10 Best RFID-Blocking Wallets for Extra Security
Updated: Aug. 21, 2023
Though the risk is low, having your cards skimmed using RFID technology can cause headache and financial burden. An RFID-blocking wallet will keep you safe.
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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.
Most scams happen quietly—while online shopping, arriving in your email, calling you on the phone—and RFID scams are no exception, causing damage often without the cardholder realizing it.
What does RFID blocking mean?
You’ll know your charge cards are enabled with RFID technology if they bear the sideways Wi-Fi icon. RFID-blocking products create a shield 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.”
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.
We’ve compiled a list of the best RFID-blocking wallets in a variety of categories based on ratings, user experience, quality, utility, and style. Despite the low risk of RFID theft, these RFID-blocking wallets give you peace of mind, especially when having a compromised card is more than just a hassle.
The best RFID-blocking wallets
Best RFID-blocking wallet for every day
Fossil Derrick RFID Leather Bifold Wallet
This classic Fossil wallet is made with a durable 100 percent leather exterior and polyester-lined interior. It’s neither minimal nor excessive with a single bill compartment, two ID windows, two slide pockets, eight card slots, and a coin pouch. The wallet has clean lines and is made from built-to-last leather that will age beautifully. Speaking of long-lasting products, this leather cleaner will keep all your leather goods looking new.
Pros:
- Engravable (in store)
- Rich leather
- Clear ID window
Cons:
- Comes in only one color
- Not as distressed as it appears in the photo
Best RFID-blocking wallet for security
Made By Design Undergarment Neck Pouch
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 three ounces. It’s got multiple compartments to help keep you both organized and safe while traveling or even just doing hands-free errands around town. This pouch has a long neck strap that can be adjusted easily with a simple slip-lock cord lock.
Pros:
- Minimal design
- Lightweight
- Big enough to hold a cell phone
Cons:
- Comes in only one color
- Gets bulky when overstuffed, best for a few flat items
Best compact RFID-blocking wallet
Willowist Minimalist Leather Pop-Up Wallet
Handmade from 100 percent high-quality, top-grain cowhide leather that is soft yet durable, and available in six colors, this minimalist wallet from Willowist can be engraved with a monogram, full name, company logo, or even a favorite quote or phrase. The convenient pop-up button at the bottom allows cards to slide out for easy access.
Pros:
- Fits easily in most pants pockets
- Handmade
Cons:
- Money has to be folded before inserting into wallet
- No clear ID sleeve
Best RFID-blocking money clip wallet
Access Denied Slim Leather Bifold
The money clip is the original minimalist wallet for the person who wants to carry just the necessities. This handmade wallet comes in full-grain leather or weather-resistant carbon fiber and offers ample capacity in a slim design that is less than one-half inch thick. In addition to the stainless money clip, it has seven card slots plus an easy-access thumb hole for sliding out cards or IDs.
Pros:
- Lifetime warranty
- Strong money clip
Cons:
- Card slots are tight
- Becomes thick when money clip is loaded
Best RFID-blocking wallet for travel
HOTCOOL Passport and Vaccine Card Holder Combo
Not all trips require you to carry your CDC vaccine cards, but they’re expected to be required for international travel for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, vaccine cards aren’t the same size as a driver’s licenses or credit cards, and like passports they don’t fit in a standard size wallet, which is why this passport and vaccine card holder comes in handy. It also holds two SIM cards, a boarding pass, and a pen to keep you organized while abroad.
Pros:
- Wrist strap for added security
- Comes in 44 colors/patterns
- Vegan
Cons:
- Holds only three cards
- Doesn’t have a designated sleeve for cash
Most durable RFID-blocking wallet
MonarquebyFigDesign Armored Aluminum Wallet
This six-pocket, RFID-blocking wallet not only protects cards from cyber theft, but it also protects them from the elements thanks to a sturdy aluminum exterior. The smooth design helps this wallet slide easily into and out of purse and pants pockets, and the ridges make it easy to grab. In addition to being durable, this aluminum wallet is fashionable and minimalist, making it a great choice for both travel and everyday use, not to mention a way to cut down on things you’re carrying in your purse.
Pros:
- Handmade
- Sturdy
- Good value
Cons:
- Comes in black only
Most utilitarian RFID-blocking wallet
Herschel Supply Co. Charlie RFID Card Case
Larger wallets are a useful place to keep all your things together, but they can quickly become overstuffed with credit cards, gift cards, punch cards, ID cards, receipts, and other things you probably shouldn’t keep in your wallet. This is technically a card case and not a wallet, but sometimes all you need is a few cards that are well-protected in a case that fits comfortably into a pocket, purse, or even into your larger wallet.
Pros:
- Stylish, simple design
Cons:
- Small
- Synthetic materials
- Comes in black only
Best RFID-blocking wristlet
Fossil Logan Leather RFID Zip Around Wallet Wristlet
This Fossil wristlet fits all phone sizes up to an iPhone® 11 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S10+®, and has so much capacity, 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.
Pros:
- Holds 12 cards
- Has two bill compartments
- Zips closed for added security
Cons:
- No clear ID window
- Not pocket-sized
Best high-capacity RFID-blocking wallet for women
ItsLife Waxed Leather Multifunctional Wallet/Clutch
This high-capacity RFID-blocking wallet holds 20 cards, has 3 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. The brand is so certain you’ll love it, they offer a one-year money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Durable
- Comes in 27 colors
- Good value
Cons:
- Leather is stiff at first
- Won’t close if overstuffed
Best high-capacity RFID-blocking wallet for men
Leatherology Trifold with Removable Card Wallet
Made of vegetable-tanned, full-grain European leather, this trifold wallet has nine card slots, two bill compartments, and interior pockets. The removable card wallet has an ID window, holds a couple of cards, and can be used as a separate wallet for days when it’s not necessary to carry everything.
Pros:
- Soft leather
- Versatile
- Monogrammable
Cons:
- Available in only two colors with RFID lining
- Textures range from fine grain to a lightly pebbled grain
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Sources:
- Brian Penny, founder of Thought For Your Penny and former operations manager and business systems analyst at Bank of America
- Steven Walker, CEO of Spylix
- Paul Bischoff, privacy advocate, Comparitech
