A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated Sep. 03, 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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
From covering the best home safes to anti-theft travel 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.
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.
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.
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
