Tested: The Best RFID-Blocking Wallets For EDC (2024)

You may see the term “RFID-blocking” on many wallets these days since the use of metal as a wallet or card holder material has significantly increased (since metal is naturally RFID-blocking). Simply put, RFID is a chip that can track and store your information. these are buried inside our credit cards and IDs, among other things (more on this down below), and some identity thieves use devices to rip your information. Well, wallet manufacturers have now figured out a way to stifle these attempts. In this guide, we explore the best options available and test out our favorites.

Best RFID-Blocking Wallets Breakdown

Article Overview

  • Best RFID-Blocking Wallets Breakdown
    • How We Tested
    • What to Look For
    • Pelican G5 Personal Utility RF Field Wallet
    • Spigen AirTag Card Holder Wallet S
    • Dango A10 Adapt
    • Ekster Parliament
    • Distil Wally Bifold 5.0
    • The Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet Classic with Cash Strap
    • Pioneer Passport Wallet
    • Fantom M Wallet
    • RFID-Blocking Wallets Comparison Chart
    • What Is RFID?
    • How RFID Theft Works
    • Do RFID-Blocking Wallets Really Work?
    • Honorable Mentions
    • Tested: The 9 Best Metal Wallets For Everyday Carry

How We Tested

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Admittedly, there is a wealth of RFID-blocking wallets on the market. Any bifold with a metal plate inside can do the trick. However, we’ve aimed to separate the generic, cheaply-made options from the ones worth having in your pocket. For this guide, we’ve used our extensive experience in the gear and EDC space to come up with a short list of options. From there, we sourced our units for testing, looking at how each of them operated, looked, and felt in the pocket. Most wallets had a unique feature or two (or three), which we made use of while we explored the ins and outs of each. Our findings are detailed below.

What to Look For

Weight: While the items inside your wallet will mostly determine how heavy it is, you’ll probably want to start with something that’s fairly lightweight when empty. This is why most metal options are built with aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber. Meanwhile, leather can fluctuate in weight but will never add more than a few ounces to your pockets.

Capacity: Perhaps the most important thing to consider is the capacity of your wallet. Some options are merely card carriers and won’t fit any bills inside, while other card carriers will only be capable of holding 3 or 4 cards, which is perfectly fine for some. Other users might want to be able to carry everything but the kitchen sink in their pockets. Surprisingly, there are wallets for them as well.

Materials: From leather to titanium, wallets come in all types of materials these days. Metal options will give you more in the way of durability, plus they can allow for some deployment features. On the other hand, leather is much more classy and can be more versatile stylistically.

Aesthetic: Although your wallet spends most of its life hidden inside your pocket, you’ll surely get plenty of people glancing at it every time you take it out to pay. As such, you’ll want a unit that looks appealing and fits your personality, whether you’re a leather bifold kinda guy or a fan of more tactical gear. It’s also important to note that the aesthetic might change depending on the situation. Say, if you’re at a wedding, you might want to swap your Ridge for your Bellroy.

Pelican G5 Personal Utility RF Field Wallet

Tested: The Best RFID-Blocking Wallets For EDC (7)
Pros
  • Fantastic waterproofing
  • Incredibly durable; crush-proof
  • It floats
  • Outer band has great range in what it can hold
  • Attractive
Cons
  • Not as practical as an everyday wallet
  • Hard sides make it less comfortable in back pocket
  • Somewhat difficult to remove cards from one side

Best Waterproof Wallet: Picking the right wallet for the toughest conditions can be a challenge. You won’t want to bring along your expensive leather bifold, but your mechanical wallet can succumb to the outdoor elements. Pelican, who’s known for its heavy-duty gear cases, made an insanely rugged wallet that won’t break the bank. The G5 Personal Utility RF Field Wallet is completely waterproof at an IP67 rating, meaning it can be submerged 1m for up to 30 minutes. Inside of its aircraft-grade aluminum RFID-blocking shell, it can hold upwards of 5 cards, some bills, and even a couple of keys.

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The Good

Compared to even the most robust metal wallets out there, the Pelican G5 Field Wallet stands out like a sore thumb. But this only adds to the charm of the gear case-turned-money holder. Because of the lack of “structure” on the inside, you can essentially put in whatever you want as long as it fits. I opted for a handful of cards and some folded bills. The case is separated into two segments. One has a porous pocket at the bottom, which may or may not keep looser items inside. The other is more of your traditional card holder with a band that goes across, intended more for cards. In terms of waterproofing, the G5 executes as intended when I plunged the unit into a bathtub for a half-hour.

I was impressed by the effectiveness of the outer band. A lot of these bands on other wallets feel more “good on paper” than actually effective –– or they’re only effective when you have a certain number of cards strapped inside. However, the Pelican G5 has a band that works whether you have one or many cards inside. I tried it with as much as 8 cards inside and it was still easy to take them in and out. Most surprisingly, it kept a single card strapped in really well.

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The Not So Good

It’s not a complaint but I did wish there were some sort of tightening device on the wrist strap to help keep it attached to my wrist when I went in the water. I was trying to try this out when I went swimming but was paranoid it was going to come off.

A seemingly superfluous ridge at the base of the topmost compartment admittedly makes it difficult to take the cards out. The grippy interior only adds to the stickiness, although it keeps the cards from moving. The G5 is fantastic at waterproofing and serves as a catch-all case for any small items you need to bring with you into the wilderness. However, as a practical everyday wallet, you might want to look elsewhere. Likewise, it wasn’t the most comfortable in the pockets of some of my pants. Fortunately, the durable loop allows you to lash this inside your bag or belt loop.

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Verdict: Perhaps more of a wallet for adventurous outings than everyday use, the Pelican G5 Field Wallet is a crush-proof, waterproof card and cash holder with some versatility. We also loved how flexible the outer band was able to be no matter how much (or little) we put inside of it. Able to hold anything that fits inside, the case may not feel super comfortable in some pockets but can be attached via the equipped loop.

Material: Aluminum
Card Capacity: 5+
Bills?: Yes

Spigen AirTag Card Holder Wallet S

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Pros
  • Sleek design
  • Great for segment cards into three sections
  • Has large capacity
  • Comes with keyring
Cons
  • Can be hard to get cards into the wallet
  • Sleek design not super versatile
  • Not part of brand’s catalog anymore

Best AirTag Wallet: If you’re an iPhone user, you’re likely familiar with AirTag trackers. They’re small little chips that you can embed into anything you’d like to track, from your phone to your dog. Some even attach them to those pesky small TV remotes that they inexplicably make nowadays. One of the most important things you should want to track is your wallet and Spigen’s AirTage Wallet S is our favorite RFID-blocking option for the job. Most purpose-built AirTag wallets aren’t RFID-blocking so this was not only an obvious choice but our preferred choice due to the fact that we love it regardless.

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The Good

Capable of holding up to 12 cards inside, the Spigen Wallet S actually holds as much as advertised –– even more depending on your card size. And what’s more is there are multiple compartments for segmenting cards, which a lot of card holders don’t have. The deployment feature is easy no matter how stuffed your wallet is. Likewise, the exterior band could even be used for folded bills, with silicone pads that successfully prevented any slippage.

The wallet also cleverly designs a middle divider for those who want to keep, say, their ID on one side for easy access, separated from the rest of your cards that you don’t use as often. The divider is incorporated with the keyring on the outside corner for those who want to attach this to a carabiner.

I especially liked the sleek exterior design that integrates the AirTag chip in a way that doesn’t look jarring. Likewise, the AirTag compartment is easy enough to remove and put back on without being too easy to remove.

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The Not So Good

A major drawback of the Spigen AirTag Wallet S is that it’s no longer made by the brand. You can find a few from third-party sellers on Amazon but stock will be depleted soon. However, its status as a mainstay in the EDC space and its performance as a sturdy AirTag wallet kept it featured in this guide.

In terms of the wallet itself, my biggest complaint is how difficult it is to get cards into the housing itself, especially compared to the Ridge below which is really easy to slip cards into. Also, it’s in limited in its visual style. Albeit attractive for an everyday wallet, this industrial-adjacent design won’t be fitting for dressier outings. Also, the stock keyring is rather flimsy and small but this can easily be swapped for something much sturdier and larger.

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Verdict: Despite being MIA on the brand’s website, the Spigen AirTage Wallet S is one of the few RFID-blocking options purpose-built for Apple’s tracking chip. Nevertheless, we love this wallet regardless for its sleek exterior, included keyring, and card-holding range, able to hold upwards of 12 cards and some bills, and without making them difficult to deploy. Not only great for tracking if it gets lost, but this wallet is designed to segment cards into three different spots for easier access.

Material: Polycarbonate
Card Capacity: 12
Bills?: Yes

Dango A10 Adapt

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Pros
  • Sleek design incorporated into its utility
  • Dedicated ID slot
  • Cool design allows for hidden bills inside card slot
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Modular and can transform into a bifold with add-ons
Cons
  • Card capacity isn’t flexible

Best Tactical Wallet: When it comes to cool, simplistic EDC gear with tons of versatility, Dango is an exemplary brand. They’re known for making gear with modular capability and consistent quality. We love the A10 Adapt wallet, which is capable of attaching, tool-free, to the brand’s Bifold or Single Pocket wallets for a more traditional option. Talking the A10 Adapt alone, the aerospace-grade aluminum chassis can hold up to 5 cards with its quick-release system, including a dedicated ID slot on the outside. Weighing just 2.3oz, it can also be configured to keep folded bills inside despite not looking like it could.

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The Good

Even prior to my first time using the Dango A10 Adapt, I was excited to do so; it was a wallet I had my eye on simply for its visual appeal alone. The unit’s brushed aluminum exterior features a striking, memorable design that’s incorporated into its functionality. I especially love the grooves on the backside which feel Deco-esque. Despite its hardness, the A10 didn’t feel uncomfortable in my pocket due to its rounded edges and slim profile to go along with its exceptional lightweightness.

I found the dedicated ID slot highly useful. Not only did it perfectly fit my driver’s license but it stayed locked into place really firmly. Nor was it a pain to remove when I actually needed it. However, I must note that this slot is designed ONLY for ID cards. Even the slightest difference in size will prevent any other card from staying inside. I tried this with one of my credit cards and it didn’t work as well.

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The Not So Good

Because of its rigid construction, you can’t really fit more than what’s intended into its skeleton. I was only able to get 5 cards inside the main compartment, plus my ID in the dedicated spot. I’m the type of guy who carries around (too) many cards so I had to pick and choose which ones to carry at the time.

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Verdict: From its striking visual design to its modular capability, the Dango A10 Adapt will appeal to fans of tactical gear, especially with its ability to transform into a more traditional bifold (with add-ons). We loved the versatility of its content holding, from being able to stow bills in its card slots to its dedicated ID compartment. While we found that this wallet wasn’t able to flex beyond its 5-card capacity, it’s still a durable and lightweight option for those who don’t have a lot to carry.

Material: Aerospace-grad 6061 aluminum
Card Capacity: 5
Bills?: Yes

Bellroy Hide & Seek

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Pros
  • Tons of space
  • Fantastic for organization
  • Includes a couple of hidden compartments
  • Handsome leather exterior
  • Holds up to scratching
Cons
  • Wallet can slide out in loose/shallow pockets
  • Slightly pricey but totally worth it

Best Bifold: Amidst a world of high-tech aluminum and carbon fiber wallets with built-in deployment functions, there’s nothing more classic than a simple leather bifold wallet, and Bellroy makes some of the best. This Hide & Seek isn’t just a handsome wallet with RFID protection but it features its own hidden compartment for stashing some extra bills or cards behind the main bill compartment. Currently available in ten colorways, this wallet sports a slim profile despite being able to carry upwards of 12 cards, bills, and even some coins. We tested the “LO” option, designed for U.S. currency, but there’s also a “HI” option for other parts of the country. Make sure you check on Bellroy’s sight to clarify!

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The Good

In this business, we’re fortunate to get hands-on with lots of products from respected brands. As such, I’ve been using the Bellroy Hide & Seek for over a year and a half now and it’s quite amazing. I’m a leather bifold kinda guy myself and this wallet just makes sense. Not only does it look very mature, ready for any scenario you’ll find yourself, but it can also do a whole lot. The quartet of card sleeves is great for segmenting my cards. I use one for my main credit cards, one for any gift cards I have, and another for membership cards (Costco card, library card, etc.). The fourth pocket is reserved for my ID and health insurance cards. I’m a creature of habit and practicality, so this makes total sense. There’s also a fifth sleeve that you can use for cards or anything else you might have. It’s my “miscellaneous” pouch, in which I’ve put everything from receipts to punch cards. Bellroy says this wallet has a “5 to 12+” capacity but currently I have 17 cards inside, PLUS a card-shaped multi-tool gadget. And I literally never struggle to take anything out.

Elsewhere, you still have the main bill pocket, which is totally large enough for a healthy wad of cash (not that I’m that guy or anything). Behind that is another bill sleeve that I’ve used on occasion for larger bills ($50s, $100s) or checks. Oh! And behind that is yet another secret compartment perfect for coins and a spare key. Best of all, I keep this Hide & Seek pretty darn full and it’s always capable of handling my array of nonsense. And after a year and a half, it still looks great, aging just as you’d expect but not more.

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The Not So Good

Honestly, there’s not much bad to say about the Hide & Seek. I truly love this wallet. Yeah, it will be a tad pricey for some looking for a simple solution but it’s meant to last you for decades. If I had to quibble though, I’d say the exterior is a bit slick. When I’ve worn gym shorts/pants with shallow pockets, it’s slipped out on occasion in the car. However, the fuller I keep it, the less likely that is to happen. Also, watch out for the larger of the two hidden compartments, which has a small cutout hole at the bottom. I didn’t notice this the first time around and a couple of coins spilled out. Reserve this for bills or other larger items.

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Verdict: A near-perfect leather bifold, the Bellroy Hide & Seek has covered its grounds very well. Equipped with lots of compartments for people who like to stay organized, the wallet also sports a handsome aesthetic that’s great for lots of occasions. At nearly $100, it will be high in price for some, but we think it’s worth every penny.

Material: Leather
Card Capacity: 12+
Bills?: Yes

Ekster Parliament

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Pros
  • Fans out your cards for easy access
  • Premium leather exterior looks classy and comes in an array of colors/textures
  • Also holds bills and tracker card
Cons
  • Doesn’t hold coins
  • Difficult to close when full or even almost full

Best Quick-Access Wallet: Wallets have come a long way in the past decade or two. No longer do you have to settle for bifold or trifold options — that is, unless you prefer those. Ekster has made waves with its viral quick-access wallets, and this Parliament allows you to add some class to your mechanical tech. Built with a premium leather exterior, it holds an aluminum cardholder inside that fans out up to 12 cards at the push of a button so you don’t have to fiddle with a giant stack. It can also hold some bills and a tracker card in case it gets lost.

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The Good

We’re living in a quick-access wallet world and Ekster seems to be one of its rulers. However, unlike some other deployment wallets, the Parliament feels much classier and versatile from a visual standpoint. The exterior is leather and comes in lots of different colors and textures. We went with black because it felt more accessible but there’s also a classic brown leather option that looks superb. Leather wraps the inside as well to complete the ensemble. It even has the captivating leather smell that I love so much. The deployment trigger is cleverly integrated well so that you can fan out your cards up top without having to open up the inside.

I was able to get 6 cards in the deployment compartment, plus about 5 or 6 in the pair of sleeves and another few with some folded bills in the elastic band. However, these came with some issues (more on that below). I opted to use the outermost pocket for a single ID card to keep it accessible, which worked like a charm. You might be tempted to put some coins in this pocket but don’t, they will fall out easily. Bills worked well though.

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The Not So Good

In theory, the Ekster can hold a lot of stuff. However, the more you stuff in the sleeve compartments and band, the harder it is to keep the wallet closed. As it is, the flap comes open on its own quite often. I almost wish there were some sort of magnetic closure (like on the Distil Union wallet below) between the flap and the main housing.

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Verdict: A solid compromise between quick-access deployment wallets and a classic leather bifold, this Parliament from Ekster can hold up to 12 cards, albeit not super comfortably, and some bills. The leather wraps the aluminum deployment chassis to keep things lightweight and stylish, and it comes in an array of colors and textures as well. We loved how versatile this wallet was and how simple it was to use. However, we’d recommend putting some sort of closure on it to prevent it from opening on its own.

Material: Leather and aluminum
Card Capacity: 12
Bills?: Yes

Distil Wally Bifold 5.0

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Pros
  • Holds a lot of cards without compromising its function
  • Integrated money clip can hold up to 30 folded bills
  • Highly clever secret end pockets with unique deployment straps
  • Stays closed with magnetic tips
Cons
  • More casual than your average leather wallet
  • No coin holders
  • Inside pockets are pretty tight

Best Minimalist Wallet: Featuring a slimmer profile and even deeper pockets than previous versions, the fifth-generation version of the Distil Union Wally Bifold also has the brand’s new MagLock closure system and a built-in custom money clip that comes from a single piece of stainless steel. Available in several colorways (not all of them are RFID-blocking FYI), the wallet is stitched from full-grain leather and comes equipped with two interior pockets and two end pockets. It can hold up to 14 cards plus a whopping 30 folded bills.

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The Good

The Wally Bifold 5.0 was my first experience getting hands-on with anything from Distil Union –– and I have to say, I was blown away by their ingenuity. Even when I thought I had stuffed the two inner card pockets pretty full, the magnetic closure was still able to stay together easily. Sporting the appearance of a bifold, the Wally is unique enough to position it in a category all its own, especially with the clever end pockets which I wasn’t even aware of the first time around. They consist of two card pockets, each getting deployed by respective fabric straps. These straps are each different in color (red and black) so you can better remember what you put in each. Not only are these deployment straps incredibly clever from a design perspective but they’re super fun to use.

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The Not So Good

While I loved the Wally 5.0, I’d be curious to see if the design could work with an open compartment on the long side, especially one for bills or even coins. If you do decide to use the interior pockets, however, you might struggle to take your cards out since they’re so tight.

Also, as much as I loved the strap deployment pockets, I couldn’t help but notice that they brought a more casual style to the overall aesthetic of the wallet, especially compared to other leather options.

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Verdict: Not as mature-looking as your average leather wallet, the Distil Union Wally Bifold 5.0 is a superb alternative to your standard bifold in that it’s designed to stay closed and hold a lot in the process. We loved the secret deployment pockets, activated with a pair of straps. Not to mention, this unit can hold lots of folded bills and be stuffed without compromising its magnetic function.

Material: Leather
Card Capacity: 14
Bills?: Yes

The Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet Classic with Cash Strap

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Pros
  • One of the best wallets around, period
  • Sports a minimalist aesthetic
  • Pretty customizable
  • Lightweight
  • Works great no matter how many or how few cards you have inside
Cons
  • Relatively pricey
  • Scratches and dents easily

Best Metal Wallet: The Ridge is a set of metal plates (either aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber) held together by expandable elastic. The full coverage of your cards makes skimming from any angle completely impossible, blocking signals from getting out or going in. The screws and the elastic can all be easily replaced, and are the only parts likely to wear out, unless you anticipate this wallet taking gunfire on a regular basis. Capable of holding approximately 12 cards without stretching out, or whatever combination of cards and cash you so deem necessary, it comes in both an elastic band and money clip style to suit your EDC purposes.

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The Good

One of the originators of this style of wallet deployment wallet, Ridge still make the best version of it, unless you’re looking for a fanning option. Their flagship option is sleek, lightweight, and stylish, available in different materials, colors, and even a “Lite” option (non-RFID-blocking). You can even choose between having a cash strap, money clip, or both. This thing is highly customizable, which is impressive considering its minimalist pretext. It also fits quite a lot of cards within its housing. On the other hand, it’s equally effective no matter how many or how few cards you have inside.

Compared to the other thumb-deployment metal wallets I tested, the Ridge was the easiest to get cards inside, whether it was empty or stuffed. In terms of getting the cards out of the housing, there are some tricks that come with some practice. I’d suggest aiming for an angular deployment rather than trying to clear your fingers from the opposing side of the wallet. This also makes it easier to select which card you need instead of needing to take them all out.

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The Not So Good

As I implied, it can be tricky to get your cards out one at a time, unless you plan on removing all the cards at once. Doing it properly takes some getting used to. I’ve also noticed that this scratches and scuffs easily. And some have commented that it can even dent easily if you give it the chance. Also, compared to other deployment options, the Ridge is quite pricey. Consider the Ekster, which includes an actual mechanical function, yet is nearly the same price.

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Verdict: The quintessential thumb-deployment wallet, the Ridge Classic is a highly customizable option that comes in a trio of materials and tons of colors. It’s easy to put your cards in and easy to deploy once you get the hang of it. We noticed its price is a bit high considering it lacks the mechanical functions of other cheaper wallets. However, this is still one of the best wallets you can find, period.

Material: Aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber
Card Capacity: 12
Bills?: Yes

Pioneer Passport Wallet

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Pros
  • Holds your passport in dedicated pocket
  • Very durable and lightweight
  • Fabric is waterproof and ripstop
  • Slim enough to fit in back pocket, even when full
  • Handsome aesthetic perfect for travel
Cons
  • Slick exterior can slide out of pocket if not careful
  • Doesn’t hold coins that well
  • Large left pocket could be redesigned

Best Travel Wallet: A reliable wallet is crucial when traveling, but if you’re headed across national borders you’ll want to pack as little as possible. That’s why Pioneer’s Passport Wallet is your best bet, securely holding your money and passport in the same unit, fitting everything you need without any extra space. Built with a proprietary waterproof ripstop fabric that’s ten times stronger than steel and perfect for changing weather and humidity, the wallet holds eight cards, some bills, and even a few tickets. And of course, it has RFID-blocking functionality.

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The Good

Incredibly durable, the Pioneer just looks like a travel companion. The cross-cut pattern brings a level of maturity to all of the colorways (6 currently) while also beading off moisture if needed. The left side of the interior is designed to hold your cards. They slide sideways into the inner pocket. But what’s more is they stick out ever so slightly for easy access and a visual cue of what’s in each sleeve.

A bit larger than your average wallet, the Pioneer Passport Wallet will still fit in most pockets with ease. Like the Bellroy, the exterior here is rather slick and can slide out of your front pockets if you’re not too careful. However, it’s also slim enough to make its way into your back pocket even when full, which is a big plus.

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The Not So Good

As I mentioned, the Pioneer Passport Wallet is large, which might limit front pocket usability for some. I’d also argue that the inside pockets could be designed a bit better. For one, I’d swap the large top pocket on the left side with more card sleeves like your standard wallet. As it stands, I struggled to find a worthy enough purpose for this left-side pouch. It’s too wide to hold coins and too deep for cards. I rather create my own miscellaneous pocket (like with the Bellroy Hide & Seek above) than have one designated for me.

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Verdict: A solid travel companion with a dedicated passport pouch, the Pioneer Passport Wallet is so good-looking that its durability is actually surprising. It’s also super slim, even when it’s completely full, which is perfect for your back pocket as well. The pair of card sleeves are well designed and understated yet we admittedly wish there were more of them. We didn’t love one of the larger pockets but that’s about our only complaint.

Material: Ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene yarn blended into fine nylon ripstop
Card Capacity: 8
Bills?: Yes

Fantom M Wallet

Pros
  • Very durable
  • Fans out your cards
  • Keeps cards locked inside, even if you just have 1
  • Fun to use
  • Serves you well even detached from your phone
Cons
  • Difficult to remove more than one card at a time
  • Pricey
  • Doesn’t hold bills without money clip add-on

Best MagSafe Wallet: The last of the metal wallet triptych (along with Ridge and Ekster) is Fantom. Designed to stick on the back of your phone, the brand’s M model is the MagSafe-friendly version of their flagship fanning wallet –– a category they practically invented. Slim and lightweight, this style comes in a handful of finishes including carbon fiber and wood. However, the housing is made from aircraft-grade aluminum with ceramic coating. There are also three size options (regular, slim, and extra slim) with an optional titanium money clip. For testing, we opted for the slim in carbon fiber finishing, which holds between 5 and 10 cards (the extra slim holds up to 7, while the regular holds up to 13).

The Good

These days, there are plenty of magnetic phone wallets to choose from but a side-access fanning design is pretty rare among them. As such, the Fantom M is a unique option. And best of all, you can use it as a non-MagSafe wallet without skipping a beat. I was admittedly skeptical about how well this wallet could hold cards when it wasn’t full, but the clever design of the chassis keeps even a single card locked inside. Also, fanning out your cards with the finger trigger is a lot of fun to do. You can also remove the cards by hand if there are only a couple inside.

While the price tag isn’t ideal, this is still a well-made wallet that’s incredibly durable. There’s even a lifetime warranty to back up your purchase. This just feels tougher than the others I tested.

The Not So Good

As fun as it is to deploy the cards in the Fantom wallet, it gets tough if you desire to take out multiple cards at once. The housing is really designed for removing a single card at a time, which made it difficult when I was trying to thumb through 10 different cards looking for a particular one.

We already mentioned the price of the Fantom M, which is pretty steep at nearly $150 once you factor in sales tax (although shipping is included in the price). It’s also important to note that this wallet doesn’t hold bills without the add-on money clip option.

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Verdict: Practically inventing the fanning-style metal wallet, Fantom made a MagSafe-compatible version that works just the same if you choose not to attach it to your phone. Incredibly durable, the wallet is fun to use and can even be used with just one or two cards. The priciest option on this list, this unit also has a slight flaw that prevents you from removing more than one card at a time very easily. Nevertheless, this is still the platonic ideal of what a fanning wallet should be.

Material: Ceramic-coated aerospace-grade aluminum
Card Capacity: 5 to 10
Bills?: Yes (with add-on money clip only)

RFID-Blocking Wallets Comparison Chart

WalletMaterialCapacityBills?
Pelican G5 Personal Utility RF Field WalletAluminum5+Yes
Spigen AirTag Card Holder Wallet SPolycarbonate12Yes
Dango A10 AdaptAerospace-grad 6061 aluminum5Yes
Bellroy Hide & SeekLeather12+Yes
Ekster ParliamentLeather and aluminum12Yes
Distil Wally Bifold 5.0Leather14Yes
The Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet Classic with Cash StrapAluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber12Yes
Pioneer Passport WalletUltra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene yarn blended into fine nylon ripstop8Yes
Fantom M WalletCeramic-coated aerospace-grade aluminum5 to 10Yes (with add-on money clip only)

What Is RFID?

RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) is a constant in our world that operates below most people’s radar. Originally used to track cattle, these tags emitting specific radio waves via an antenna are now used to track a multitude of products and personal items. Odds are good that unless you’re living in a cabin with strictly analog items that you made yourself, something you own has an RFID tag. In many ways it can be useful, scanning items for checkout quickly or keeping track of dangerous criminals. The RFID on a hospital wristband, for instance, can give nurses crucial information about your health and any allergies you might have. On the other hand, it can also be an easy way for technological thieves to steal your credit card information and your identity.

Since the 1950s, RFID has been employed in many of our items, from cards to even car keys. According to Homeland Security’s official website, “No personal information is stored on the RFID card; only a number, which points to the information housed in secure databases.” They also list two types of RFID technology:

Vicinity RFID: These are embedded in certain documents and can be read by “authorized readers” from 20 or 30 feet away.

Proximity RFID: Similar to Vicinity RFID, these can be read by “authorized readers” from mere inches away.

How RFID Theft Works

The smarter our credit, debit, and identification cards become, the more connected they are to the invisible web that surrounds us. Using a process known as digital skimming, a person with an RFID reader can pick up your credit or debit card number, all while doing nothing more than standing nearby. Wallets that disrupt RFID signals prevent this from happening and are quickly becoming the only way to stay safe in a WiFi world.

While RFID-blocking wallets are safe to use, there’s a small chance they could have a negative effect on your Bluetooth or GPS signals, so keep that in mind.

Do RFID-Blocking Wallets Really Work?

It’s easy to be skeptical about RFID-blocking wallets since you can’t actually see the device that’s doing the blocking. However, these wallets definitely work to protect your identity and your money. Materials such as metal, reinforced leather, and metal-infused fabrics can all deflect a scanner’s ability to steal your info.

There is a school of thought, however, that RFID skimmers aren’t all that common to begin with. After all, they don’t reveal crucial information such as your CVV number (the code on the back of your credit cards) and they also have a poor success rate, leading many criminals to use different methods altogether than risk getting caught in the act.

Honorable Mentions

Bellroy’s Flip Case is another notable pick from the brand for its unique design and access point. However, we went with the Hide & Seek instead for its traditional aesthetic and its own set of features.

Trayvax’s Armored Summit Wallet is a favorite in the space for its highly affordable price and minimalist tactical approach. However, this isn’t as notable or as attractive as the others on this list above.

Herschel Supply has garnered quite a fan base for its distinct design language and affordability. Such is their Company Charlie Wallet, even if there are more unique and notable options out there.

Zero Grid’s RFID Blocking Passport Holder & Wallet is a durable zippered wallet that we’ve enjoyed using in the past. However, despite the product page still being live, the company has been sold out for some time now.

Secrid’s Cardprotector is another notable minimalist wallet, albeit one that doesn’t really do a whole lot.

Tested: The 9 Best Metal Wallets For Everyday Carry

If you’re a fan of hard-sided card holders and want to explore the finest options on the market right now, check out our guide to the best metal wallets for everyday carry.

Tested: The Best RFID-Blocking Wallets For EDC (2024)

FAQs

Who makes the best RFID blocking wallet? ›

  • Best RFID blocking wallet overall: Bellroy Hide & Seek.
  • Best budget RFID-blocking wallet: Herschel Hank.
  • Best minimalist RFID blocking wallet: The Ridge wallet.
  • Best leather bi-fold RFID-blocking wallet: Harber London leather bi-fold zip wallet.
  • Best women's RFID-blocking leather wallet: Royce New York continental wallet.
May 29, 2024

Can TSA see through RFID wallet? ›

No, this would not create a problem for you. The x-ray machines would see the antenna as a piece of metal, and security might question you about it, but the transponder should not have any impact on the performance of security equipment.

Do RFID blocking wallets really work? ›

RFID blocking tools claim to protect users against identity theft by stopping criminals from scanning your passport's ID chip by just rubbing shoulders with you. In practice, however, RFID blocking does little to help in the most likely identity theft scenarios.

How do I test my RFID blocking wallet? ›

Test Your Wallet Out

If you have such an access card, place it in the wallet and try to scan it at the card reader. If the card cannot be read when inside the wallet, then it likely has RFID blocking technology. Alternatively, some stores sell RFID readers and scanners that can check if a wallet is RFID-protected.

Does aluminum foil in your wallet protect my RFID cards? ›

Some sources say that if you actually have an RFID-enabled credit card, aluminum foil does the same job, if not better, than an expensive RFID-blocking sleeve. Other sources say that aluminum foil does not block RFID, only merely inhibits it, meaning it only prevents reading the information from long distances.

How do I choose an RFID wallet? ›

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.

Do passports need RFID protection? ›

The issue is, these chips contain personal and financial data that can be stolen even while the cards are safely stowed in your wallet or bag. Even though it's hard to steal data from a closed passport, the rest of your cards and data need the RFID blocking protection provided by RFID wallets and waist belts.

Can RFID wallet be tracked? ›

Yes, RFID tags can be tracked. They can be tracked automatically using active RFID tags or manually using passive RFID tags. To be tracked RFID tags provide data related to where they have been and where they currently are.

Does RFID wallets interfere with cell phones? ›

Will it block cell phone signal? There's a chance it could, but not a big one. Bluetooth and GPS, on the other hand, might get interrupted if your phone case contains an RFID blocker. The best way to make sure you can still hear your music, and not get lost, is by keeping your wallet and your phone in separate pockets.

Do RFID wallets block tap to pay? ›

Using a mesh material made up of small conductive wires, these accessories can block external electromagnetic fields, such as one created using a credit card scanner, from communicating with the NFC chip and antenna in your card. But if you're concerned about this happening, don't be.

Can your credit card be scanned in your pocket? ›

Although banks claim that RFID chips on cards are encrypted to protect information, it's been proven that scanners—either homemade or easily bought—can swipe the cardholder's name and number. (A cell-phone-sized RFID reader powered at 30 dBm (decibels per milliwatt) can pick up card information from 10 feet away.

What is the best RFID blocking wallet? ›

  • Best Overall: SALE. ...
  • Best Budget: Zoppen Passport Holder Travel Wallet at Amazon $14. ...
  • Best Minimalist: The Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet at Amazon $95. ...
  • Best Luxury: Bosca Leather Bifold Wallet at Amazon $135. ...
  • Best Organization: Bellroy RFID Travel Wallet at Amazon $139. ...
  • Best Money Clip: SALE. ...
  • Best Crossbody: ...
  • Best Rugged:
Apr 26, 2024

How do I protect my credit card from being scanned? ›

Cut two pieces of paper or cardboard into the size of a credit card, wrap each piece with aluminum foil, and carry them in your wallet around your credit cards. The aluminum will disrupt most electronic signals. You can also wrap each credit card in aluminum foil and place the wrapped cards in your wallet.

Can I add RFID to my wallet? ›

RFID cards in Google Wallet

Google Wallet's Smart Tap NFC passes can also be used to replace physical RFID cards. Using NFC wallet passes on an Android phone offers equivalent advantages over common RFID cards: ✔ Fast and convenient.

Is RFID theft really a problem? ›

The overall chances of RFID theft are pretty low, just as theft via pickpockets. However, the risk can depend on what area you're in and what you're carrying.

What kind of wallet protects credit cards from being scanned? ›

RFID Wallets

Each card slot and compartment is protected, even when the wallet is wide open. Don't risk using a common, everyday wallet. Get fuss-free identity and financial protection that fits into your pocket.

What ruins RFID? ›

RFID chips can be destroyed by a variety of factors. Heat, radiation, magnetic fields, and water all pose a threat to the device and should be avoided whenever possible to ensure its longevity. With proper care and maintenance, an RFID chip can last for a long time without any issues.

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