The 14 Best Card Holder Wallets in 2021
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Most, if not all, of our regular transactions have been taken over by internet banking and wallet apps on smartphones. This has led to a diminished need to carry cash all the time, which is good news for EDCers still carrying a traditional wallet who are looking to make the most out of limited pocket space.
Today’s modern solution is the card holder wallet, letting you bring your most important ID, credit, transport, and business cards in a minimalist package, and sneak in a bit of emergency cash as well.
In this guide, we take a look at sleek and convenient card wallets tailored to how we transact today. From super slim sleeves made of classic and high tech materials to RFID-blocking wallets and card holders with a solid metal chassis, there’s a solution for every minimalist front pocket situation.
GOVO Badge Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Doubles as an ID or badge holder
Spring loaded mechanism secures up to 4 cards
Tough and lightweight
Specifications
Dimensions
3.8" x 2.6" x 0.38"
Capacity
4 cards
Materials
Polycarbonate
Used by military and law enforcement worldwide, this robust badge holder features a 2mm transparent polycarbonate screen that lets you display your ID card or badge. And since it has enough space for up to four of your cards, it can function as a card holder as well. The card holding mechanism itself is spring-loaded, meaning that your cards are secure even if the wallet isn't loaded to its full capacity. An optional pocket clip lets you use it as an ID badge by simply hanging off your pocket or belt. This one is made of polycarbonate and comes in many colors, but there are aluminum and titanium versions as well.
Bellroy Card Sleeve Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Can hold folded bills
Integrated pull tab
Quick access slot
Specifications
Dimensions
4" x 2.8" x 0.2"
Capacity
8 cards
Materials
Leather
Bellroy is best known for their premium leather products, and the Card Sleeve is their take on the minimalist front pocket leather wallet. Both sides of this sleek and slim wallet feature slanted pockets for easy access to your bills and your most used cards. The main compartment carries even more cards that are retrieved via the integrated pull tab. You can stash up to eight cards plus a few bills, allowing you to carry only the most essential items. No linings or zippers mar the simple lines and premium leather design of this classy minimalist EDC wallet.
Distil Union Wally Micro Card Holder Leather Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Reversible leather card holder
Elastic band for cash or favorite cards
Trademark Wally Pull Tab
Specifications
Dimensions
3.5" x 2.1" x 0.3"
Capacity
10 cards
Materials
Leather
Made of premium full-grain leather, this small, minimalist bifold is barely bigger than a credit card, but packs a ton of functionality in a compact package. There’s enough room for 10 cards, and a wide elastic band holds emergency cash or provides easy access to your most used cards. The Wally’s elastic retrieval system makes it quick and easy to access the essentials you need with a simple tug. Last but not least, the Wally Micro is reversible, letting you easily switch up between two colors to match your kit for the day.
Flowfold Recycled Sailcloth Minimalist Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Strong material made from repurposed racing sails
Compact and super thin
Lightweight and buoyant
Specifications
Dimensions
4.2″ x 2.75″ x 0.06″
Capacity
6-8 cards plus cash
Materials
Repurposed racing sailcloth
The repurposed material used in the Flowfold Recycled Sailcloth Card Holder makes it thin, lightweight and durable. Super-thin, carbon fiber-reinforced racing sails offer an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio and is water resistant, shrugging off moisture and sweat. At 0.4 ounces and 0.06" thick, this card holder is as light as a a single credit card. This less-is-more wallet is designed by surfers and handcrafted in the USA.
Secrid Cardprotector Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Fans out your cards with a single push
Part of a modular system
RFID protected
Specifications
Dimensions
4.1″ x 2.5″ x 0.31″
Capacity
6 cards
Materials
Aluminum
If you have an eye for design, then the award-winning Secrid Cardprotector might be for you. This aluminum card holder has a spring-loaded lever on the bottom that fans out up to 6 cards for easy pickings. When you're done, just push them back inside the RFID blocking case and the cards stay hidden from view. The Secrid Cardprotector is the brand's most minimal wallet and is the core of their system, so cash carriers can opt for an extra money band while minimalists will find it useful as is.
Magpul DAKA Everyday Folding Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Lightweight and tough polymer construction
Transparent ID window
Quick access pocket for emergency cards or bills
Specifications
Dimensions
4.2″ x 2.84″
Capacity
7 cards plus cash
Materials
Reinforced polymer
This ultra-slim yet robust bifold wallet features a transparent protective window on one side that's perfect for an ID or access card. Magpul has serious expertise in crafting quality polymer goods, and they put that knowledge to work when assembling their DAKA line of minimal EDC wallets. The DAKA Everyday Folding Card Holder offers a bit more capacity, especially for those of us who need room for emergency cash. But it retains the slim, bombproof, and lightweight polymer construction that made Magpul’s first offerings such community favorites.
Chums Bandit Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Durable ripstop nylon construction
Transparent ID pocket
Keyring attachment for tethers or lanyards
Specifications
Dimensions
3.8″ x 3.0″
Capacity
4-6 cards
Materials
Ripstop nylon
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$
This slim and tough wallet features a transparent exterior card sleeve, an internal compartment for cash and cards, plus an elastic band to keep everything else strapped together. It’s a simple design executed in durable ripstop nylon, and can be all the wallet you need when packing light. Last but not least, the included keyring attachment lets you easily attach a tether or a lanyard, ensuring the Bandit Card Holder stays with you wherever you go.
Ridge Forged Carbon Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Lightweight and tough
RFID protection
Holds cash via money clip or cash strap
Specifications
Dimensions
3.4" x 2.1" x 0.23"
Capacity
12 cards plus cash
Materials
Aluminum, carbon fiber, and elastic
If you're after a front pocket wallet for the minimal profile and durable build, the classic and original Ridge Wallet should fit the bill. They come in different materials, but at just 1.6 ounces, the Forged Carbon version shown here is their lightest yet. Metal plates under the carbon fiber exterior feature RFID blocking technology for a more secure carry. If you happen to carry cash, you can fold your bills and tuck them away under a sturdy stainless steel money clip or a flexible elastic cash strap to suit your taste.
Trayvax Kryptek Armored Summit Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Thin and sturdy
RFID protection
Integrated money clip and bottle opener
Specifications
Dimensions
3.75" x 2.35" x 0.375"
Capacity
1-7 cards and 1-5 bills
Materials
Steel and elastic
The Summit model from Trayvax is one of their most sleek and minimalist designs, and features the striking Kryptek camo design. This version gives it the added function of RFID protection via the included Armor Plate. Constructed with heat-resistant steel plates bolstered by a durable melonite finish, the Kyrptek Armored Summit Wallet features a svelte yet sturdy design that doesn’t skimp on features. Integrated into its shell are a money clip, a bottle opener, and an attachment point for your tether or lanyard.
Aer Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
RFID-safe pocket
Quick and easy access to your cards
Durable materials and construction
Specifications
Dimensions
5.1" x 3" x 0.2"
Capacity
Up to 6 cards outside, plus interior storage
Materials
1680D CORDURA ballistic nylon
The Aer Card Holder offers a simple yet effective format for carrying your essentials. Three quick-access slots on the outside keep your most frequently used cards on the ready. The zippered inner compartment offers more secure storage with its microfiber interior lining and RFID-blocking protection. Quality and durability are highlighted with the use of CORDURA ballistic nylon, YKK zippers, and tough Hypalon material for the exterior label.
Ekster Aluminum Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Quickly fans out your cards with a button
Strong, thin, and lightweight aluminum chassis
Cash strap and backplate expansion options
Specifications
Dimensions
4.1" x 2.3" x 0.29"
Capacity
12 cards, plus exterior expansion
Materials
Aluminum
This front pocket solution from Ekster presents a sleek, lightweight, and durable alternative to leather card sleeves. The RFID-blocking aluminum chassis features a button at the bottom that fans your cards out with a single push, giving you quick access to the exact one you need at the moment. And if you’re packing more than its 12-card capacity, there’s an optional cash strap or backplate that lets you bring along emergency cash or even more cards in a secure manner.
Pioneer Ion Bifold Softshell Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Premium feel and looks
Washable and durable material
Seamless construction
Specifications
Dimensions
5.9" x 4.05" x 0.08" (when open)
Capacity
6-8 cards plus folded bills
Materials
Softshell
Pioneer partnered with Olivers Apparel to offer its compact Ion Bifold Wallet in premium durable Softshell. Available in a Hazelnut or Army Green colorway, this minimalist card holder features sleek and seamless construction that allows you to take along up to 8 of your cards plus some folded bills for emergencies. The all-weather material is water-repellent, moisture wicking, soft and light, not to mention washable, so you can just toss the Ion into the washing machine without worry.
Dango S1 Stealth Card Holder Wallet Bundle
PurchaseKey Features
Tough and scratch-resistant DTEX material
Four separate pockets
Bundle includes tether and multi-tool
Specifications
Dimensions
5" x 2.8" x 0.4"
Capacity
6 cards plus cash
Materials
DTEX
If you’re looking for a complete and minimal front pocket solution, the Dango S1 Stealth Card Holder Bundle simplifies things for you. Constructed from tough, water-resistant, textured DTEX material, this sleek and slim design features four pockets to hold your cash and up to six cards, and an RFID-blocking security lining for anti-theft protection. This bundle includes a tether that works with the wallet’s integrated D-ring to keep the S1 securely on your person, plus the MT03 Money Clip and Comb Multi-tool that packs ten essential everyday functions.
Open Sea Leather The Rack Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Customizable design
Full leather construction
Vertical layout for easy access
Specifications
Dimensions
4.25" x 2.75"
Capacity
6 cards
Materials
Premium full-grain leather
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$
The Rack provides a front pocket solution with classic looks, premium materials, and sturdy construction. This customizable vertical card wallet lets you pick two different colors from a large selection of leather to create a unique, two-tone combination. You can even choose the color of the stitching to be used. Four pockets plus a cash strap afford some organization and easy access to your everyday transaction essentials.
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