The 15 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.
Secrid Cardprotector Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Fans out your cards with a single push
Part of a modular system
RFID protection
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 pocket
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.
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 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.
Bellroy Flip Case Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Molded hardshell design
Magnetic closure
RFID protection
Specifications
Dimensions
4.1" x 2.75" x 0.4"
Capacity
8 cards
Materials
Eco-tanned leather and polymer
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$
Bellroy’s latest offering features a slim dual-sized design with a secure hardshell and magnetic trapdoor openings that prevent your cards from coming out of the wallet until you actually need them to. Altogether the Flip Case can hold up to 8 standard sized payment and ID cards in an RFID-protected design that helps keep your personal information safe from skimmers and fraudsters. The Flip Case is available in five different attractive colors, and each is made with a premium eco-tanned leather exterior and a durable polymer shell that holds up against the rigorous bumps and scrapes of everyday life.
Distil Union Wally Bifold Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Signature pull tab
New MagLock mechanism
Money clip
Specifications
Dimensions
4.4" x 3" x 0.31"
Capacity
14 cards
Materials
Full-grain leather
The latest 5.0 version of the Distil Union Wally card holder features a new MagLock mechanism that seriously enhances the snap shut experience of closing this slim bifold card holder wallet. Along with the magnetic closure, the squeeze-to-open pockets help secure the cards inside of the wallet, and the stainless steel money clip allows for easy cash carrying as well. Each Wally Card Holder is made out of rich full-grain leather and they are available in four different colors to suit your preferences.
Flowfold Founder Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Ultra lightweight
Cash compartment
Clear ID slot
Specifications
Dimensions
4.5" x 3" x 0.2"
Capacity
6 cards and folded bills
Materials
Sailcloth technical fabric with X-Ply
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$
The Founder is Flowfold’s newest slim EDC card holder, featuring a horizontal design and a clear ID pocket for convenience. As it’s made out of recycled sailcloth technical fabric, this is one of the lightest wallets you can buy, measuring just 0.7 oz fully unloaded. There’s a main center cash pocket for folded bills, and four card slots that make this wallet well-suited for just the essentials when it comes to everyday carry. The Founder is available in eight different colorways, and four in particular are limited in quantity so make sure to check them out before they run out of stock.
Alpaka Hub Cardholder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Fidlock attachment
Clear ID slot
Modular Hub system
Specifications
Dimensions
4.2" x 2.8" x 0.13"
Capacity
4 cards
Materials
Hypalon and polymer
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$
The Alpaka is a unique slim cardholder wallet that’s fully transparent and built with Fidlock magnet attachments that help it attach to your gear or to a lanyard easily and securely. Its design makes it great for office workers who need to show ID to get into secure spaces, but also need to carry around a limited set of payment and transport cards along for the ride. And as part of Alpaka's Hub system, the Cardholder is fully compatible and interchangeable with other modules.
Open Sea Leather Hot Rack Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Customizable design
One-piece construction
Front pocket carry
Specifications
Dimensions
3.5" x 2.75"
Capacity
6 cards and quartered cash
Materials
Full-grain leather
If you enjoy the classic heritage style of stitched and folded full-grain leather wallets but you don’t want to carry around a bulky traditional bifold, make sure to check out the Hot Rack by Open Sea Leather. It’s a slim front-pocket card holder wallet that’s crafted using a single piece of full-grain leather with two pockets on the front and back and a strap for carrying folded cash bills. There’s a wide range of colors available for both the leather and the stitching, letting you pick the color combination that works for you.
Andar The Turner Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Pull tab
RFID protection
ID pocket
Specifications
Dimensions
4.125" x 3"
Capacity
10 cards
Materials
Full-grain Crazy Horse leather
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$
The Turner features ultra-soft premium full-grain leather that’s built to patina over time, giving your EDC wallet a unique touch of class. There are three total card slots that hold up to 10 cards, and one of them is a quick access slot that has a pull tab for convenience at the checkout counter. The wallet is RFID protected against card skimmers and fraudsters, and there’s still room inside for folded cash as well.
Ridge Damascus Card Holder Wallet
PurchaseKey Features
Exotic Damascus pattern
RFID protection
Cash strap or money clip option
Specifications
Dimensions
3.4" x 2.1" x 0.23"
Capacity
12 cards plus cash
Materials
304 stainless steel
The Ridge Wallet Damascus features laser-engraved steel plates with patterns inspired by the forge-welding technique of modern Damascus steel. Knife enthusiasts would be familiar with this kind of fluid-like pattern, as more recent blades offer a Damascus steel option—valued for alloyed performance as well as their looks. This distinct watery pattern, also reflected in the texturing of the surface, give the new Damascus version of the Ridge Wallet strong visual presence and a heavy-duty look when you take it out to access you cards or cash.
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