Here’s a hard truth: We don’t see baggy jeans coming back any time soon.And these fitted pants we’re wearing now just don’t have room for the bulky wallets that we grew up with. Slim and sleek, minimalist wallets are a great solution to this issue.

　　A slim wallet forces you to decide what you really need and what you can leave at home.Minimalist wallets pare things down to the basic necessities. Most can hold three to five credit cards, your ID, and some cash. Despite this simplicity, companies have found ways to make their slim wallets stand above the crowd.Features like tough materials, stylish design, and RFID blocking helped us identify the following standouts.

　　Our resident wallet enthusiast and tester extraordinaire is Billy Brown, a frequent contributor to GearJunkie in the EDC and fitness realms. After researching the best minimalist wallets available, Billy used each model as one would, stuffing them full of credit cards and cash and going about daily life. As an essential item that gets used almost every day, wallet selection has a surprisingly big impact. After a few months, Billy and the testing crew were able to make solid assessments about the durability and convenience of each wallet.

　　The list below represents our favorites in terms of features, style, and durability. We’ll keep updating it as we continue to test new products. For a comprehensive introduction to minimalist wallets, check out the Buyers Guide section of this article, as well as our comparison chart and FAQ section.

　　Editors Note: We refreshed this Buyers Guide on April 8, 2024, adding the Chums Bandit Bi-Fold Wallet to our testing lineup.

　　The Best Minimalist Wallets of 2024 Best Overall Minimalist Wallet: The Ridge Wallet Best Budget Minimalist Wallet: Buffway Slim Wallet Best Leather Minimalist Wallet: Tanner Goods Journeyman Wallet Best Storage in a Minimalist Wallet: RUNBOX Slim Wallet Most Simple Metal Minimalist Wallet: The Groove Life Groove Wallet Best Overall Minimalist Wallet The Ridge Wallet Specs Material Anodized aluminum Capacity 5 cards plus cash Weight 2.0 oz. RFID Yes

　　Pros Room for 5 cards Effective RFID blocking Cons Pricey Keeping your keys in the same pocket will scratch the surface Billy Brown For everything you need and nothing you don’t, the Ridge Wallet ($95) is the perfect choice. Anodized plates form the body and hold the device together. This basically makes the whole setup drop-proof.

　　It holds up to five cards and sports an expandible tray for easy access. RFID blocking keeps your accounts safe, and a burly money clip keeps your cash organized.

　　We love the Ridge Wallet for its sleek design and ease of use. It’s clean, practical, and practically bombproof. It’s one of the pricier items on this list, but you definitely get what you pay for.

　　The only real ding we’ve found is that keys can scratch the metal surface if you keep them in the same pocket. If you’re not into the well-used look, keep your keys and wallet separate.

　　$95 at AmazonCheck Price at Ridge Best Budget Minimalist Wallet Buffway Slim Wallet Specs Material Leather Capacity 8 cards (including ID) plus cash Weight 1.1 oz. RFID Yes

　　Pros Low price Room for 8 cards Effective RFID blocking Cons Overstuffing card slots can stretch them out Allows cards to fall out when they’re not crammed in Billy Brown Buffway’s Slim Wallet ($20) comes in a variety of styles, and at an undeniable price that easily lands it our Best Budget award. The leather outer sports a variety of textures including suede, cross-patterned, and carbon fiber-style texturing. The cards are easily accessible, thanks to the finger hole. This lets you push your card up from the bottom rather than pulling it up from the top.

　　You can carry seven cards plus an ID card, and any cash you have can fold into the main body. The RFID blocking keeps your accounts from getting hacked, and the profile is slim and flat.

　　As a bonus, Buffway offers a no-questions-asked warranty for the first year on the Slim Wallet. This is great if you stretch out the cardholders or if you habitually lose your wallet.

　　$16 at Amazon Best Leather Minimalist Wallet Tanner Goods Journeyman Wallet Specs Material Leather Capacity 5 cards plus a small amount of cash Weight 1.0 oz. RFID No

　　Pros Evolving look Durability Cons Price Hard to access bills in the center pocket Billy Brown While its on the pricier end, the Journeyman Wallet ($85) from Tanner Goods is a master class in quality. It’s made from vegetable-tanned Meridian English bridle leather, a leather known for its distinct patina.

　　Over time, the leather’s color changes as the wallet breaks in. What you’re left with is a wallet that not only stands up to the test of time but also looks better as it ages.

　　One of our staff bought a Journeyman 7 years ago. Over that time, the exterior color deepened to a rich, deep brown while the interior kept the original tan color. It has the look and feel of a well-broken-in baseball mitt.

　　The durability has held up as well. The wallet is still firm with zero fraying on any of the seams. Some scratching has developed over the years, but the stitching is still as bright as it was on the day of purchase. The only issue that we’ve found is that the center pocket for cash is a bit tight.

　　$85 at Amazon Best Storage in a Minimalist Wallet RUNBOX Slim Wallet Specs Material Leather Capacity 10 cards and plenty of cash Weight Unavailable RFID Yes

　　Pros Stores 10 cards RFID blocking Space for 20 bills Easy access to cash Cons Bigger than most slim wallets Billy Brown A touch thicker than some wallets on this list, the RUNBOX Slim Wallet ($25) is a great choice for people who don’t want to give up the bi-fold feel.

　　This wallet can hold up to 10 cards and up to 20 bills. This is due to the metal ring on the interior, which holds the cash between the wallet halves. This feature also makes cash much easier to access than non-folding wallets. You can also carry receipts and notes in the ring.

　　If you’re looking for a minimalist wallet that you can use more like a regular wallet, the Slim Wallet from RUNBOX is the one. It’s also a great transitional wallet for people who want to lose bulk but still want to carry as much as possible.

　　$24 at Amazon Most Simple Metal Minimalist Wallet Groove Life Groove Wallet Specs Material Anodized aluminum Capacity 6 cards plus cash with an additional elastic band Weight 2.7 oz. RFID Yes

　　Pros Slim Durable Cool mechanism for accessing cards Cons Expensive Billy Brown The Groove Wallet ($90) is about as simple as it gets in terms of aesthetics. A credit card-shaped rectangle of aluminum keeps your cards secure, while an optional elastic band holds your cash. The wallet is exceptionally thin and despite its rigidness, our tester hardly noticed it in his back pocket during a 14-hour drive from Colorado to California.

　　While minimalist is a fair description, the Groove Wallet is by no means simple and has a few clever features that distinguish it from the pack. A cool mechanism pushes your cards out an opening at one end of the wallet for easy identification when you press and slide your thumb up the front. The mechanism is spring-loaded, automatically retracting your cards when you let go. Additionally, its RFID secure.

　　In the field, we found the wallet does its primary job well, keeping our cards in place after multiple drops on the pavement and one unplanned spill onto a movie theatre floor. We were a little polarized on the monolithic aluminum look of this wallet and many of us are attached to the traditional styling of a leather wallet.

　　While this is one of the more expensive wallets on our list, we believe its quality construction, simple locking mechanism, and 94-year warranty make it a worthy choice for anyone wanting to slim down their wallet game in style.

　　Check Price at Groove LifeCheck Price at Scheels Best of the Rest Chums Bandit Bi-Fold Wallet Specs Material Nylon Capacity 5 cards (including ID) plus cash Weight 1.1 oz. RFID Yes, with included card

　　Pros Very slim and lightweight Separate ID window Magnetic closure helps keep contents secure Affordable price Cons Only fits 4 cards plus ID RFID blocking card takes up a card slot Nylon doesnt feel as sturdy as other materials Billy Brown The Chums Bandit ($17) is a lightweight nylon wallet with a simple design that fits comfortably in your front or back pocket. The bi-fold design includes a magnetic closure strap, four internal card slots, an external ID window, and an external elastic cash band.

　　The Bandit comes in a variety of colors and designs and has a decidedly sporty look and feel. It has been our go-to companion in our backpack and ski jacket for days where were constantly on the move. It perfectly fits the essentials Ski Pass, ID, Credit Card, Medical Insurance Card, and a $20 bill without being too bulky or cumbersome.

　　While we appreciate the simplicity and affordability of the Bandit, there are a few small drawbacks compared to other wallets. First, there is no built-in RFID blocking. It does come with an RFID-blocking mock ID card, but that will occupy one of the few cards slots in order to use it. And second, the nylon material is a bit thinner and has a slicker texture than other materials, which makes it feel a little less sturdy and can make it a little tedious to slide the cards in and out of their slots.

　　Overall, the Chums Bandit is an affordable, sporty wallet that we love to use while were on the move in the outdoors, but isnt our top choice for a regular everyday carry wallet.

　　$17 at REI$17 at Amazon Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet Specs Material Anodized aluminum Capacty 15 cards and five bills Weight 2.4 oz. RFID Yes

　　Pros Stores large number of cards RFID blocking Integrated pry bar Cons Sharp edges wear out pant pockets Takes a little longer to access cards Billy Brown Just about as simple as it comes, the Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet ($52) looks more survival tool than wallet. Designed for use as an everyday carry, this card carrier bumps up the security and keeps your valuables where they belong.

　　The paracord security clasp prevents your cards from sliding out. The metal exterior is solid and sturdy, so dropping it won’t be an issue at all. We love this wallet for its sleek and simple design, as well as its ability to hold up to 15 cards at once. Theres even a slick pry bar integrated into the frame of the Original 2.0 — very nice.

　　There’s no separation inside the case, so you’ll have to take the cards out and rifle a bit to find the one you’re looking for. And if you tend to carry cash, you’re going to sacrifice some card space.

　　$48 at AmazonCheck price at trayvax Magpul DAKA Everyday Folding Wallet Specs Material Blend Capacity Seven cards including photo ID sleeve Weight Unavailable RFID No

　　Pros Durable Slim Easy to display photo ID Cons No RFID blocking Billy Brown One of our favorite slim wallets in terms of style, the Magpul DAKA ($23) is a great showcase of simplicity in engineering.

　　This extremely minimal wallet can hold seven cards and features a card slot with a transparent protective window that is perfect for a photo ID. This feature allows you to easily display your ID without removing it from its sleeve, which is ideal for military personnel and others who regularly show identification.

　　Additionally, the Magpul DAKA is extremely durable and secure. Yards are inserted from the center seam and simply cannot fall out once the wallet is folded and closed.

　　The price is more approachable than many you’ll see on this list, making this a great choice for those looking to try out their first minimalist wallet. Though this wallet does not boast premium materials or RFID protection, its a well-made piece of EDC that draws its value from its simplicity.

　　$22 at Amazon Fossil Magnetic Card Case Wallet Specs Material Leather Capacity Three cards plus cash Weight Unavailable RFID Yes

　　Pros Very slim Magnetic money clip Cons Minimal card slots Billy Brown Fossil has an eye for great design, and its Magnetic Card Case Wallet ($50) is a great example. This slim wallet can hold three cards on one side and a magnetic money clip on the other side. The leather comes in four styles (polished or unpolished black or brown), and it blocks RFID signals.

　　The two slots can hold two cards plus an ID, maybe three cards if you cram them in there. However, that brings up the danger of stretching the card slots out. If the card slots stretch out, your cards may slide out if the slots aren’t fully loaded.

　　The magnetic clip can hold around 10 bills, but the magnets won’t hold if you carry much more than that. This Fossil Wallet is a great choice if you only carry a few cards. If you’re looking to carry more, read on.

　　Check Price at AmazonCheck price at fossil Herschel Charlie RFID Case Specs Material Polyester Capacity Four cards plus cash Weight Unavailable RFID Yes

　　Pros Stylish Slim RFID blocking Cons Hard to access cards and bills Durability Billy Brown For a bit of style on a budget, the Charlie RFID ($11-18) case from Herschel is a solid choice. The polyester wallet comes in a variety of colors (we’re partial to Night Camo).

　　It has four card slots and bill storage in the interior. It’s a bit tight — the cards and bills can be difficult to retrieve, especially before you wear it in a bit. But the RFID blocking is a huge plus in our book. Also, the four card slots can hold six to eight cards, which is great if you want to keep your punch cards handy for that free sandwich.

　　The polyester on the Charlie can start to fray over time, but at this price, you can always snag a new one.

　　$7 at AmazonCheck price at Herschel Minimalist Wallet Comparison Chart

　　When youve got knives, tools, and keys competing for real estate in your pockets, its nice to have a wallet with a small footprint; (photo/Matt Bento) How We Tested Minimalist Wallets In order to find the best minimalist wallet out there, we pared down our back pockets to the bare essentials and set off to test the best ways to carry a fistful of cards and cash. During testing, we paid close attention to the overall capacity, protection, durability, as well as carrying comfort of each wallet in order to stack them up against each other.

　　Author Billy Brown has been testing EDC essentials for well over a decade. As a frequent traveler, father, and generally busy guy, Billy aims to streamline his go-everywhere possessions as much as possible.

　　While testing wallets for this guide, Billy rotated through each model with a quiver of cards and a wad of cash, swiping his way through credit card transactions and occasionally identifying himself. Each wallet spent plenty of time in his back pocket, and while a softer, leather wallet is marginally more comfortable, he was happy to find that some rigid metal wallets feel just fine during long periods of sitting.

　　Since minimalist wallets can be a bit of a race to the bottom, we attempted to assemble a broad spread of the available market — from the super minimal to the still-featured-but-elegant. We found that the ideal wallet lands somewhere in the middle, with organization being a big consideration in our final line-up.

　　And, since new wallets are landing all the time, well continue to test the best of the best and incorporate them into our guide as time goes on.

　　Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Minimalist Wallet Analyze How Much You Can Carry Every wallet will be different. Some have more card slots, some have more space for cash, and some will have clips. The key here is to find out what you absolutely need to carry with you.

　　The first thing most people need is a driver’s license. After that, a debit card and a credit card are both good ideas. After that, some cash might be handy, so bring along a few 20s just to be safe. Because most slim men’s wallets have at least four card slots, that leaves you one free.

　　Some of our testers tend to use their final card slot as an interchangeable storage space. If you’re going to Costco, bring your membership card. Target, your Target credit card. Use that utility pocket however you like. This should keep you ready for any contingency.

　　Pare Down Part of figuring out what you need is deciding what you don’t need. Yes, you’ll have to go all Marie Kondo here. Be ruthless with what you choose to discard. You will likely always need the big three: a driver’s license or ID, a credit card, and a debit card.

　　If you carry cash, you’ll need room for a few bills. For most people, three card slots are plenty and leave room for the occasional key card for people who have to pass security clearances. Everything else you keep in a big, bulky wallet is nonessential.

　　Pictures? They’re all on your phone. Receipts? Leave them at home until you actually need them. Those punch cards that’ll get you a free burrito after your eighth purchase? Stash them in your center console. Business cards? They’ll be safer in a business card case.

　　That should take care of all the unnecessary things you keep in your wallet. The remainder should fit just fine in a slim wallet, and ride along in a pocket just dandy with your favorite knife or everyday carry kit.

　　If you absolutely need to have more than four to six cards in your wallet, you can opt for a bi-fold mini wallet like the RUNBOX Slim Wallet. These give you more storage in a package that is still compact.

　　Leather vs. Metal Both leather and metal have different perks. Leather wallets feel better in hand and don’t have any corners that can wear away at your pants over time. Metal is tops in terms of durability as long as the wallet is built well.

　　A lot of this comes down to style preference. People who prefer a modern, sleek look will likely gravitate more toward the look of the Ridge Wallet or the Groove Life Groove Wallet. These cases are generally bombproof, too.

　　One issue with metal wallets is that they can bend or scratch easily. If you want that sleek look to last, you’re going to have to take care of it. That means keeping it away from keys or other objects that might scratch it.

　　The Groove Wallet uses a sliding mechanism to display your cards with a pinch and a swipe of your thumb; (photo/Matt Bento) On the other hand, a well-made wallet crafted from high-quality leather is ideal for people who want a more classic look. With the right leather and construction, leather wallets can last for decades.

　　Leather wallets are also dynamic in their appearance and feel. The material grows softer and more supple over time, and any scratches or wear marks give the wallet more character.

　　If you’re considering a leather wallet, try to find one with a good vegetable dye and opt for a lighter color. The leather will darken over time as it is exposed to the elements and the oils on your skin. The result is an antique-looking patina that constantly changes and develops over time.

　　The Tanner Good Journeyman develops a rich patina over time; (photo/Tanner Goods) RFID Explained RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. If your card is equipped with RFID, you can use it to tap or wave your card near a reader to make a purchase. This allows you to make transactions in seconds.

　　An RFID card never has to leave your hand, so there’s no chance of you forgetting your card in the reader. If you’re not sure whether or not your card is RFID-enabled, look for a symbol that resembles a Wi-Fi symbol turned on its side.

　　As RFID technology becomes more prevalent, a trip to the grocery without waiting in a checkout line may be a reality. Semi-passive chips can be placed on anything to track inventory, associate the items in your cart with your card, and charge you before you walk out the door. While this technology has huge potential for streamlining shopping, it also raises some big privacy and security concerns.

　　This convenience also makes it possible for a thief to find a way to skim your card with a portable scanner. Currently, many factors make this difficult for potential thieves. These include the necessary closeness and barriers between the card and the reader like a wallet with cash and other cards inside.

　　While the odds of your cards getting skimmed are unlikely, many wallets offer RFID blocking to completely eliminate any chances of this happening. This is mostly achieved by using materials that block or damp the signal put out from RFID-equipped cards.

　　When your card is in the wallet, the material blocks the signal. When you take it out to use it, the signal is unfettered.

　　We dont feel like RFID-blocking wallets are a total necessity, but as the technology becomes more prevalent, so do opportunities to steal your information; (photo/Matt Bento) Durability You can find leather minimalist wallets ranging from $15 to $85. The key difference here is going to be in the build of the wallet and the quality of the leather.

　　The $15 wallet will likely use a lower-grade leather that will degrade over time. A good $85 wallet will use a higher-end leather that will soften, but not weaken, over time. A well-made leather wallet will not only last longer than a poorly made one with inferior leather, but it will also look better as it ages.

　　The same is true for other styles. Generally, you pay more for better build quality. That said, there are plenty of cheaper options out there.

　　Price In addition to quality, another factor in cost is additional features. A higher-end wallet like the anodized aluminum Ridge Wallet boasts a money clip, RFID blocking, and an expandable tray for easy card access.

　　The plus side of less expensive wallets is that if you lose or damage them, you can replace them without taking a big hit to your bank account. If you’re just looking for a wallet and don’t want to spend much, a $20 wallet will work. Just don’t expect to get more than a few years of use out of it.

　　Another reason to get a wallet on the cheaper end is to see if you even like slim wallets. There’s no sense in spending 60 bucks on a slim wallet if there’s a chance it’ll be too small for you. If you’re just trying out your first minimalist wallet, get an inexpensive one as a test run.

　　FAQ Are minimalist wallets good? If less bulk in your pockets is a priority, minimalist wallets are excellent. They’ll fit in any pocket without unsightly bulges, and they force you to carry only what is absolutely necessary. The fact that they are small in size doesn’t mean they are small in features, either.

　　Depending on the variety, these wallets can carry eight to 10 cards and a good amount of cash. Plus, they can offer RFID-blocking materials. They come in a wide range of materials and designs, with styles available to suit just about every taste. If you’re looking to pare down your everyday carry setup, a minimalist wallet is a necessity.

　　Do RFID wallets ruin credit cards? RFID wallets do not ruin credit cards. RFID wallets are made with materials that block the RFID signal from credit and debit cards. The card still puts out the signal, but the wallet’s materials prevent the signal from leaving your pocket. This makes it more difficult for anyone to skim the card’s information when it is inside the wallet.

　　Because the wallet’s RFID-blocking technology doesn’t actually affect the card’s ability to put out an RFID signal, it has no impact on the card at all. If you take the card out of the wallet, it will still put out a readable signal.

　　What is the thinnest wallet? Traditionally, the thinnest types of wallets are minimalist front-pocket wallets. These wallets usually consist of a pouch with several card slots and either a small space for bills or an attached money clip.

　　Two of the thinnest wallets we’ve seen are the ultraslim offerings fromEuropean company DUNandAmerican company SlimFold. Both are 5 mm thick, but they also have enough room for a few credit cards and some bills. At this point, it looks like 5 mm is the minimum for a wallet that has more functionality than a rubber band holding your stuff together.

　　Keep in mind that these measurements are for empty wallets. Any cards, bills, or coins will make the wallets thicker.

　　Will minimalist wallets fit in my front pocket? Every wallet and every pocket is different. With that said, most minimalist wallets are designed to fit comfortably in either your front or back pockets. While traditional bi-fold wallets are often too thick to slide into your front jeans pockets, the wallets on this list should not have that issue. If you have especially tight or thin pockets, we recommend a thin metal wallet such as the Ridge Wallet.

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