7 Best Wallets That Protect Credit Cards (2024)

Whether you’re carrying one credit card or a dozen, you need a sturdy wallet that will protect them — both from the everyday wear and tear of being in your pocket, and the savvy hackers that may steal your credit card information through the card’s RFID chip. If you’re hunting for a new wallet to keep RFID thieves at bay while you’re out and about or simply because your old leather tri-fold is on its last legs, here are some of the best wallets on the market today to protect your credit cards. 

What to Look For

Before you start shopping for a new wallet, what features should you be looking for? There are a few criteria that determine whether a wallet is worth your time. These include:

Durability

The last thing you want is to buy a wallet and transfer all your cards into it only to have it fall apart in a few weeks or months. Read the reviews and do your research to see if the wallet of your choice is going to be able to take the punishment.

Material

Are you a fan of leather or do you prefer a vegan alternative? What about more modern options like steel or carbon fiber? There are plenty of different material options to choose from. 

Comfort

Is the wallet comfortable in your hand and in your pocket? No one wants to sit on a brick of leather or carbon fiber.

Storage

Can the wallet easily carry all the cards and cash that you use on a daily basis? Some wallets, especially slim-line styles, are designed for those that have stopped carrying cash regularly. 

Ease of Use

Can you pull your cards or ID out easily or is it a struggle to move them in and out of your wallet? Are you struggling and digging around with your fingernails trying to pay for your takeout?

RFID Shielding

A new addition, but does the wallet offer RFID shielding to prevent nearby hackers and thieves from stealing your information? We’ll discuss this in more depth in a moment.

Style

Finally, it’s important to make sure that your new wallet matches your aesthetic. There’s no point in wasting your money on a wallet that you won’t carry because it doesn’t match your style. 

What is RFID?

Almost every wallet you look at these days claims to offer RFID shielding but what is RFID and why do you need to worry about it?

The acronym RFID stands for radio frequency identification. These chips let you transfer data between the tag itself and a nearby computer. It’s the technology behind things like Apple Pay and others that allow you to pay for goods and services without having to insert your card. Your card is always sending off a weak signal trying to connect to nearby points of sale. While you need to be within a few feet to see this information, it is possible for savvy thieves to use an RFID scanner to steal the information from all the cards in your wallet in a few seconds. 

The easiest way to prevent this theft is to store your cards in a wallet that blocks RFID signals until you pull your card out to pay.

1. Ridge Wallet – $95.00

You probably have a friend or family member that has told you to protect your cards by wrapping your wallet in aluminum foil. Ridge took that idea and said, “But what if we make it fashion?” If you spend any time on YouTube, you’ve probably seen at least one video sponsored by Ridge Wallets. These RFID-blocking wallets sandwich your cards between two pieces of solid aluminum which blocks any and all RFID signals. They’re compact, can hold up to 12 cards and come with an option for a money clip or elastic band to hold cash.

2. Dango D02 Dapper Wallet – $129.00

Dango also offers a wallet with an aluminum frame, but in this case, you have a nickel-plated frame over a leather body. It still offers the same sort of high-end RFID protection as well as space for up to 12 cards. The attached silicone band will hold your cash securely. There’s even an option to add on a multitool to make sure you’re getting the most out of your wallet.

3. Hayvenhurst Wallet – $38.97

If appearance is essential, then look no further than the Hayvenhurst wallet. This aluminum slim-form wallet gives you the option to choose from five metallic designs. It’s incredibly thin, yet can fit up to 12 cards. The minimalistic money clip lets you secure your cash in style. There’s a Hayvenhurst wallet out there for every aesthetic.

4. Bellroy Hide & Seek RFID Blocking Wallet – $89.00

Slim aluminum wallets are great if that’s the aesthetic you’re going for, but sometimes you just want a classic leather bifold or trifold wallet to complete your look. This is especially important if you are going to be pulling your wallet out often. The Bellroy Hide & Seek wallet is made from genuine leather and has all the bells and whistles, even if it looks simple when folded up and tucked away in your pocket. Store your most used cards in the quick access slots, cash in the bill slip and even coins in a small hidden coin pouch. 

5. Dockers Men’s Leather Travel Wallet – $27.20

You really don’t have to break the bank to get simple wallets that protect credit cards. This Dockers Men’s Leather Travel Wallet has enough room for nine cards, cash, coins, pictures, and more. The clear ID window makes it easier to show off your great (or not so great) driver’s license photo the next time you get carded. Despite its minimalist design, this travel wallet still offers comprehensive RFID protection.

6. Trayvax Armored Summit Wallet – $40.99

If you’re going to opt for a futuristic steel wallet, why not go all-in? The Trayvax Armored Summit Wallet offers a new take on the traditional wallet. The heat-resistant steel frame provides access to a money clip on one side and a card strap on the other. There’s a built-in bottle opener, as well, which can come in handy.

7. Esker Senate Card Holder – $79.00

Never worry about losing your wallet ever again with this sleek slim-form wallet. This leather wallet holds up to 10 cards in the interior and five more in the side strap. Plus, it has a push-button eject to make it easier to pull them out when you need them. You can store cash and coins in the interior of the wallet. It also works with a solar-powered tracker that can connect to your phone via Bluetooth, so you won’t ever have to worry about losing your wallet ever again. 

Which One Do You Want to Try First?

If you’re in the market for a new wallet, which of these RFID shielded options catches your eye. It’s not always easy to find wallets that protect credit cards and match your aesthetic, but there are so many options out there that you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy. Make sure it ticks all the boxes that we listed above, and you’ll be good to go.