Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?
We put cameras on our front doors and maybe even have one inside to watch what our pets are doing while we’re away, but it’s not because we’re paranoid—it’s because security gives us peace of mind. The same goes for safeguarding your money, even in digital form. RFID wallets protect your banking information from being scanned and stolen via the chips on your credit cards.
RFID—or radio frequency identification—theft is a rare occurrence, but it does happen in high-traffic areas. RFID-blocking technology is essentially a fabric material that blocks scanners from transmitting nefarious frequencies through your wallet to your cards. Some wallets are covered with this material, whereas others have it integrated into one interior pocket.
Of course, there’s a DIY hack to make your own RFID wallet: wrapping your cards in aluminum foil. Aluminum blocks radio frequencies and keeps scanners from mining any information. While effective as a short-term solution, aluminum creases and tears and so it needs frequent replacement. Not to mention, you may not want to feel as if you’re unwrapping last night’s leftovers every time you make a purchase.
The best RFID wallets we recommend are a small investment that can help prevent a big headache, particularly when you’re far from home and the last thing you want to deal with is having your credit card frozen.
What to Consider
- Best Overall: The Ridge Minimalist RFID Wallet
- Easiest Access: Ekster Parliament RFID Wallet
- Most Storage: Carhartt Trifold RFID Wallet
- Best Air Tag Wallet: Typecase Carbon Fiber RFID Wallet
- Best Magnetic Closure: Bellroy Apex Slim RFID Wallet
Materials
RFID wallets don’t just come in metal or techie synthetics—the blocking technology can be built into leather, nylon ripstop, and other fabrics, so you can find a wallet to fit your style. Wallets made from leather and fabrics have card slots that stretch over time and make it easier to get your cards out, but also may result in accidentally pulling all of your cards out when you’re just trying to reach for one.
Metal options are great because they maintain their grip on your cards over time and stand up to daily wear and tear. The tradeoff is they typically have limited storage space with only one or two slots for storage. If you want an RFID wallet with good organization, look for RFID wallets with additional pockets to keep cards, receipts, membership cards, and IDs separate. There are also synthetic-like nylon ripstop RFID wallets that maintain their shape longer than leather, but their ultra-casual look may not suit all tastes.
Storage
The capacity of your RFID wallet should match what you want to carry daily. Some people like to keep it super slim to hold in their front pocket and therefore can do without carrying cash or excess cards. If you want space for extra bills opt for a cash-carrying option like a money clip or bi-fold.
If you carrying multiple cards, three slots probably won’t cover your needs. Look for a wallet that has more card slots and consider one that won’t stretch over time due to overstuffing. The Ridge wallet, however, has one slot that’s expandable that you can adjust to your needs.
How We Selected
In order to narrow down the huge pool of RFID wallets, we considered what’s in our own pockets and thought about what you need for daily carry. We sifted through products with styles ranging from tactical to traditional as well as contemporary options with unique designs and features. We called in a couple of styles to test ourselves and asked colleagues at Best Products about their own experience with RFID wallets. We carried each around for a couple of weeks, assessing each wallets’ quality of construction, functionality, and durability. We also judged RFID wallets based on aesthetics and how comfortable they were to carry. For the RFID wallets we didn’t have a chance to test, we rigorously vetted specs and checked customer reviews to ensure our picks met our standards for quality and performance.
Pros
Highly durable materials- Holds cash and cards
- Slim design
Cons
This sleek RFID wallet is made from aerospace aluminum and has an expandable slot to hold up to 12 cards plus cash. It’s minimalist without being limiting, and the slot doesn’t stretch over time like leather or fabric wallets can, so you know your cards will stay secure.
The elastic cash strap on one side and money clip on the other give you ample space for bills and anything else you want easily accessible. Its slim design lets you carry it in your front pocket and the aluminum material is scratch-resistant so it’ll hold up to daily wear and tear.
Key Specs
| Materials | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 1 card slot, 1 clip |
2
Best Air Tag Wallet
typecase Carbon Fiber RFID-Blocking Wallet
Pros
- Very lightweight
- ID window
Cons
This versatile RFID wallet has an ultra-slim silhouette while still being a classic trifold style. The carbon fiber construction makes it extremely lightweight and durable.
The interior has an ID window and two separate card slots, one of which has a trigger to pop your cards out easily. It also has a billfold pocket so you don’t have to cut down on carrying cash. The stand out feature is the integrated pocket for an Apple AirTag. That way you’re never wondering where you left your wallet again.
Key Specs
| Materials | Carbon fiber, aluminum, leather |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 3 card slots, 1 cash slot, ID window |
Pros
- Trigger gives access to cards quick
- Sleek design
- Cash strap inside
Cons
- Can’t fit the stated 12 cards
The leather Parliament RFID wallet has a more traditional look using leather but adds a modern twist with its trigger at the bottom. One push and your cards fan up and out so you don’t need to dig into a tight card slot.
The trigger mechanism works well but you can’t load the card slot with 12 cards as the manufacturer claims. If you do, the trigger isn’t as effective and doesn’t push all the cards out. We found that you can keep around five cards inside, which is all I (and likely most people) really need.
There’s an elastic cash strap on the inside for a couple of bills, though keep in mind it won’t hold much more than that.
Key Specs
| Materials | Top-grain leather, aluminum |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 2 card slots, cash strap |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- ID window
- Made of full-grain leather
Cons
- May be bulky for some
This trifold wallet is made of full-grain leather that’s super durable and will develop a nice patina over time. It also has triple-stitch construction which bolsters durability
There’s plenty of storage on the inside: three card slots on each side, a dedicated ID window, and a classic billfold pocket. Many RFID wallets are on the slimmer side but this one has enough storage for those that don’t want to pare down what they carry.
Key Specs
| Materials | Full-grain leather |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 6 card slots, bill pocket, ID window |
Pros
- Magnets keep it securely closed
- Pre-molded leather doesn’t need to be broken in
Cons
- Not a lot of storage space
This sleek RFID wallet is my personal favorite because it’s simple, stylish, and functional. The contrasting leather interior is a nice touch and it has two card slots and two pockets which holds everything I need.
The interior card slot on the right has a pull tab for easy access to my cards and the pockets hold enough folded bills. The magnetic closure ensures my wallet stays securely shut and prevents me from overstuffing it— a plus in my mind.
Another highlight is the wallet’s rounded edges—it smoothly slips in and out of my pocket. I carry it in my back pocket but it fits comfortably in a front pocket as well.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Slim design
- Added tools for functionality
Cons
- Tactical look may not be for everyone
Gearheads and everyday carry enthusiasts will appreciate the design and functionality of this aluminum RFID wallet. It has a money clip for cash, an integrated bottle-opener and pry bar, and can hold up to ten cards.
The paracord lanyard makes it easier to pull out of your pocket and an I.D. window lets you access your license or frequently used cards you need to tap. Note that in order to utilize the RFID protection, make sure the chips of your cards are not showing through the I.D. window.
The aluminum and stainless steel composition makes this wallet super durable and multiple user reviews say the wallet holds up after several years, though the paracord lanyard may fray after some time.
Key Specs
| Materials | Anodized aluminum, steel, paracord |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 1 slot |
Danny Perez
Commerce Editor
Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.
