Carrying objects is incredibly limiting—clothes can really only have so many pockets before they become impassable as casual wear. Whether simply living life to the fullest each day or organizing something more intentional like the optimal everyday carry, minimizing the space your daily gear takes up proves a practical necessity. Streamlining is always helpful, and a bulky wallet only adds extra weight. Finding a compact but impactful credit card holder can slash the surface area of items you need to carry.
However, the nature of that daily carry most people engage in has shifted tremendously over the past few decades. Sure, debit and credit cards have become the preferred method of transaction now that money’s gone digital, but these cards are more recently equipped with chips that pose an easy security threat. Fortunately, credit card holders have been around since the dawn of menswear, and the lasting popularity of the specific credit card wallet means there’s boatloads of multifaceted options available.
Fortunately, most credit card holders come equipped with RFID protection, which means any type of scanner attempting to steal your information would have its signal blocked.
How to Find the Best Credit Card Holder
Size
Smaller isn’t always better, but size definitely matters when it comes to finding your perfect credit card holder. You’ll want to lever compactness with space—depending on your needs, you might prefer something a little roomier to accommodate the odd dollar bill or maybe you’re a minimalist seeking the least imposing credit card holder possible.
Storage
At the same time that size is perhaps the largest consideration in choosing a credit card holder, storage ranks right near the top. That is the point of the whole thing, after all. Most of the credit card wallet and id wallet options on the market do their best to maximize storage, but some even feature unexpected amenities (you’ll see!) Check out your options and be choosy with your best fit for the best wallet card holder.
Comfort
It might seem silly to point out, but I actually don’t know if I would consider it if I weren’t expressly writing this article—consider the clothes you wear in comparison with the shape of the wallet card holder you’re looking at. Consider its size alongside this. Consider whether it will feel comfortable to keep on your person. No point buying an accessory like this if it’s not also comfortable!
Material
This one’s a matter of practicality and taste. Yes, even your credit card holder deserves to be appealing to your eye. It’s the supposed upswing of this modern marketplace! If you’re often in heavy duty conditions like inclement weather or mountain tops, it might be better to choose something extra protective like metal. On the other hand, leather is self-healing, soft to the touch, and stylish.
Weight
Depending how mobile you are, and how much you value a lightweight carry, weight proves a valuable consideration throughout this variety of search. In this very modern market, interesting materials abound, from the more obvious aforementioned to higher tech options like carbon fiber, one of the lightest substances available for consumer purchase. Keep your eye out—you don’t want to miss an awesome credit card holder by not paying attention to what’s out there!
Security
As mentioned before, new chip technology in most modern credit cards can leave you vulnerable to an easy new type of information theft. Fortunately, most credit card holders come equipped with RFID protection, which means any type of scanner attempting to steal your information would have its signal blocked. Also, even more fortunately, while it’s important to take precautions in life it’s also worth noting that only a very small portion of the population would actually set out to steal your information, and you’re not likely to encounter them. Statistically, people are by and large good.
Style
Back to the idea of aesthetic appeal, the wide variety of credit card holders out there means you can find some really unique options. As part of your carry, this gear is like a piece of your personality—aren’t those cards pretty important to you, after all? Make it count and pay your money a friendly homage by choosing a credit card holder that makes you happy to look at.
Value
The good news is that unless you go out of your way to find something ostentatious, most credit card holders are affordable acquisitions. Of course, because a splurge from time to time can prove healthy, we’ve included that here—but for the most part, these offerings won’t cost you more than two figures. Happy shopping!
10 Best Credit Card Holders to Keep Your Card Secure in Style!
Card Protector by Secrid
Dutch accessory manufacturer Secrid makes one of the best credit card holders available with their simple card protector. This piece comprises a gorgeously seamless piece of technology that can fan all your cards out as such with one simple touch. Available in a wide array of colors with a sleek, durable, and lightweight aluminum finish, this id wallet can fit into a modular system. What’s more—the company takes extra efforts to mind their environmental impact. You can do your part by using the store finder on their site to avoid buying this piece through Amazon, a company which habitually harms the environment.
Zipper Credit Card Wallet by Lotuff
If you prefer the tangible security a zipper offers, this credit card wallet by American company Lotuff offers a particularly sumptuous option. This leather wallet also comes in a variety of hues. It packs a significant amount of storage into one compact space, with two full length exterior pockets that can fit up to ten cards, and an interior compartment for cash, receipts, and the like. While the tumbled and vegetable-tanned leather is a feast for the senses, just note it doesn’t offer any additional RFID protection.
Oscar Wallet by Herschel
Everyone knows Herschel for their laid back knapsacks, but it just makes sense that the company can craft great gear on a smaller scale. This solid credit card holder has a zippered central pocket with spacious exterior pockets as well. It’s made from sturdy striped fabric also imbued with RFID protection. This credit card holder comes in an interesting array of colors and patterns, which are rarer to find on the market. Some of them, like this one, even go on sale from time to time, at strikingly low rates even given the range at hand!
Men’s Fitzgerald credit card holder by Lacoste
Lacoste has become synonymous with a certain French prep appeal, which retains a clean aesthetic without the overbearing air of fratiness. It’s a brand really rooted in tennis. This clean and stylish Lacoste wallet lives up to its name. Available in two understated colors, it’s crafted from rich, smooth leather with the iconic gator tastefully silhouetted in brushed metal. Its minimalist style still accommodates six cards in understated exterior pockets. This is luxury at accessible rates.
Kryptek Armored Summit Wellet by Trayvax
Are you taking your gear into extreme conditions? Trayvax manufactures some of the most durable and useful credit card holders a lucky buyer can find today. While we already know that Trayvax manufactures exceptional tactical gear with an innovative edge, we especially love the Kryptek Armored Summit Wallet, built from impenetrable steel and plated with a melonite finish featuring increased RFID protection. Sure, this credit card holder can fit cards and bills, but it also comes with a bottle opener and money clip, adding some unexpected fun to an otherwise serious piece of gear.
Black Printed Grid Card Holder by Bottega Veneta
Looking to go all in on a high fashion credit card holder for a statement piece to complete your nicest suit? Bottega Veneta is one of the most respected names in men’s fashion for good reason, given their attention to craftsmanship crossed with risk taking designs. This leather credit card holder strikes precisely that balance, rendered in failsafe black with a cool tonal pattern across its luxurious surface. It comes with four card slots and one note slot, and a vote of confidence that it’ll top off any getup with aplomb.
Magpul® DAKA® Everyday Folding Wallet
On the most minimal end of the spectrum, Magpul’s DAKA Everyday Folding Wallet takes a unique design with one crease, and that’s about it. The stunning lack of detail feels almost mesmerizing. Still, this product offers complex benefits like a sly transparent ID pocket so you can get into the bar without fumbling through your cards. The company has crafted this unique piece form reinforced polymer fabric with an anti slip texture to hold a comparatively large amount of seven credit cards.
CardNinja – 3M Sport Reflect
Santa Clara-based Cubi started CardNinja to make credit card holders even a little more useful, allowing them to be stuck to one’s phone, pairing a useful device to hold what we use everyday with another tech device most people definitely also use every day. Their 3M sport reflect cardholder often goes out of stock because it’s just so damn useful, taking the utility one step further with reflective fabric that turns your phone/card holder into reflector for lowlight travel out in the world. Keep your eye on this one and catch it while you can!
Blue and Brown Snake Credit Card Holder
Let’s close this list up on an especially high notes that highlights just how cool the options can get for finding a unique credit card holder. Online seller platform Etsy often has the most distinct products, given the decidedly creative demographic drawn there to share their wares. Looking for something ostentatious without breaking the bank on Bottega Veneta prices? Nothing beats the cowboy aura of a little brushed snakeskin. If you set out with intention, you’ll learn this is only the start of it. Best of luck, and enjoy!
