The idea of someone stealing your data while casually standing next to you is frightening. But that’s precisely what can happen if you carry cards with an embedded RFID chip. Modern-day pickpocketing involves tech-savvy thieves with RFID readers they purchased online.
While they won't be successful every time, it's not a risk anyone should take. That's why an RFID wallet is a better solution than a traditional one. With an RFID wallet, your cards and your data are protected. Fortunately, wallets with RFID protection are easy to find these days.
But because they’re such a popular option, choosing the right one may feel overwhelming. The buying guide we’ve created should help, and we’ve also reviewed 8 phenomenal RFID wallets for your consideration.
Best RFID-Blocking Wallets
| PacSafe Rfidsafe V100 Anti-theft Blocking Wallet | Fossil Men's Derrick RFID Blocking Bifold Wallet | Serman Brands RFID Wallet | Travando Bifold RFID Wallet | Ridge Wallet | Travelambo RFID Minimalist Wallet | Buffway RFID Wallet | Ekster Senate Card Holder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $34.95 | $56 - $68 | $30 | $29.95 | $75 - $105 | $16 | $11.99 | $59 - $79 |
| Weight | 3.2 oz | 3.2 oz | 1.6 oz | 1.4 oz | 1.6 - 3 oz | 1 oz | 0.64 oz | 0.6 oz |
| Front Pocket Size (in) | 4.5 x 3.5 | 4.5 x 3.5 | 4.4 x 3.2 | 4.5 x 3.1 | 3.4 x 2.1 | 4.3 x 3.1 | 4.4 x 3.1 | 4.1 x 2.5 |
| Material | Polyester | Leather | Leather | Vegan Leather | Aluminum | Leather | Leather | Leather |
| Money Clip | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Cash Strap | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Other Winning Features | RFID blocking, 6 card slots, ID window, bill compartment | RFID blocking, 8 card sWallet NameRFID blocking, 8 card sWallet Name | RFID blocking, 5 card slots, ID window, bill compartment | RFID blocking, 11 card slots, ID window, bill compartment | RFID blocking, holds up to 12 cards, cash strap | RFID blocking, 9 card slots, ID window, bill compartment | RFID blocking, 6 card slots, ID window, bill compartment | RFID blocking, 6 card slots, quick card access lots, ID window, bill compartment |
1. PacSafe Rfidsafe V100 Anti-theft Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet, Black
If you’re looking for a high-quality but affordable RFID wallet, this PacSafe model is an excellent choice. This is an RFID wallet for men and women due to its practical bi-fold design and color availability. The wallet is made from durable nylon and contains sewn-in RFID-blocking technology.
You can keep cash, credit cards, business cards, and more, as it comes with 8 slots and an ID window made from a mesh material. The wallet has an external zippered coin pocket and an elastic band.
If you’re a person on the go, you’ll likely love the detachable strap that comes with this RFID wallet. It is wire-reinforced, and you can wear it around the wrist or attach it inside your backpack.
This fantastic and simple RFID wallet is water-resistant and easy to clean. The manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty.
2. Fossil Men's Derrick RFID Blocking Genuine Leather Bifold Wallet with Flip ID Window
This is an excellent RFID men’s wallet. It’s perfect for a guy who appreciates the simplicity and elegance of a bifold leather wallet. Fossil is a familiar accessories brand, and this wallet offers quality construction and durability.
Of course, it comes with RFID-blocking technology and will prevent culprits from stealing sensitive data. This particular model is a refined version of Fossil’s Derrick bifold wallet. It has 8 slip pockets holding credit, business, and metro cards.
But it also comes with a flip ID card window, making it easy to offer identification when necessary. You don't need to take out your ID card and perhaps forget to put it back in the wallet. It stays safe in one place at all times.
The Derrick RFID wallet is available in two different colors, black and brown, and while it’s mostly made from genuine leather, the flip ID window is made from durable polyester.
3. Serman Brands RFID Wallet
This RFID wallet is the epitome of minimalism and elegance. It’s patented, and pretty unique. It has a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects. It's made from leather and stainless steel.
It is equipped with RFID secure technology, a proprietary metal composite designed to block 13.56 MHz signals and prevent skimmers from capturing confidential information via unauthorized scans.
The Serman RFID wallet is primarily a cardholder, though you can keep some cash in it because it folds neatly. This wallet also has a quick access card slot that makes paying easy, especially when you're on the move. If you need to access additional cards (up to 4,) pull on the smart strap integrated into the wallet.
The leather quality is premium, and with time, the scratches and natural oils will ensure the wallet looks a bit darker and even more stylish. The wallet is available in several colors, including California desert, canyon red, chocolate, and jet black.
4. Travando Bifold RFID Wallet
Perhaps you like the appearance of natural leather but want an RFID wallet made more sustainably. The Travando men’s slim wallet is made from faux leather and comes with a lovely gift box. It’s a fantastic gift for any guy who wants to keep his data safe.
This great wallet features RFID-blocking technology in the lining. Speaking of tech, the company has tested the efficiency of RFID-blocking in an independent quality control institute in Germany. It is guaranteed to prevent RFID scanners from stealing your data.
In terms of appearance, the bifold design is functional and appealing. The wallet is slim and comes with an outside notch that pushes the cards quickly. This wallet comes with a money clip, allowing you to carry cash. This is a fantastic wallet for people carrying many cards because it has an impressive 11 card slots.
5. Ridge Wallet Carbon Fiber 3K
Most RFID wallets feature a minimalist design, but the Ridge wallet epitomizes it. The slim and compact structure is impressive, especially when you consider it holds up to 12 cards. The design and fantastic functionality are precisely what make it the perfect everyday wallet.
You can safely store it in a hidden pocket and ensure the RFID-blocking technology will deter thieves from stealing your data.
The Ridge wallet is available in two versions. You can pick the cash trap design, which features a thin and versatile elastic. Or you can choose the version with the money clip made from spring steel. The primary material used for this wallet is 3K carbon fiber, which is so durable that the wallet comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
The black matte finish makes this wallet even more aesthetically pleasing, and it’s a fantastic gift. Indeed, this wallet is a little pricier than other RFID wallets, but the quality of construction and design ensures it stands out from the rest.
6. Travelambo RFID Front Pocket Minimalist Leather Slim Wallet RFID Blocking Medium Size
If you’re looking for an affordable and stylish travel wallet, the Travelambo is an excellent option. You can choose from many beautiful colors, including orange, mint, pink, green, red, black, yellow, and more. This slim wallet is made from leather and can hold up to 6 cards.
It also has a dedicated space for your ID card, making travel safer. The wallet is soft and durable, so you can expect to use it for many years without any signs of deterioration.
Naturally, the RFID-blocking technology was tested and approved by third-party lab testing. However, this wallet does not block the 142 KHz frequency coming from hotel room cards.
7. Buffway RFID Wallet
The Buffway RFID wallet is slim, discreet, and practical. It's entirely made from faux leather and polyester, therefore water-resistant and easy to clean. It doesn't fold but can store cash, cards, and some tickets.
When empty, the wallet is 0.2 inches thick, and with cards and cash expands up to 0.45 inches. The wallet has 8 slots, so you can store your credit cards, driver’s license, and more. The design and color options make it a perfect RFID wallet for both men and women.
The two side slip pockets are perfect for business or train cards. But how does it protect your data? The manufacturer equipped the wallet with a protective layer that blocks 13.56 MHz and higher electromagnetic signals.
8. Ekster Senate Card Holder
The Ekster Senate card holder is a slim-style RFID wallet, ideal for the man with an elevated sense of style. The construction quality is impressive, as it was made from leather tanned under gold-rated protocols. If you're worried about losing the wallet, consider pairing it with the Ekster tracker card.
The RFID protection included with the wallet will protect you from electronic pickpockets and allow you to move freely, even in crowds.
Also, the Senate cardholder wallet comes with a cash strap and quick card access. It's important to highlight that the wallet flap will need a week or two to close properly if you're carrying many cards.
How Do RFID-Blocking Wallets Work?
Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, technology uses electromagnetic radio waves to track objects integrated within a specific system. It picks up tags that carry digital information. RFID is a significant upgrade from the basic barcodes still in use.
The original creator of RFID was the British military during WWII with the purpose of identifying their own aircraft as they came back to the base after a mission. To communicate, RFID objects must contain RFID chips with specific transmission frequencies represented in MHz and kHz.
An RFID scanner must be close enough for this communication. Therefore, if you own a credit or debit card with an RFID chip, you’re at risk of data and identity theft.
That risk is much lower with an RFID wallet, meaning it was made from a type of material that blocks your card’s electromagnetic signal.
Typically, a wallet with RFID protection features aluminum or carbon fiber construction. These materials create a "Faraday cage" that blocks the signal and prevents data skimming.
Different Types of RFID Wallets
RFID wallets come in different designs and styles. Some users insist on coin pockets, while others won't consider that factor.
Others will only buy a wallet made from top-grain leather, and then there are those who are only willing to accept carbon fiber construction. But for the most part, RFID wallet manufacturers offer the following options.
Slim Wallet
A slim wallet is a broad term that can include any design type you can carry in your pants pocket. Slim wallets aren't lumpy or bulky, and can fit in either a front or back pocket.
Often, the slim design only allows credit card slots, ensuring the wallet can fit almost anywhere. The only downside of slim wallets is that they usually don’t have room for cash or coins.
Bifold Wallet
As the name suggests, bifold wallets fold in half, thus resembling the traditional wallet style. They’re usually made from full-grain or vegan leather, and the RFID-blocking technology is sewn into the wallet. They’re bulkier than slim wallets but offer significantly more storage.
Money Clip Wallet
A money clip wallet also has a slim profile and a dedicated clip that holds cash. The clip can be inside a billfold wallet or attached to the outside of a front pocket-style wallet. Money clip wallets are a better choice for people who like carrying cash but also want an RFID for wallets.
Tri-Fold Wallet
The tri-fold RFID wallets are larger and have plenty of storage. They're difficult to carry in a pocket and are more prone to tearing seams. People with many credit cards prefer tri-fold wallets, especially if they come with RFID-blocking tech.
Front Pocket
By definition, the front pocket wallet is any slim-style wallet that fits in the front pocket of your jeans or pants. The top front pocket wallet features include quick access, lightweight material, and an overall minimalist design.
How to Choose an RFID Wallet
The first step in choosing an RFID wallet should be establishing your priorities. We'll assume that RFID-blocking capabilities are non-negotiable. Therefore, you must select wallets from among carbon fiber, aluminum, nickel, and copper.
The wallet can include grain leather, textile, or synthetic materials but must contain an RFID blocker. You can also consider additional security features that may make a difference. For example, some RFID wallets have zippers and even GPS tracking features. Finally, don't forget to check your wallet’s capacity and whether it has all the essentials you need.
Advantages of an RFID Wallet for Men
If you’re looking for a new wallet, perhaps you’re wondering if RFID-blocking functionality should be part of the consideration. The easiest way to determine whether you need an RFID wallet is to see which benefits it brings.
First and foremost, if you’re carrying even one RFID card, this type of wallet will prevent data skimming by thieves. RFID wallets are typically sturdier and more durable because of the construction materials. They'll protect your cards and driver’s license from weather elements.
Because most men don't wear bags or purses, they struggle to find the best place for their wallets. Traditional wallets are bulky and may not fit in the front or back pocket. But RFID wallets are typically slimmer and work great with most men’s clothing.
RFID Wallet Uses
Some might still be on the fence about whether an RFID wallet is the right choice. Maybe they're not sure how and when to use it. Here are a few examples that can help you understand if an RFID wallet is a good purchase.
Camping in the Countryside
Spending time in the countryside or at a camp site means protecting your items well. An RFID wallet is typically compact, sturdy, and often waterproof. That’s why it’s an excellent choice for anyone who loves spending time outdoors.
RFID Wallet as a Gift
Do you have someone in your life who could use an RFID wallet? A stylish wallet is a phenomenal birthday or anniversary gift. They come in many styles and colors.
Travel
Protecting your cards, cash, and documents is essential when traveling. You can place important cards and some cash in your RFID wallet and store it even in the smallest inside pocket.
Sporting Events
Large crowds, as seen at sporting events, are a perfect opportunity for pickpocketing. You may not even realize that someone standing beside you in the crowd is actively stealing your data via an RFID card.
Festivals
Festivals are just as problematic as sporting events in terms of the potential for data theft. If you often visit festivals and concerts, an RFID wallet can give you peace of mind.
Why Do You Need an RFID Blocking Wallet?
The advantages of RFID wallets are hard to deny, but maybe you're still unsure whether to invest in one. Here are a few more reasons why it might be a great idea to have an RFID wallet.
Secure the Transmission of Sensitive/Confidential Data
With an RFID wallet, the thief holding an RFID scanner can't grab sensitive data from your cards. The power of RFID-blocking technology prevents the scanner from penetrating through to the cards and data inside.
Safety and Legality
Are you worried about whether RFID-blocking technology is legal? There's no need to be, as it's perfectly safe and legal. You can carry your RFID wallet anywhere, including through airport security.
Size and Durability
Not everyone prefers a compact and minimalist wallet, but many people do. Most RFID wallets are on the small side and slimmer due to the sturdiness of the materials. And that’s precisely why many prefer them to bulkier and softer wallets.
FAQs
Do RFID wallets really work?
The most straightforward answer is yes, they do work. The RFID technology reduces the scanner’s signal power and prevents the built-in microchip from working.
Do RFID wallets damage cards?
No, they do not damage cards. Still, it’s vital to use separate card slots for every card. Also, keep them away from magnets because that can delete data from the magnetic strip.
What are the benefits of RFID wallets?
A wallet with RFID blocking offers several benefits. They include physical protection for credit cards, protection against skimming, and minimalist style.
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.
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