8 Best RFID-Blocking Wallets to Protect Your Credit Cards
Updated: May 07, 2024
Though the risk is low, having your cards skimmed using RFID technology can cause a potentially major financial burden. The best RFID-blocking wallet helps keep you safe.
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Most scams happen quietly—while online shopping, opening an unsuspecting email in your inbox, responding to a text from an unknown number or answering a seemingly innocent call on your phone—and radio frequency identification (RFID) scams are no exception, pulling personal information from credit or debit cards without the cardholder realizing it. RFID allows certain devices to read information simply by bringing them within range of a bar code or chip on a product, such as the technology used in contactless payments on credit cards. You’ll know your charge cards are enabled with RFID technology if they bear the sideways Wi-Fi icon.
The best RFID-blocking wallets help protect against RFID readers that may be trying to access your card without your permission. Steven Walker, CEO of Spylix, says, “RFID blocking works by blocking the electromagnetic field surrounding RFID documents.” While the risk may be low for RFID theft, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and an RFID-blocking wallet can give you peace of mind and save you the hassle of dealing with a compromised card.
If you’re ready to take a secure step to protect your credit cards, shopping for the best RFID-blocking wallets is a smart place to start.
Best Overall RFID-Blocking Wallet
Fossil Ingram Leather RFID Bifold Wallet
Pros:
- 100% genuine leather
- One bill compartment, two ID windows, three slide pockets and eight credit card slots
- Extra pocket on outside of wallet
- Available in two colors
- Free embossing when purchased on Fossil
Cons:
- Some reviewers say embossing isn't the best
Fossil has spent the past few decades designing the best men’s and women’s wallets, and this classic RFID-blocking wallet is no exception. Featuring durable 100% leather, it’s built to last and keep your personal belongings secure. Measuring 4.5 by 0.75 by 3.5 inches, it’s neither minimal nor excessive with a single bill compartment, two ID windows, three slide pockets and eight card slots. Available in black or brown, the wallet will suit nearly any style while securing all your necessities. Plus, if you want to add an extra-special touch to the accessory, you can emboss it with the initials of your choice.
Best Budget RFID-Blocking Wallet
George Milled Leather Bifold Wallet
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Genuine full-grain leather
- Soft, yet durable
- One bill compartment, one ID window, three slip pockets and 11 credit card slots
- Spare key holder
Cons:
- Only available in black
The added peace of mind of an RFID-blocking wallet doesn’t have to cost you a pretty penny. Instead, save that hard-earned cash for storing inside the oh-so-affordable George bifold wallet. Featuring high-quality, genuine milled leather, this wallet is as soft as it is durable. And don’t let the price fool you—with 11 card slots, three slip pockets, an ID window and a cash compartment, it’ll hold all your belongings and then some. It even has a convenient slot for securing a spare key! (Talk about one less thing to worry about in your pocket or packed in a purse).
Most Durable RFID-Blocking Wallet
The Ridge Wallet
Pros:
- Military-grade titanium metal
- Scratch resistant
- Slim, minimalist design
- 12 card slots, one money clip and one cash strap
- 16 colors and patterns
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- Pricey
- Tricky to access cards quickly
If you’re looking for a wallet that’s as stylish as it is durable, look no further than the Ridge. While it’s pricier than other RFID-blocking wallets on the market, its slim design combined with its durable titanium construction makes it well worth the price. Plus, the Ridge also comes backed with a lifetime guarantee.
Available in 16 colors and styles, the Ridge wallet holds up to 12 cards and features a money clip and cash strap for securing bills to the outside. It’s made from military-grade, scratch-resistant metal, meaning this worthy investment will likely stand the test of time.
Best RFID-blocking wallet for travel
HotCool Passport Holder and Wallet
Pros:
- Passport and wallet combo
- 11 pockets, one cash holder, one driver license slot, four card slots
- Includes two SIM card slots, one pen slot, one passport holder and one boarding pass holder
- Includes wrist strap
- 12 colors and designs
- Vegan leather
Cons:
- On the bulkier side
Simplify international travel with this passport wallet combo which can hold all your travel necessities—from passport and credit cards to boarding passes and a pen—in one handy and secure place. Available in 12 different colors and patterns, this faux-leather case offers organization at an extremely affordable price, which is convenient considering you’ll likely only use it for travel and not your everyday wallet.
Best RFID-blocking pouch
Made By Design Undergarment Neck Pouch
Pros:
- Multiple compartments
- Can be worn above or below garments
- Lightweight
- Customizable cord lock
- Budget-friendly price
Cons:
- Available in only one color
While RFID-blocking technology adds one layer of security, having your belongings close to you and away from potential pickpocketers adds another. Designed to be worn stealthily under clothes, this neck pouch from Made by Design is made of rip-stop nylon, has a slim profile and weighs less than 3 ounces.
This best RFID-blocking wallet features multiple compartments to help keep you both organized and safe while traveling or even just doing hands-free errands around town. And its long neck strap can be easily adjusted with a simple slip-lock cord lock for the optimal fit.
Best RFID-blocking wristlet
Fossil Logan Leather Zip-Around Wallet/Wristlet
Pros:
- Zip-close clutch with detachable wrist strap
- 12 cards slots, two bill compartments, one zipper pocket and three gusseted pockets
- Fits most cell phones
- Available in several colors
- One-year limited warranty
Cons:
- No clear ID window
- Not pocket-sized
This Fossil wristlet fits most cell phones (up to an iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra), and has so much capacity that it’s almost a small purse. It can be thrown into a larger bag, worn on the wrist or carried as a clutch—truly a versatile accessory. This RFID-blocking wallet features several polished brass zippers—one zips around three sides of the wallet and keeps interior contents secure, a second is on the outside for quick-access items and a third seals an interior compartment for change.
Best high-capacity RFID-blocking wallet for women
ItsLife Leather Wallet/Clutch
Pros:
- Large capacity
- 21 card slots, one ID window, three full-length bill compartments, one snap cash pocket and one zipper phone case
- Durable
- 11 colors
- One-year money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Won't close if overstuffed
This high-capacity RFID-blocking wallet from ItLife holds 20 cards, has three bill slots, an ID window, a change compartment, a checkbook holder and even has room for a cell phone. The waxed leather gives this wallet a luxury feel and the high-quality cowhide will improve with age. ItsLife has been making this wallet since 1987 and has a tried-and-true classic and vintage design that comes in 11 stylish colors. The brand is so certain you’ll love it that it offers a one-year money-back guarantee.
Best high-capacity RFID-blocking wallet for men
Leatherology Trifold Wallet
Pros:
- Versatile wallet
- Full-grain leather
- Nine credit card slots, three interior pockets and double bill compartment
- Includes removeable card wallet (ID window and two spare pockets)
- Option for personalization
- Includes gift box
Cons:
- Pricey
- Only available in two colors
Made of vegetable-tanned, full-grain European leather, trifold wallet is ideal for the guy who likes having everything on hand. It features nine card slots, two bill compartments and three interior pockets. It also contains a removable card wallet—consisting of an ID window and two pockets—to be used as a separate wallet for days when it’s not necessary to carry everything.
Available in two colors—black onyx and brown—the stylish wallet can be personalized for an additional cost. It also comes packaged in gift box, making it a useful birthday present or Father’s Day gift for the special man in your life.
What to look for when buying an RFID-blocking wallet
When searching for the best RFID-blocking wallet, take into consideration its use, durability, capacity, style and budget.
Will this wallet be for everyday use or for travel? If the wallet is for everyday use, consider picking something that matches your style and is practical for carrying what you need. Wallets come in various colors, materials and sizes to suit both minimalists and those who prefer to keep everything on hand. If for travel, you’ll want to consider what else you might be carrying inside your wallet besides the basics, such as a passport, a boarding pass and various types of currency. If safety is a top concern, consider an RFID-blocking pouch that you can fasten securely under your clothing that is out of reach from potential pickpocketers.
Lastly, choose a wallet that is constructed of durable materials to last for many years and trips to come.
Why you should trust us
From covering the best home safes to anti-theft bags, the editors at Reader’s Digest know a thing or two when it comes to safety and security. We carefully analyzed each wallet, their features and why they stand out among the rest. But for added expertise, we consulted with three security and privacy professionals for this piece: Steven Walker, CEO of Spylix, Paul Bischoff, privacy advocate of Comparitech and Brian Penny, founder of Thought For Your Penny and former operations manager and business systems analyst for Bank of America.
How we found the best RFID-blocking wallets
We researched the top wallet brands—along with the highest-rated wallets on Amazon—to locate the best RFID-blocking wallets on the market today. We considered features, materials, design and capacity to identify a wallet for every need and budget. We scoured reviews and also consulted with various experts to help narrow down our top picks for the best RFID-blocking wallets for everyday use and travel for 2024.
FAQ
What is RFID?
RFID stands for radio frequency identification, and it allows certain devices to read information simply by bringing them within range of a bar code or chip on a product.
“RFID is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to identify people or things,” explains Paul Bischoff, privacy advocate at Comparitech. “It’s often used for inventory tracking, asset tracking, and attendance monitoring. The term ‘RFID’ is often used interchangeably with NFC (Near Field Communication), the technology used in contactless payments on cards and phones.”
While NFC requires very close proximity, such as when you tap your card for payment, RFID scanners can gather information across much larger distances. According to Brian Penny, a former operations manager and business systems analyst at Bank of America, RFID-enabled cards can be pinged from up to 30 feet away, which is why you might want to invest in an RFID-blocking wallet.
Is RFID blocking really necessary?
While the odds of having your cards skimmed using RFID technology are low, you never know when you’re in range of a hidden RFID reader, so it makes sense to control the controllable where you can. Protecting the contents of your wallet is one of those places.
Originally Published: April 11, 2022
