The 11 Best RFID Wallets for Travel of 2023 | by Travel + Leisure

Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a form of technology that encodes data on a chip and is frequently found in passports and credit cards. It uses radio waves to send and receive signals, making it possible for immigration officials to access your data quickly or for you to make purchases without having to swipe your card.

While it’s convenient, it can be exploited by criminals who want to steal your personal information. If you travel frequently, investing in RFID wallets which have protective linings to block radio waves is a great way to ensure your cards are safe. However, not all experts agree on their effectiveness.

We spoke to Cathy Pedrayes, a cybersecurity influencer, and author of “The Mom Friend Guide to Everyday Safety and Security,” and Mark Wolter, an experienced traveler and owner of Wolter’s World, a popular travel YouTube channel to learn exactly how beneficial these wallets are for travelers,

“While uncommon, criminals could wirelessly hide a scanner to steal information from your credit cards or your passport,” says Pedrayes. “It’s essentially electronic pickpocketing which is technically possible but there aren’t many reports of it actually happening in the real world.” For cautious travelers who would rather be safe than sorry, an RFID wallet could still be of value.

Our top pick is the Zero Grid Travel Neck Wallet with RFID-blocking if you’re looking for something that isn’t bulky and can be worn discreetly under your clothes. But if you prefer something more traditional, we’ve listed other wallets below.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Zero Grid Travel Neck Wallet with RFID Blocking at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Budget:Zoppen Passport Holder Travel Wallet at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Luxury:Tumi Double Billfold Wallet at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Sustainable:Ekster Parliament Slim Leather Wallet at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Stylish:Mywalit RFID Slim Money Clip Wallet at AmazonJump to ReviewMost Storage:Travelon RFID-Blocking Double Zip Wallet at AmazonJump to ReviewBest With Keychain:Identity Stronghold RFID Slim ID Wallet Card Holder at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Money Clip:Leatherology Bifold with Money Clip at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Minimalist:The Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet at AmazonJump to ReviewPacSafe Trifold Wallet at AmazonJump to Review

Best Overall

Zero Grid Travel Neck Wallet

View On AmazonView On Zerogrid.comWhy We Love It

This wallet keeps your documents close, as it’s designed to wear around your neck.

What to Consider

Straps are lightweight, so you may not want to overload the wallet in case they break.

When it comes to travel safety, the ZeroGrid travel wallet goes the extra mile to secure your belongings — which is why we made it our top pick. Made from weatherproof nylon material, this wallet is hands-free, thanks to an adjustable strap you hang around your neck. Whether you choose to hide it under your clothes or wear it visibly, its slimness allows you to carry around your cards and other travel documents without looking bulky. Plus, we really like how the RFID sleeves come separately and can be used to protect your cards and passport even if they are not kept in the wallet. “Zero Grid is my go-to,” says Wolter. “I use it to hold my passports, documents, money, and cards.”

Three zipper sections can hold multiple passports, credit cards, ID cards, vaccine cards, keys, and smartphones. It also comes with recovery tags you can attach to its surface for easy tracking, just in case it gets lost. Additionally, you get travel insurance that reimburses you up to $300 in the event your stuff is stolen. Something to keep in mind is that the straps are short, so they may not be the most comfortable to wear around.

Price at time of publish: $30

The Details: 7.5 x 5.7 | Nylon | 6+ card slots

Best Budget

Zoppen Passport Holder Travel Wallet (Ver. 5)

View On AmazonWhy We Love It

It’s affordably priced and has lots of storage space.

What to Consider

It might be too big as an everyday wallet.

If you prefer your essentials to be in one place while you’re traveling, you’ll like that the Zoppen Travel Wallet has a pocket for everything. There are compartments for passports (it holds two), folded notes and tickets, slots for credit cards, vaccination cards, and photo IDs. Plus, it has a smartphone holder, a SIM card pocket, and a zippered coin pouch. And if you don’t object to your boarding pass sticking out the sides, why not squeeze it in too?

If you tend to be forgetful, a detachable wrist strap makes it hard to misplace. But, one of this wallet’s most underrated features is the pen holder, which is convenient to have when filling out immigration cards or writing something down. While it may not be made from genuine leather, it’s still a sturdy option that comes in 15 different colors. Nevertheless, it may become bulky and uncomfortable if you overload it.

Price at time of publish: $14

The Details: 7.75 x 12 | Faux leather | 8 card slots

Best Luxury

Tumi RFID Delta Global Double Billfold Wallet

View On AmazonView On ZapposView On NordstromWhy We Love It

It is big enough to hold different currencies.

What to Consider

You might have trouble fitting it in smaller pockets.

For frequent travelers and digital nomads, the Tumi Global Double Billfold wallet is a suitable choice. This wallet features a soft and luxurious Nappa leather finish and a nylon-reinforced spine to make it extra strong and durable. It also comes with an ID safety lock that offers RFID protection for all cards. We love that it has plenty of card slots: it can hold up to 10 cards plus an additional four side slots for cards you don’t use as much. On top of that, one of the pockets has a clear ID window for your driver’s license.

This Tumi wallet features dual compartments to store different currencies, so it’s slightly larger than the average wallet, which makes it difficult to fit it in your pocket at times. But overall, if you’re looking for a practical accessory to cross borders with, this is the one to go for.

Price at time of publish: $135

The Details: 4.75 x 3.75 | Leather | 8 card slots

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Best Sustainable

Ekster Parliament Slim Leather Wallet

View On AmazonView On Ekster.comWhy We Love It

It’s made from sustainable materials and is good for the environment.

What to Consider

There is no coin pouch.

Made from recycled windshield material, this Ekster Parliament is a vegan leather option that looks sharp and is beneficial for the environment. We like that it’s designed to hold up to 12 cards.

Along with the aluminum card holder that pops up all the cards when you click the button at the bottom, there are extra side pockets and a compartment at the front that can hold Apple AirTags or smart trackers. A velcro cash strap makes it easier to access your money but it doesn’t have any pockets for micro SD cards or coins. It’s available in six classic colors including brown, black, red, cognac, blue, and green.

Price at time of publish: $89

The Details: 0.4 x 4.1 x 2.5 | Leather | 1 to 12 card slots

Best Stylish

Mywalit RFID Slim Money Clip Wallet

View On AmazonView On Mywalit.comWhy We Love It

It’s a high-end leather wallet that is also colorful.

What to Consider

It comes at a hefty price and has no clear slot for your ID.

If you see your wallet as an extension of your style, consider this rainbow-colored wallet with RFID pockets from the Italian brand Mywalit. It’s made from full-grain Nappa leather which is known for its buttery-soft feel — and high price tag. The bi-fold design features six credit card slots and two slip pockets for extra storage. Plus, there is a money clip in addition to the regular bill compartment. One downside is that it does not have a transparent window for your personal ID or driver’s license. This wallet is available in five two-toned colors including options like brown-yellow, black-blue, and tan-olive.

Price at time of publish: $85

The Details: 5.91 x 2.76 x 3.94 | Leather | 6 card slots

Most Storage

Travelon RFID-Blocking Double Zip Wallet

View On AmazonView On The Container StoreView On Travelonbags.comWhy We Love It

This zip wallet has enough space for money, passports, and smartphones.

What to Consider

You might find it too cumbersome to fit in your purse.

When you’re at the airport, an RFID travel wallet like the Travelon Double Zip Wallet is indispensable. It has plenty of space: there are pockets for cash, passports, receipts, tickets, smartphones, and 12 slots for IDs and credit cards.

Also, the fact that it’s made from water-resistant nylon makes it easy to clean, and it comes with a detachable hand strap so you’re less likely to misplace it. Our favorite part is that it has zippers on the inside to keep your change and a full zip around the outside to make sure nothing spills out. But, while this wallet is roomy, it may not be the best choice if your main purse is small. It’s available in five different colors.

Price at time of publish: $45

The Details: 1.5 x 7.5 x 4 | Nylon | 12 card slots

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Best With Keychain

Identity Stronghold RFID Slim ID Wallet Card Holder

View On AmazonView On Idstronghold.comWhy We Love It

It’s the perfect everyday wallet to keep your keys and most-used cards handy.

What to Consider

This is not the wallet you want if you have a lot of cash or cards.

For everyday use and quick trips, we recommend this mini wallet from ID Stronghold. With only three card slots, it’s a lot smaller compared to regular-sized wallets. But if you don’t mind taking just the necessities out with you, then it should be just what you need.

This wallet has a metal key ring at the top, which you can use to attach your keys or key fob. In the middle is a zipper compartment for storing bills or hanging on to your loose change. Just bear in mind that you might only be able to fit up to a few bills inside. The ID Stronghold’s front doubles as an ID window slot, so you can attach a lanyard to it for a stylish office look.

Price at time of publish: $14

The Details: 4.5 x 3.38 x 0.5 | Leather | 3 card slots

Best Money Clip

Leatherology Bifold with Money Clip

View On AmazonView On Leatherology.comWhy We Love It

It has a convenient money clip in the middle.

What to Consider

There is no clear slot for a driver’s license.

This pick from Leatherology has a luxe look and features a discrete money clip in the center of the wallet for those who need an easy-to-reach place to keep their bills. The money clip holds up to 14 bills and still remains “slim as a penny” according to manufacturers, so it won’t feel bulky in your pocket. It’s made from full-grain Italian leather and features six credit card slots located on either side of the wallet. It also comes with two inner pockets to store receipts and cards you don’t really use. While this is an RFID option, there are versions without RFID if that’s what you prefer. It’s available in black and brown, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have a transparent window for photo IDs.

Price at time of publish: $80

The Details: 3.25 x 4.25 x 0.75 | Leather | 6 card slots

Best Minimalist

The Ridge Minimalist Aluminum Slim Wallet

View On AmazonView On NordstromView On WalmartWhy We Love It

It’s lightweight and sleek.

What to Consider

Some users might find taking out their cards frustrating if they’re not used to its pop-up style.

The Ridge is no thicker than a quarter of an inch, making it a great choice for those who want a slim wallet. It features aluminum plating which is more durable than leather wallets and can protect your cards from data skimmers. The wallet can hold 12 cards, but it’s advised not to stuff in too many cards as you don’t want to wear out the elastic to the point where your cards fall out.

It also features a money clip on the outside which is handy to use if you’re in a hurry or to hold separate currencies. Note that taking out the cards is easy — just press a button and they will pop up. This may take a bit of getting used to, however, for users who aren’t already familiar with this feature.

Price at time of publish: $95

The Details: 2.13 x 0.24 x 3.39 | Aluminum | 12 card slots

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PacSafe Z50 Trifold Wallet

View On AmazonView On WalmartView On Pacsafe.comWhy We Love It

It has a long metal chain for added protection against pickpockets.

What to Consider

There are no color options to choose from besides black.

For extra safety when you’re out adventuring, the PacSafe Z50 is an RFID-blocking wallet that comes with a metal chain that tethers to your backpack or belt loop. It is a tri-fold wallet which means it provides three sections to hold all your cards and cash. It also features six card slots including a mesh slot for your driver’s license or any other photo ID. Additionally, the PacSafe’s note section can be completely zipped up to give you peace of mind that your money will stay secure.

While the chain could be a turn-off if you like your wallets to have a more upscale look, if you prefer security over aesthetics, this could be a viable option.

Price at time of publish: $45

The Details: 0.6 x 3.9 x 5.1 | Polyester | 6 card slots

Best Features

Spigen Wallet S

View On AmazonView On Spigen.comWhy We Love It

A polished exterior gives the wallet a luxe, modern look.

What to Consider

You have to manually push the cards to get them out which could be a hassle.

If you’re the type that constantly forgets where you last put your wallet, you’ll like the Spigen Wallet S. This wallet is efficient and packs all its useful features into a slender package. The sleek gunmetal-colored exterior is made out of high-quality polycarbonate and has hard aluminum plating inside to safeguard sensitive card data from cybercriminals. It’s designed to hold up to 12 cards and comes with an elastic money strap on the outside to make sure your bills are easy to access. In our opinion, the best feature is that it has a special section to install Apple AirTags (sold separately) so you can always track and find the wallet if it’s misplaced. The only downside is that there is no pop-up button, so you can’t pick cards out individually, which could be a pain.

Price at time of publish: $70

The Details: 1.18 x 3.15 x 1.97 | Polycarbonate | 12 card slots

Tips for Buying RFID Wallets

Consider the materials

RFID wallets commonly come in leather, nylon, or aluminum materials, and sometimes include an added carbon fiber or aluminum layer to block the signals. However, as Pedrayes explains “this isn’t isn’t something you’d necessarily see because it’s often built into the design.”

Construction-wise, leather is a durable but expensive choice. Opt for nylon wallets if you need a water-resistant and cheaper option. However, aluminum metal wallets are the most sturdy and are an excellent choice for anyone looking for something lightweight and rugged.

Prioritize storage

When looking for an RFID wallet that can carry everything you need, look out for key features like multiple card slots, a money clip, a zipper pouch for coins, and storage compartments for passports and tickets. “If you are looking for an RFID wallet, realize it’s better for travel than for everyday use to hop down to the grocery store,” says Wolters.

You also want to choose a wallet that can safely store your important documents when you’re not on the go. “We actually leave our passports and international vaccine cards and foreign currencies in our RFID wallet when we are home so we keep everything together,” says Wolter.

For Wolter, he recommends travelers use an RFID wallet that “can hold your passport, at least four credit card slots, and a zipper slot that can work for coins, cash, vaccine cards, or anything you want a bit more secure.”

Frequently Asked QuestionsDo RFID-blocking wallets really work?

According to Pedrayes, for travelers, RFID-blocking wallets are a low-risk way to protect your private information. “Theoretically, you can block hackers from stealing your information,” she says. “However, if your concern is identity theft protection, there are much more effective ways of protecting your data such as monitoring your data, freezing your credit, being careful with your data online, having strong password habits, utilizing two-factor or multi-factor authentication on online accounts, and more.”

She also advises that while it’s not necessary for travelers to have RFID-blocking accessories like wallets, “there’s no harm in getting it either,” she says.

Will an RFID wallet ruin my credit cards?

Cyber experts agree it’s completely safe to use an RFID-blocking wallet. Their only difference from regular wallets is the additional layer of security they offer to help protect against identity theft. However, just like with other wallets, you should be mindful not to overload your wallet, or store it in a way that would damage or bend your cards.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Nor’Adila Hepburn is a freelance writer who has spent years writing and traveling the world. For this article, she researched RFID wallets, evaluated their features, and consulted with cybersecurity and travel experts to come up with the best RFID wallets for travelers.

In compiling this list, we also spoke to travel and cybersecurity experts, including:

Cathy Pedrayes, a cybersecurity influencer and author of The Mom Friend Guide to Everyday Safety and SecurityMark Wolter, an experienced traveler and owner of Wolter’s World, a popular travel YouTube channelThe 17 Best Travel Wallets to Stash Your Passport and More

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