $30 - $40 | 2.56 | 3.8 x 2.35 x 3.8 | Stainless steel | |
10/10 | $60 - $70 | 0.50 | 2.9 x 4 | Full-grain leather | |
9.6/10 | $50 - $60 | N/A | 2.75 x 4 | Full-grain Spanish cowhide | |
8.2/10 | $60 - $70 | 2.82 | 5.04 x 4.17 x 0.39 | Leather | |
9.2/10 | Unavailable | 1.4 | 5 x 3.4 x 0.25 | Genuine leather, leather lining | |
10/10 | $60 - $70 | 1 | 4.21 x 2.76 x 0.16 | Carbon fiber | |
9.2/10 | $15 - $20 | 1.05 | 3.13 x 4.44 x 0.12 | Leather, polyester lining | |
8.8/10 | $80 - $90 | 0.95 | 3.94 x 2.72 x 0.28 | Leather | |
9.6/10 | $15 - $20 | N/A | 3 x 4 | Polyester, cotton lining | |
9/10 | $10 - $30 | N/A | 4 x 3.25 x 0.13 | Genuine leather, leather lining | |
8.8/10 | $90 - $100 | 3.5 | 4.8 x 2.6 x 0.4 | Leather, DTEX | |
9.4/10 | $15 - $30 | 0.63 | 0.25 x 2.2 x 2.75 | Polyester | |
8.8/10 | $75 - $80 | 2.75 | 0.5 x 2.9 x 4.8 | Aluminum |
Top 17 Best Minimalist Wallets on the Market Today
The top 17 minimalist wallets guarantee protection and offer easy access to your business cards, ID card, and credit and debit cards.
1. The Ridge Wallet
Rating – 10/10
Price Range – $100 – $170
Weight: 2 Ounces
Size – 3.4 x 2.1 x 0.2 Inches
Material – Multiple
Although this isn't a ranking list, The Ridge wallets deserve to be mentioned first. These minimal wallets are some of the best on the market today, and for many good reasons. From high-quality materials to ingenious designs, these wallets will serve you well for a long time to come.
With a handy elastic strap, they can hold up to 12 cards without stretching or looking bulky. Easy access is provided with an outside thumb notch. In addition, no card slot will be occupied with banknotes since the wallet comes with a tight money clip or cash strap, which you can switch between by using a screwdriver that comes with the package.
Apart from preventing your cards and money from falling out, The Ridge also guarantees security with its integrated RFID protection.
The Ridge wallets aren't the cheapest choice, but they're worth every cent. Moreover, if you feel like any part of your wallet isn't fulfilling its purpose, The Ridge's lifetime warranty will provide a replacement. Returns are allowed within 99 days after purchase.
2. Bellroy Card Sleeve
Rating – 9.4/10
Price Range – $50 – $60
Size – 4 x 2.8 Inches
Material – Leather
The Bellroy Card Sleeve is the slimmest wallet in the Bellroy selection. It can easily fit into your front and back pockets without bulging. You can carry it alongside your other wallet if you have a multitude of cards or on its own.
The solid pattern and simple design of leather and thread make it a great choice for both men and women who love minimalism. In addition, the neutral black color not only makes it a perfect fit for everyone, but it's also part of Bellroy's Dressed Leathers range, making it more resistant to scratch marks and keeps your wallet looking new for longer.
With two easy-access pockets at the front and the back, it can fit from two to eight cards and folded bills. The main storage has a handy pull tab backed by a three-year warranty.
3. Distil Union Wally Micro
Rating – 8.8/10
Price Range – $30 – $40
Size – 3.5 x 2.1 x 0.3 Inches
Material – Leather
If you don't want to limit yourself to one color, the Distil Union Wally Micro wallet is a perfect choice. You can choose between five different wallets with reversible colors that will surely suit your style.
Although small and discreet, this modern leather cardholder can fit up to ten business cards and folded bills. The reversible design might seem unreliable - but worry not. The elastic strap and tighter corners ensure that your cards are safe and covered.
This full-grain leather wallet also features a pull tab for easy access and RFID protection. All wallets come with a one-year warranty, so you can always replace them if damaged during this time.
Distil Union is one of the brands that care about the environment. Hence, their leather minimalist wallets are full-grain, vegetable-tanned, and come in plastic-free packaging.
4. Airo Collective Stealth Razor Wallet
Rating – 8.4/10
Price Range – $60 – $70
Weight – 0.81 Ounces
Size – 7.75 x 3.25 x 0.13 Inches
Material – Military-spec ballistic material
If you can't let go of the bifold design, take a look at the Airo Collective Stealth Razor wallet. This slim bifold wallet is one of the best minimalist wallets for men looking for durability and longevity. It provides RFID-blocking technology for eight of your cards and secures up to four bills with a ballistic bungee loop.
Thin and lightweight it might be, but don't let that fool you. The material used for this wallet is waterproof and 15 times stronger than steel, making it perfect for those with demanding jobs. With this wallet, you won't have to worry about stretching, breaking, tearing, or bulging.
5. Trayvax Armored Summit
Rating – 8.8/10
Price Range – $30 – $40
Weight – 2.56 Ounces
Size – 3.8 x 2.35 x 3.8 Inches
Material – Stainless steel
The ultra-thin Trayvax Armored Summit wallet has everything you need for an adventure and more. It boasts 95.1% RFID protection and two heat-resistant stainless steel plates with a durable melonite finish that will protect your information and keep your cards in shape.
This practical US-made item also features an integrated money clip, a bottle opener, an attachment point, and MIL-SPEC nylon webbing for tightening and loosening. And that's not all. You can carry up to eight cards and five folded bills and quickly access your ID card with an ID window.
6. Harber London RFID Card Holder
Rating – 10/10
Price Range – $60 – $70
Weight – 0.50 Ounces
Size – 2.9 x 4 Inches
Material – Full-grain leather
With the Harber London RFID Card Holder, you won't have to worry about bulky pockets. This minimalist wallet is handcrafted in Spain and promises refined, high-quality leather.
With one middle pocket and two outside pockets for quick access, it can hold between six and eight cards that are RFID-protected at all times.
The wallet comes in six customizable options of tan and black. Over time, the wallet's color will change, leaving you with a unique patina and a timeless look as proof of its durability and longevity.
7. Taylor Stitch Minimalist Wallet
Rating – 9.6/10
Price Range – $50 – $60
Size – 2.75 x 4 Inches
Material – Full-grain Spanish cowhide
The Taylor Stitch Minimalist wallet is the result of Spanish craftsmanship. This super slim wallet is made from 100% Spanish full-grain cowhide with hand-painted edges, which gives it a unique look.
It has four exterior card slots and one secret card slot liner to minimize the bulk and prevent stretching. You can also put your money inside through a one-side entry cash slot.
8. The Dun Wallet
Rating – 8.2/10
Price Range – $60 – $70
Weight – 2.82 Ounces
Size – 5.04 x 4.17 x 0.39 Inches
Material – Leather
The Dun wallet might not be the slimmest wallet EDC has to recommend, but it's certainly the most capacious while still being able to fit in your front pocket. It comes in three black and two brown options with gold, silver, or gunmetal clip.
This top-grain calf leather wallet has four separate card slots for your ID card, driver's license, and other cards. What's more, you can fit as many as 10 unfolded bills due to its smart cash strap. If you have some coins, you can put them in card slots that easily double as coin pockets.
9. Rogue Industries Minimalist Wallet
Rating – 9.2/10
Price Range –Unavailable
Weight – 1.4 Ounces
Size – 5 x 3.4 x 0.25 Inches
Material – Genuine leather, leather lining
The Rogue Industries minimalist wallet is ideal for men looking for a more masculine design while keeping things light and simple. It also makes a great gift for your dad, grandfather, or uncle.
These bifold wallets are made from genuine American Bison leather and come in Bison Black and Bison Brown colors. However, each wallet is a unique piece due to the natural variations of Bison hide.
The wallet features three card slots and one ID pocket with a window, but you can fit up to six cards. Furthermore, a banknote divider allows you to put your bills in full size and fold them with the wallet.
10. Pioneer Molecule
Rating – 10/10
Price Range –$60 – $70
Weight – 1 Ounce
Size – 4.21 x 2.76 x 0.16 Inches
Material – Carbon fiber
The Pioneer Molecule is a classy wallet that can hold up to six cards in its front and back card slots and folded cash in the main pocket. The technology behind this item makes it 10 times stronger than steel and better than leather.
You can choose between four different but equally stylish colors that will definitely fit your wardrobe. The matte finish might seem like a nice touch, but it's much more than just that. It provides resistance against dirt and water, so you don't have to worry about your belongings getting damaged.
If you change your mind about the color or even the whole wallet, Pioneer Carry allows exchange and easy returns within 14 days of purchase.
11. Buffway Slim Wallet
Rating – 9.2/10
Price Range –$15 – $20
Weight – 1.05 Ounces
Size – 3.13 x 4.44 x 0.12 Inches
Material – Leather, polyester lining
The Buffway slim wallet offers just enough space and comes in various colors, making it suitable for both genders and people of all ages. With its slim design and discreet appearance, this stylish card holder wallet can be a great gift for both your working husband and your teenage daughter.
You can fit just about everything inside. With four credit card slots, two side pockets, and one middle pocket for banknotes, receipts, it also features one see-through window to quickly access cards like your ID card or driver's license.
Another reason why this slim wallet is everyone's top pick is its integrated RFID-blocking technology that blocks 13-14 Mhz and protects your personal data.
12. Tanner Goods Journeyman
Rating – 8.8/10
Price Range –$80 – $90
Weight – 0.95 Ounces
Size – 3.94 x 2.72 x 0.28 Inches
Material – Leather
The Tanner Goods Journeyman is a neat, slim wallet with four card slots and one pocket for stashing your money. Made of natural tooling leather, it’s fully manufactured in the US.
The wallets are handmade and hand-dyed, so each one will be a unique present for your husband, father, or brother. You can choose between four elegant colors that increase this wallet's minimalist look.
13. Herschel Charlie
Rating – 9.6/10
Price Range –$15 – $20
Size – 3 x 4 Inches
Material – Polyester, cotton lining
The Herschel Charlie men's wallet is an ideal choice if you're looking for something inexpensive but don't want to compromise on quality and durability. While not the thinnest wallet on the market, it makes a perfect money and credit card holder for those used to standard wallets.
You can fit around six cards and eight banknotes before it gets too bulky, but it still provides space for more. The wallet is 100% polyester, making it completely washable and perfect for travel and everyday use.
14. Hammer Anvil Minimalist
Rating – 9/10
Price Range –$10 – $30
Size – 4 x 3.25 x 0.13
Material – Genuine leather, leather lining
The Hammer Anvil Minimalist is a sleek and convenient option that has eight card slots and a central pocket for cash. It's one of the less pricy options on the list, but it functions just as well, if not better, than some more expensive mini wallets.
You can fit it into your front pocket with ease and carry everything you need without even noticing it's there. The high-quality leather makes it a lightweight but durable companion that won't disappoint.
If you're concerned about safety, you'll be happy to learn that this leather wallet comes with certified RFID protection that secures your cards against 13.56 MHz but allows hotel cards and other access cards at 125 KHz.
15. Dango T01 Tactical
Rating – 8.8/10
Price Range –$90 – $100
Weight – 3.5 Ounces
Size – 4.8 x 2.6 x 0.4 Inches
Material – Leather, DTEX
If you need a wallet that's more than just a wallet, look no further than the Dango T01 Tactical wallet. Utilizing some of the most durable and resistant materials and RFID-blocking technology, this wallet ensures your documents are completely protected.
Made in the US from aerospace aluminum and waterproof DTEX material fastened with MIL-SPEC bolts, its durability is enhanced with a ceramic-coated chassis and a stainless steel MT02 multi-tool with over 14 functions.
You can fit 12 cards and secure cash with a silicon cash strap. The wallet is made to endure extreme conditions, but if you need extra security, Danfo offers a limited lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects.
16. Thread Wallets Elastic
Rating – 9.4/10
Price Range –$15 – $30
Weight – 0.63 Ounces
Size – 0.25 x 2.2 x 2.75 Inches
Material – Polyester
If single-color wallets aren’t to your taste, the Thread Wallets Elastic is definitely worth considering. This card holder wallet is not only one of the least expensive options on the market, but it's also extremely versatile in terms of design and appearance.
This minimalist wonder is primarily a women's wallet, but there are designs and colors suitable for anyone. It's made from durable, tight-knit elastic that will keep your cards from falling out. The inside of the wallet provides space for eight cards plus cash, but you can fit more in two additional outer pockets.
17. Ekster
Rating – 8.8/10
Price Range –$75 – $80
Weight – 2.75 Ounces
Size – 0.5 x 2.9 x 4.8 Inches
Material – Aluminum
The Ekster is a reputable metal wallet that boasts durable and sustainable materials. Handcrafted in the US from 6063 T5 aluminum, it will last you forever. It's also practically impossible to lose it if you use the Ekster Tracker Card, which allows you to see where your wallet is located at all times.
Despite being metal, it can hold up to 12 cards: 4-6 in the RFID-blocking section and the rest in the expandable backplate. You can easily eject whichever card you want by pressing the bottom button. If you're used to carrying some emergency cash with you, you don't have to struggle to fit it into the card slot since the wallet also has an adjustable cash strap.
However, the best part about this wallet is that if you're unsatisfied with it, you can return it and get a refund 30 days after purchase.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Minimalist Wallet
Choosing a minimal wallet can be as difficult as choosing a pair of shoes. There are several important factors to consider, each of which will greatly contribute to the final look of your wallet, and how long and well it'll serve you.
Material
Minimal wallets come in different materials and might be the main aspect that will affect the rest of the factors on this list. Apart from traditional leather wallets, the wallets of today are made from different types of metal, polyester, and even more modern materials like carbon fiber.
Each material has its pros and cons. For example, leather tends to stretch over time. If you switch from carrying three cards in one slot to carrying one, it might be too loose. However, polyester is easier to damage than leather, but it's usually washable. Metal might be heavier than both and not as flexible, but it's easy to clean and durable.
Before you choose the material of your wallet, make sure to do your research on the advantages and disadvantages of all materials.
Capacity
The capacity of your wallet will depend on how many items you need to carry. If you have only cards and some cash, choosing a mini wallet should be easier since the best ones offer exactly that. For fewer cards and more cash, consider billfold wallets so your money doesn't end up crumpled.
If you need to carry more than 10 cards, minimal wallets might not be the best choice. Still, you might use one as additional storage for your less frequently used cards or larger sums of money.
Durability
As mentioned, the material will play a role in other factors on this list. One of the main concerns is durability. But in addition to choosing a durable material, look at how the pieces are connected.
It's not uncommon for a high-quality leather wallet to have poor stitching or to unglue after some time. When it comes to metal wallets, look at the way they're assembled, especially if they're fully made of metal. If any part seems to be falling out or not fitting the other parts, scratch that wallet from your list.
Style
The style might be the least important factor on this list, but it shouldn’t be discounted altogether. The style of your wallet will once go hand-in-hand with the material and even capacity since some styles might provide space only for a specific number of cards.
Consider your personal preferences and aesthetics and see how it fits in with everything else on this list before you take the next step.
Price
Using good quality materials is usually visible in the product's price. However, there are always hidden gems that will reveal themselves only to those who look hard enough.
Some of the best wallets on this list come under $30, which is on the less pricy side of the scale. Make sure to check every option that agrees with your other requirements for a wallet, and you'll surely find the one that fits your budget as well.
Other Considerations
When you get the general considerations out of the way, what's left to think about is your individual needs and preferences and do some research.
Consider Your Lifestyle and Needs
Whether it's realizing that you can carry less or needing additional storage, you probably had a reason why you started looking for a minimal wallet. Combine those needs with how often you need to use the cards, how quickly you need to access them, and how protected they need to be, and you'll be one step closer to finding your dream mini wallet.
Think About What You Carry on a Daily Basis
Like storage, think about the number of cards and the amount of cash you need to carry with you. It will decide whether you need a super slim card case, a money clip wallet, or a bifold wallet with multiple compartments.
Look for Reviews and Recommendations
Recommendations and reviews are one of the main steps when choosing a product, especially something as important as a wallet. To see how well minimalist wallets serve their customers in reality, look at the reviews on online shopping sites like Amazon and social media, or ask your friends who have already converted to the minimalist lifestyle.
Test Out Different Options Before Making a Final Decision
If none of the previous tips helped, the only thing left is to look for ways to get your hands on a minimal wallet before purchase (and that doesn't include stealing).
Look for online shopping platforms with free returns or go to stores in your city and see what they offer.
Conclusion
If you want a minimal wallet that you can use for a long time with confidence, you're probably looking for one that offers security, functionality, and an attractive design. EDC's top pick, The Ridge wallet, guarantees all three.
The Ridge wallet will not only keep your belongings safe, easily manageable, and in a stylish case, but it'll also allow you to replace any part that might not be working or return the wallet if you change your mind.
Check out the selection of minimal wallets on The Ridge's website and get your new trusty companion today.
FAQs
Do minimalist wallets work for men and women?
Minimalist wallets know no gender, so they're a great choice for both men and women. They're also ideal for those who don't carry bags and backpacks, as they can easily fit into your pocket. Even if you carry a bag, this classy wallet will take up much less space than common trifold wallets.
In addition, minimalist wallets come in various designs and colors, so you don't have to worry about them not matching your style, no matter how extravagant.
Do minimalist wallets damage credit cards?
Minimalist wallets make sure that your credit cards are secure and well-protected. Each card slot is designed for functionality, so even your most used cards won't get damaged.
Which is better, Ridge or Ekster?
The Ridge and the Ekster wallets are some of the best minimalist wallets on the market, making this choice all the harder. They're similar in terms of quality, durability, and innovation. They both accommodate 12 cards and have additional features for holding cash. Still, several factors differ between these two options.
While the Ekster wallet allows returns and refunds 30 days after purchase, The Ridge extends this period to 99 days. In addition, Ekster provides RFID protection only to 4-6 cards, while The Ridge secures all the inside cards.
On the other hand, The Ridge minimal wallet is considerably more expensive than the Ester wallet. But with an offer like this, it’s definitely worth it.
How do I choose a minimalist wallet?
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a minimal wallet, but they can be easily sorted into three chronological steps.
First, consider what you need to carry, your lifestyle, and how it connects to the wallet's material and durability. Next, choose what style and design best fits your usual aesthetic. Lastly, consider your budget, and get some recommendations from mini wallet owners or look for reviews online.
Evan Grimm, Writer
Evan Grimm is a practical writer, blogger, editor, and knowledgeable up-and-coming authority in the outdoor realm. His best-known content is published on Bowhunting.com, The Alaska Frontier, and Exodus Outdoor Gear. He and his family reside in central Alaska, where daily common sense and practicality are necessary. His commercial pilot and aircraft technician certifications make him focus on what is relevant and solidly provable. You will find him writing or proving more content.