Modern technology has made it easy to travel to multiple countries without worrying about what currency is used in which place. While we always recommend bringing cash for emergencies, credit card and mobile pay technology have become so efficient and widely accepted that many travelers rely on them instead.
However, the rise of payment technology that fits in your pocket has brought about new ways for thieves to steal your banking information. The last thing you want is for your credit card to be hit with a $5,000 charge at a random Target across the country, so preparing for digital theft while traveling is essential. That said, this can happen in your home city, too.
The wallets on this list were all chosen because they offer RFID and NFC protection. What does that mean, though?
![TICONN RFID Blocking Cards Review](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2024/07/1e8c6cc0-ticonn-rfid-blocking-cards-1.jpg)
RFID is radio frequency identification. There are tags and readers. The tag holds the information, and the reader translates it. This tiny radio transmitter has become incredibly popular as a form of payment, because you can send your card information quickly and easily with a single tap. It’s better for you and the retailer, as it saves time and hassle.
NFC is near-field communication, which is similar but only works at close range. NFC offers two-way communication between tags and readers, whereas RFID typically has a one-way line between the tag and the reader.
These are the two most popular communication methods for payment, and most people use the terms interchangeably, but there is a difference. If you have an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy, your phone most likely uses NFC for Apple or Samsung Pay. Though this can offer two-way communication, it isn’t as strong as an RFID signal, so it’s easier to block with a wallet or material.
Why You Should Trust Us
We researched NFC and RFID technology until the cows came home (we don’t have any, so we stopped when it got dark) and have put that research into the context of our years of expertise regarding travel and everyday carry gear. While we aren’t experts in the NFC and RFID fields, we are when it comes to travel gear, so by researching the two in-depth and pairing that with our travel knowledge, we feel that we can capably communicate why the wallets below are worth your time. Plus, we tested them all rigorously!
How We Tested It
Test 1: NFC Blocker
We don’t have an RFID testing device in-house, but we were able to test all of the wallets on this list using our iPhone. This was tricky, but we figured out how to do it using the iPhone’s automation app.
You can automate your iPhone to do a certain thing after you scan a particular NFC tag. For example, you could have it remind you to do laundry when you scan to open a specific door at your apartment complex. When you set up the automation, you have to scan the NFC tag that you want it to automate. We didn’t actually automate anything; we just used this function to see whether or not the iPhone could scan a Chase Bank touch-to-pay enabled debit card. Without an RFID/NFC blocking wallet, it scanned without issue, so we verified that the blocking worked to some degree.
We understand that this isn’t the perfect test, but it works to a point.
Test 2: Comfortable Card Capacity
This test is simple. We stuffed as many cards as possible into the wallets and removed cards one at a time until they felt comfortable to use. Your mileage may vary based on your preference, but we’ve used a lot of travel wallets, so we know how they should feel.
Test 3: Bill Accommodation
This test only had a few available results. First, some wallets don’t work with cash at all. Then, some work when it’s folded. Last, the holy grail is a wallet that allows you to fit bills fully without folding. These will all work with American currency, but if the place you’re traveling has taller money, it’s best to measure it.
Test 4: Pocketability
We tested whether each wallet fits in: front and back pants pockets. Sometimes, they do super well in a front pocket because they’re so small, but the rigidity makes it a bad back pocket contender, and vice versa.
Did it block NFC? | Comfortable card capacity | Bill accommodation | Front pocketability/10 | Back pocketability/10 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bellroy Hide & Seek RFID Wallet | Yes | 15 | Flat | 7 | 7 |
Garzini Essenziale Magic Wallet | Yes | 8 | Folded | 7 | 8 |
Secrid Cardprotector | Yes | 6 | None | 8 | 7 |
Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet | Yes | 12 | Clip | 7 | 6 |
GRIP6 Wallet (w/ Leather Jacket) | Yes | 6 | Folded | 5 | 6 |
SlimFold MICRO Soft Shell | Yes | 12 | Flat | 8 | 8 |
Pakt Mojito Wallet | Yes* | 6 | Folded | 8 | 8 |
Paperwallet Micro Wallet | Yes | 8 | Folded | 9 | 9 |
Allett Travel Wallet | Yes | 10 | Flat | 6 | 7 |
TICONN RFID Blocking Cards | Yes | – | – | – | – |
Aluminum Foil | Yes | – | – | – | – |
*Read the full description below to see caveats
![Bellroy Hide & Seek RFID - Huckberry Exclusive](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2019/11/2f32b1de-huckberry-bellroy-hide-seek-wallet.jpg?auto=compress&auto=format&w=1110&h=740&fit=crop)
Best For: Leather billfold wallet users
The Bellroy Hide & Seek RFID Wallet feels like a standard billfold; however, it has a few tricks up its sleeve. There are two cash slots, one hidden behind a flap and a secret card slot inside the cash area. It’s a leather wallet that looks stylish and durable but might not be the move for vegan travelers. This wallet can hold a ton of cards, and six pockets handle them, which ensures you don’t have to sort through too many at once to find the card you’re looking for because they’re spread out.
The Bellroy Wallet passed our iPhone NFC test without issue. We were able to fit 15 cards comfortably, though you’ll likely be able to stuff more in there if you want to. It’s a standard billfold, so you can fit your cash inside flat, not folded. Because of the size and materials, it fits well in a front or back pocket, though you may feel it more when sitting on a hard surface if you shove 15+ cards inside and have a ton of cash with you!
Why We Like It- The leather is durable and sleek
- You can stow 15 cards comfortably inside
- It isn’t vegan-friendly
- When full, it is pretty thick, which can be tight in certain pants
![Garzini Essenziale Magic Wallet Magic](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2023/11/3d9c3acd-garzini-essenziale-magic-wallet-magic.jpg?auto=compress&auto=format&w=1110&h=740&fit=crop)
Best For: Travelers who love fidget spinners
The Garzini Essenziale Magic Wallet is half wallet, half fidget spinner. Well, not really, but it is enjoyable to play with. Check out our full review to see how that works! When it comes to using this wallet, things are actually pretty simple. This wallet has four sides: two with three card slots and two with just one. There are straps to stow folded cash, but your folded currency will be safer in one of the card pockets. This wallet is crafted from leather, which feels durable and stylish, but it isn’t the best bet for vegan travelers.
The Garzini Wallet had no issues with our NFC test and could hold eight cards comfortably, one in each slot. If you put more than one per slot, it can become challenging to get them out. This wallet performs pretty averagely in your front pocket but excels in your back pocket because of its thinness. No matter where you stow it, it’s so thin that you’ll forget it’s there, which, admittedly, is both good and bad!
Why We Like It- The design is unique and enjoyable to play with
- There are places to stow cash and cards
- The cash storage isn’t foolproof
- You can only fit one card comfortably per slot
![Secrid Cardprotector Cards](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2021/10/f6bde776-secrid-cardprotector-cards.jpg?auto=compress&auto=format&w=1110&h=740&fit=crop)
Best For: Minimalistic travelers
The Secrid Cardprotector is unique take on a minimalist wallet. There’s no space for cash, and it’ll only hold a few cards; however, it’ll work wonders for people fully integrated into the digital age. It’s a metal frame with a small button on the bottom. When you pull the button, your cards fan out of the wallet’s top end. The cards don’t come out otherwise, which is a neat design. There are also a few colors to choose from, which is fun. They aren’t overtly expensive, which isn’t true for all minimalist wallets.
The Secrid Cardprotector handled our NFC test without issue; however, as we mentioned, it doesn’t hold cash. You can fit six cards inside, which is more than most people need while traveling. This wallet does suburb in a front pocket, as it’s small and sturdy, but it can be a bit uncomfortable to sit on when it’s stowed in your back pocket. It’s incredibly durable, so you don’t have to worry about your cards getting damaged or stolen remotely!
Why We Like It- The cards quickly pop out when you’re ready to use them
- The metal exterior offers suburb protection
- There’s no way to stow cash here
- Can sometimes hit the button on accident
![Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet Review](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2021/10/85bc2f95-trayvax-original-2-0-wallet-updated-4.jpg?auto=compress&auto=format&w=1110&h=740&fit=crop)
Best For: Travelers who are rough on their gear
The Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet is one of the most rugged wallets we’ve ever tested, and that’s saying something. It’s crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum (not Boeing, we promise) and MIL-SPEC Paracord (what the army uses), so you don’t have to worry about this thing breaking any time soon. Essentially, the paracord holds two metal plates together. This might not seem like it stays together; however, it does, and we’ve never lost a card. On the back is a clip, which you can use to stow cash or other flat items. The top of the clip can also be used as a bottle opener, so you don’t have to bring a separate one to drink a few beers with the boys after work.
The wallet blocked our NFC theft attempts on both sides, even when the card was exposed on the clip side. We think 12 is a solid number of cards to fit here; however, the more you bring, the harder it is to find what you’re looking for. It does okay in a front pocket but sometimes feels a little bulky. This issue continues to the back pocket, where it is incredibly uncomfortable to sit on, even if your backside is well-endowed. This is definitely a front-pocket friend or at least one that has to switch from back to front or back to table or desk when you’re sitting down!
Why We Like It- It’s incredibly durable
- There’s a bottle opener for soda pops and beers
- It’s bulky in a front pocket
- The cash clip isn’t foolproof, as it can slide out with enough pressure
![Grip6 Wallet Usage 3](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2021/08/31be2479-grip6-wallet-usage-3.jpg?auto=compress&auto=format&w=1110&h=740&fit=crop)
Best For: Minimalist wallet lovers who want customizability
The GRIP6 Wallet is incredibly customizable, which we dig. Everyone uses their wallet differently, so you should be able to build one that works for you, right? Natively, the wallet can’t hold any cash, but there are add-ons for that. We’ve got the Leather Jacket, which allows it to stow some money or keep a card on the outside while you’re waiting to pay at a food truck. A button on the side of the wallet near the bottom pushes the cards out of the storage area, fanning them up so you can see them. This makes it easier to pick the one you need.
The wallet did well in the NFC test and can handle folded cash with the Leather Jacket add-on. We have the version with the loop, a large finger hole on the top side of the wallet that’s fun to play with and makes it easier to pop your cards out. We dig how easy it is, but it adds a lot of bulk, making this wallet score poorly on the front and back pocket scales. You can get the wallet without the Leather Jacket or Loop, but we don’t like the wallet as much without them. It comes down to personal preference and how large of pockets you typically have!
Why We Like It- It’s customizable, so you can make it work for your needs
- The cards fan nicely, so you can pick the one you need more easily
- Can feel bulky with some of the add-ons
- The Leather Jacket is handy, but makes the wallet a bit Frankenstein’s Monster-esque
![SlimFold MICRO Soft Shell Review](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2023/08/cf9acf01-zslimfold-micro-soft-shell-palm.jpg?auto=compress&auto=format&w=1110&h=740&fit=crop)
Best For: Ultralight travelers
The SlimFold MICRO Soft Shell is likely the lightest wallet you’ve ever encountered. Seriously, this thing is incredibly lightweight but doesn’t slack regarding durability, either. It’s pretty small but still has room for ample cards and cash, making it a solid choice for travel. SlimFold describes the material as a blend of GORE-TEX and Kevlar, which isn’t a bad juxtaposition.
The wallet itself isn’t RFID protecting; however, there are sliding cards inside the wallet that are. You can get the wallet with or without these, and you can take them out when you don’t want to use them, too. They don’t add much bulk and passed our NFC test, so we’ll keep them there. We could fit 12 cards comfortably, and cash fits flat, without folds. It’s such a tiny wallet that it fits comfortably into your front or back pocket, scoring well in each category. This wallet is so small and lightweight that you’ll forget that you’re carrying it.
Why We Like It- It’s one of the smallest and lightest wallets on the market
- We’ve had no issues with the materials holding up
- The materials aren’t structured, which some users may not enjoy
- The RFID protection is quite thin, though it passed our tests
![Pakt Mojito Wallet Review](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2022/11/59f81108-zpakt-mojito-wallet-outdoor.jpg?auto=compress&auto=format&w=1110&h=740&fit=crop)
Best For: Minimalist travelers who like stylish wallets
The Pakt Mojito Wallet has a straightforward design that just works. You don’t always need aircraft-grade aluminum and fancy buttons to make a minimalist wallet. The Mojito is crafted from polyurethane leather, but you’d never guess by looking at it. The material is durable and highly water resistant, too. The wallet isn’t as tall as your cards but has an elastic band to hold them in place. In testing, it hasn’t stretched out or popped out of place. There’s a small, tight pocket on the front face for cash, which is handy.
The wallet blocked our NFC test when the card’s chip was inserted into the wallet; however, if you accidentally leave the chip on the exposed side, we could still scan it. Six cards feel comfortable here; however, you may be able to fit one or two more if you need to. This wallet is so small and malleable that it feels fine in your front or back pocket, so it scores so high on either test. There aren’t many places to stow things inside the Mojito, but that might be what you’re looking for!
Why We Like It- The polyurethane leather is durable and vegan-friendly
- It’s quite small and feels comfortable in a front or back pocket
- The RFID protecting qualities depend on which way you stow your card
- There aren’t many pockets to stow your gear
![Paperwallet Micro Wallet Review](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2022/11/0accc355-paperwallet-micro-wallet-full.jpg?auto=compress&auto=format&w=1110&h=740&fit=crop)
Best For: Funky design lovers
Don’t worry; the Paperwallet Micro Wallet isn’t really made of paper, even if it feels like it when you hold it. It is crafted from Tyvek, the same material you see used on the outside of homes being built. It’s waterproof, which is why it’s used in construction. The material is shockingly durable and super lightweight, making this one of the most minimalist wallets on this list.
The Paperwallet Micro Wallet blocked our NFC theft attempt without issue and has space for folded cash. If you prefer to have flat money, there are larger versions on Paperwallet’s site! Because of how incredibly lightweight, small, and comfortable these wallets are, we rated them nine for both front and back pockets. Seriously, this thing is comfortable. It’s pretty tiny, which may be challenging for some users to handle; however, we love the funky patterns and how durable they are compared to how lightweight they are. Plus, they’re sub-$40, which is a heck of a deal!
Why We Like It- The funky designs are unique and fun
- All things considered, it’s budget-friendly
- The materials are hard to get used to, as they feel like paper
- It will last a long time but starts to look shabby after a few months
![Allett Travel Wallet Review](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2023/03/b20efee3-allett-travel-wallet-outdoor.jpg?auto=compress&auto=format&w=1110&h=740&fit=crop)
Best For: Travelers who have their passport with them 24/7
The Allett Travel Wallet is one of the only wallets we considered for this list that can fit a passport. Why? This isn’t a passport wallet post—it’s a travel and everyday carry wallet post. That said, the Allett Travel Wallet is standard wallet-sized; it just happens to be able to work with a passport. That’s fun, huh? The shell is ripstop nylon; however, other materials are also available. We dig how lightweight and durable the ripstop nylon is, so we opted for that.
We could fit ten cards inside comfortably, though you may be able to accommodate a couple more if you’re stretching it. Cash is flat when stowed inside, which we like, as you can see how much you have more easily (and without taking it all out). Though we rate the ability to fit a passport inside, this makes the wallet quite a bit larger, which isn’t ideal for front-pocket use. It does fine in your back pocket; however, that isn’t everyone’s jam. If the size isn’t your biggest worry, this wallet can work as a travel wallet or an everyday carry wallet, which is a solid dual-use piece of gear, we think!
Why We Like It- You can fit a passport inside, which is surprising considering the wallet isn’t massive
- The materials are lightweight and durable
- The width may be a bit much for tight pockets
- It isn’t the sleekest looking wallet on this list
![TICONN RFID Blocking Cards Review](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2024/07/1e8c6cc0-ticonn-rfid-blocking-cards-1.jpg?auto=compress&auto=format&w=1110&h=740&fit=crop)
Best For: Travelers who already have a favorite wallet
Let’s say that you work at a travel gear review company. Maybe, right before you started working there, you got a new wallet and fell in love with it. Potentially, you loved it so much that you convinced your managing editor that the company should review it, and they complied. Maybe you can’t see yourself using any other wallet because you love it so much, even though it isn’t RFID-blocking. What then?
Enter the TICONN RFID Blocking Cards! These are shaped like a standard credit card lined with metal that blocks RFID and NFC frequencies. You can place them inside any wallet, and they’ll work nearly as well as an RFID-blocking wallet. We say nearly as well because these cards don’t protect on all sides as most of these wallets do, but you’ll likely be fine. These are a budget-friendly option that’ll work with almost any wallet you own and may buy in the future. Throw one card on either end of the wallet, and you’re set! Plus, you can use them to protect a card stowed in an unconventional place, like a travel backpack, sling, or tech pouch.
Why We Like It- You can use them with almost any wallet imaginable
- They’re budget-friendly compared to buying a whole new wallet
- You may need to use two at a time to get full protection
- You aren’t getting 360-degree protection even when using both
![Standard Aluminum Foil](https://cdn.packhacker.com/2024/07/46f1dce1-aluminum-foil.jpg?auto=compress&auto=format&w=1110&h=740&fit=crop)
Best For: Budget-friendly travelers
You think we’re joking, right? We’re not.
Aluminum foil blocks RFID and NFC signals. You’ve probably got some at home already—test it. It works!
Whereas throwing aluminum foil in your wallet might make you feel a little nutty, it’ll keep your digital currency safe, and you likely won’t have to go to the store at all.
Why We Like It- You likely already have it in your kitchen
- It’s easy to replace
- It can be hard to fit into some wallets
- You might look like a conspiracy theorist
So there you have it: some of the best RFID-blocking wallet models on the market today. Hopefully, you’re well on your way to protecting your digital currency and ensuring your next trip runs smoothly!