Last Updated on November 4, 2021
Unfortunately, credit card theft has become more prevalent in the last decade. All it takes is for someone to purchase a device online, aim it at you when walking by, and that’s it, your card information is there for them, and they can use it in whatever way they please. Once someone has your details, they can easily make a duplicate card, and suddenly you will find your bank or credit balance falling rapidly.
However, specific technology exists that helps prevent you from falling victim to credit card thefts. This technology is known as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). This article examines what RFID is, what it can do for you, and gives you five wallets known for their outstanding RFID technology.
Table of Contents
What does RFID do?
By definition, RFID works through radio waves. It is commonly used in supermarkets like Tesco, where in Europe they have ‘Scan as you Shop’ where you hold a device near a bar code and pull a trigger, and the information is transferred from a product to the device. When someone is looking to steal your credit card or debit card details, they do something similar. The microchip in your card sends radio signals out, and if your wallet cannot block these RFID frequencies, you could find that your information has been transferred over to a device.
RFID blocking wallets have frequency scramblers built-in that prevent this transfer of information and therefore stop thieves from taking your details.
What should an RFID wallet have
There are three things that all RFID wallets should provide to the user:
- Storage – any wallet should have sufficient storage for cards and coins if necessary. Most of the best wallets in the modern wallet crafting industry are minimal and can hold maybe two or three cards. This is because mobile pay has taken over.
- Robust Material – if you want to feel that your wallet can protect you, the material must be strong. Most of the best wallets come in either leather, canvas fabric, or aluminium. These are the three materials that I feel you should look for.
- Reputation – this doesn’t mean go out and buy a Ralph Lauren minimal wallet for $400. But especially if you are buying online, you want to make sure that you are getting value for money and that the wallet you buy gets good reviews.
1. Hammer Anvil RFID Minimalist Wallet
Let’s start with the inexpensive model first. This wallet and many others like it are both cheap and convenient for the owner. They have three cardholder pockets on each side, and although, like many smaller wallets, it has no see-through plastic window for ID holding, I think that this works in its favour because it adds an extra layer of security.
It can hold up to 6 cards, plus a little cash if you need it and is available in grey, brown or black. Empty it is less than 0.5 inches thick and is lightweight at 1.27oz. Most importantly, like all others on the list, it has the RFID anti-theft technology built into its fabric, which is excellent for the $13 you pay.
It is not the lightest or most economical wallet in terms of its functionality or space, but for its price point, it is a tremendous minimal wallet to buy if you are looking to stay safe from potential credit card scams.
2. Secrid Cardslide Minimalist Wallet
Secrid is well known for its price and its quality. Their Cardslide variant is both convenient and innovative as well. Spring activated, the Secrid has a unique aluminum cardholder with the built-in RIFD system, acting as a spring-activated card-protector, pushing up to 6 cards when activated.
Newer models of the Cardslide have a metal tray underneath the aluminum protector, working as a storage space for coins and notes. It comes with a strap and is available in a host of colors or body and strap combinations. It is only 19mm thick, and at just 70 grams in weight, it is both light and durable. Expect to pay upwards of $60 for one of these, but the protection and durability you get are second to none.
3. AIRO Collective Stealth Wallet
If you are looking for a high-quality wallet that will offer the best RFID technology, then the collective stealth wallet by AIRO is the best option. AIRO pride itself on having the world’s best ultra-thin and most robust minimal wallets. Because their wallets are made of material that is 15x stronger than steel, and they weigh 0.27oz, it is difficult to argue with them.
The wallet can carry up to 8 cards at a time and even some cash if necessary. The supported spine of the wallet means that even after stuffing it with cards or money, it does not affect the wallet’s shape. It has a billfold design, creating two separate pockets that hold up to four cards each.
And also contains a ‘ballistic bungee loop’, which is a fancy name for an elastic band that holds your cash to give you peace of mind, but it still sounds good! It has built-in RFID theft blocking technology, which provides you with even further peace of mind.
The company itself sells the wallet on their website, along with their other, more expensive offerings, and has videos of strong men trying to rip the wallets to show off their strength (that is the wallets strength, by the way). The AIRO Collective Stealth Wallet will set you back over $50, excluding delivery. However, delivery time is fast, and the wallet itself offers various benefits, from its functionality to its lightweight design and RIFD protection; you can be protected in style.
4. Bryker Hyde 2 ID Window RFID Wallet for Men
Not only will you look good with this RFID wallet from Bryker Hyde, but you will feel secure too. Constructed with the latest blocking technology can prevent all high and low radio frequencies from taking information. Made from unique pebble leather, it is soft yet highly durable, and with 11 total card slots and a solid bi-fold design, it has massive amounts of storage capacity.
It is 5.3×4.5 inches in diameter, which is a little larger than some other wallets on the list. However, it does offer the most space and still provides the RFID blocking protection that you look for. The wallet itself will set you back about $40. However, it is worth the money for the quality of design and level of protection you get.
5. HuMn Slim Wallet
There are a lot of quality wallets on the market, but many of them are the same. This slimline wallet from the cruelty-free company HuMn stands out as completely different. made with synthetic materials and features no leather or material from any animal. The HuMn has two sleek aluminum slates that block any RFID signaling and give you peace of mind. Its design is unique, and it is ultra-lightweight. Available in a variety of colors, you are sure to find one that suits your style. It costs $50, including shipping, but considering its safety and style; the HuMn is worth the price you pay.