Tips for Choosing the Best Wallet for You
You probably don’t think about your wallet very often. It probably doesn’t cross your mind until you need it to pay for something, like a date or your rent or bills. Once you get locked into that mindset, the question becomes: Which wallet do I choose? The answer is simple: whichever one helps you save money and time. That might seem obvious; what product wouldn’t help you achieve those two goals? But not every product does. Some wallets cost more than they’re worth and others won’t suit your needs as much as others would. So let’s take a look at some of the best options out there and how they measure up against one another.
What to Look for in a Wallet
There are some things that all wallets have in common, and some things that make each wallet unique. Let’s take a look at both types of qualities to keep an eye out for when you find yourself in the wallet aisle of your local department store or online.
Durability – This is key; a wallet that falls apart or otherwise fails to keep your cash and cards safe isn’t worth your time. If you have a ton of stuff in your wallet, like receipts, bank cards/credit cards, and business cards, that can wear on it pretty quickly. And the more often you have to replace it, the less worthwhile it is.
Design – There’s no point in using a wallet that makes you look silly. If you carry one of those bi-fold wallets with a giant dollar sign on either side, you’re going to feel silly. And that can lead to you losing confidence. Hey, we’ve all been there.
The Bi-fold Wallet
The bi-fold is probably the first type of wallet you used growing up. folds in half and holds everything in place. They come in all sizes, and styles from lambskin to cowhide and everything in between. The bi-fold is great if you have a few cards and cash you carry every day. It’s easy to add to and take out cards, making it a great choice for the average joe.
The Trifold Wallet
A trifold is similar to a bi-fold wallet, but instead of one fold, it’s got two. That gives it a bit more bulk than a bi-fold wallet, but it also offers a lot more storage. You can fit a lot more cards in a trifold than in a bi-fold. And tri-folds are great for people who like to store receipts and other documentation for their spending. Trifolds are great for people who like to keep their wallets stuffed to the brim. They can fit a lot of cards and cash in there, and they still close neatly. They tend to be a little bulkier than bi-folds, so they’re not as great for that small profile. But if you’ve got a few cards to your name and like to keep them in your wallet, a trifold wallet may be the best option for you.
Card Holder Wallet
If you don’t want to carry around a bulky wallet or you don’t have enough stuff in your wallet to warrant a trifold, a cardholder wallet may be the way to go. Cardholder wallets are slim and sleek and can hold just a few cards, making them a great choice for minimalists. They can also be used to store cash, but you’ll likely not be carrying a stack of bills with a cardholder wallet. Cardholder wallets let you keep the bulk down while still holding all the cards you need in an organized way.
Money Clip
If you don’t want to carry one at all, you can always opt for a money clip. They are exactly what they sound like: a clip that holds your money and cards that you can slide into your pocket. They’re great for people who don’t like carrying a big, bulky wallet around, Money clips look a lot like giant paper clips, they’re usually made of metal or carbon fiber. They’re designed to hold your cash and a few cards, which makes them ideal for people who don’t like to carry a ton of stuff with them.
RFID Blocking
If you’ve ever read a headline about someone hacking into a credit card and stealing money, you’ve probably wondered how in the world that happens. Well, it starts with the fact that the chips in most credit cards transmit radio waves that let you pay without swiping your card. The bad news is that anyone with a handheld scanner can pick up those radio waves, too. The good news is that you can block those radio waves with an RFID wallet. These have an extra layer of material that keeps your card information secure. Just keep in mind that not all wallets with RFID protection are created equal.
Make a Good Choice for You
What wallet you choose is up to you, but it’s important to make a good choice. A wallet is something you’ll use every day, so don’t go for something cheap that will fall apart in a few months. Instead, invest in one that’ll last you years and help you keep your cash and cards safe. Now that you know what to look for, it’s up to you to find the right one for you. Choosing the right wallet is important because it helps you stay organized and protect your cash and cards from getting lost.