Ekster Modular Bifold Review

The Ekster Modular Bifold features a timeless design with a removable magnetic card sleeve that allows it to adapt to various use cases. The sleeve snaps into place to provide a customizable carry for all the essentials. The card slots on both the sleeve and bifold are designed for quick and easy access with the flexibility to minimize or maximize how much you carry.

However, it definitely starts to lean toward the bulkier side since it can hold up to 12 cards plus additional cash at full capacity. The classic leather and bifold design are further accented with detailed stitching around the sides, giving it a professional aesthetic that can make anyone look like a business executive. It also features a built-in coin compartment, although it works better in theory than in practice.

The Rundown

The Ekster Modular Bifold is made from environmentally certified leather, which gives the wallet a sophisticated aesthetic. It feels smooth and comfortable in the hand, and, similar to most leather wallets, the material develops character with age. The wallet has a minimal and clean face with detailed stitching and only an Ekster emblem in the lower right corner. Ekster claims it can hold up to 12 cards and 10 banknotes, but that depends on how you organize everything.

On the left side, the magnetic card sleeve that gives it its modular name snaps into place with a pair of powerful magnets. The sleeve features the Ekster logo on the front and the emblem on the back between the two magnets. Unfortunately, it is not reversible and only snaps in securely on one specific side. The magnetic card sleeve includes four card slots, two on each side, plus a middle slot for either an additional card or folded cash. While Ekster states that the sleeve can fit 8+ cards, we feel that may be pushing the sleeve to its limits. One card in each slot stays nice and secure, with an easy overview of everything. One slight inconvenience we noticed is that to retrieve a card from the magnetic card sleeve on the back while it’s secured to the main bifold, you have to remove the magnetic card sleeve entirely, which feels a bit like solving a Rubik’s Cube. This is not a huge issue, but something to keep in mind when planning the layout of all your cards.

Behind the magnetic card sleeve and dedicated magnets is another card slot that can fit some extra cards. This slot has a bit more give, making it suitable for placing one of their wallet trackers or at least two cards without any issue. Behind this slot is the dedicated area for cash bills that spans the full width of the wallet. If you prefer to go cashless, we found this securely holds extra cards without falling out. This area is ideal for a cluster of cards that are nice to have but not always necessary, like loyalty cards. The design of both sides of the wallet allows for an easy overview of the contents, including cards, banknotes, or receipts.

On the right side of the wallet are two additional card slots, which can accommodate up to two cards each, depending on their thickness. Behind these card slots is the built-in coin compartment, which can securely hold a decent amount of change. It is certainly convenient for a small amount of cash, but capacity becomes an issue if the wallet is already fully loaded with other cards. The coin compartment has a flap that keeps all the contents securely inside. When not in use, it sits flush against the side and does not take up any space.

This wallet is compatible with both Ekster’s Finder Card and Wallet Tracker. These cards can add a decent amount of bulk, roughly equivalent to two cards stacked on top of each other. However, if you frequently lose track of your wallet, the added bulk might be a worthwhile trade-off for the added functionality.

Packability

Depending on how much you like to carry in your wallet, the Ekster Modular Bifold can easily be slipped into a pocket even at maximum capacity, although it is rather bulky. It definitely fits into a sling, a purse, or a pack without any issues. Thanks to the ultra-strong magnets, we never experienced any issues with either the magnetic card sleeve detaching or any cards slipping out while in a pocket or pack. The modularity comes in handy when going out or running errands, as you can keep the magnetic card sleeve easily accessible in a pocket while storing the rest of the bifold wallet in a sling or backpack. Storing the most used cards and an ID in the magnetic card sleeve ensures easy access, and the bifold wallet is still within easy reach if you need cash or loyalty cards.

Quick Comparison

The Ekster Modular Bifold and Ekster Wallet both have a professional and traditional aesthetic. The Ekster Wallet features an aluminum card holder wrapped in leather with an integrated money clip. Due to the aluminum hardware, the dimensions stay pretty consistent, maintaining the overall size regardless of how much you store inside. This makes it less ideal for storing in a back pocket that you frequently sit on. The Ekster Modular Bifold lacks metal hardware, allowing it to collapse and expand depending on how much you want to carry. It also features a dedicated coin compartment to store change if needed.

Compared to the Garzini Essenziale Magic Wallet, both provide a similar bifold-like aesthetic, although the Garzini Essenziale Magic Wallet is slightly more complex with its magic folding. While it lacks any dedicated compartment for cash or bank notes, you can still fold them up and slip them into one of the slots. The Ekster Modular Bifold features a magnetic card sleeve, enabling you to ditch the bulk and only carry the essentials, which is nice to have. This flexibility also allows you to slip it more easily into a pocket without worrying about added bulk.

The Ekster Modular Bifold is a flexible option with environmentally certified leather and a professional aesthetic ideal for a wide demographic. The magnetic card sleeve offers quick access to the most used cards while minimizing bulk. With ample storage, a dedicated coin compartment, and a secure hold on all your gear, it is an excellent choice for a flexible, classy, and sophisticated wallet.