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Credit, debit, and ID card technology is extremely advanced. With most cards, radio waves transmit your information for quick transactions; some can even process payments without contact. However, having that technology can put you at risk.
Electronic pickpockets are out there just waiting to get their hands on your information, but can they get it without even putting their hands on your wallet? Our experts analyze RFID wallet technology and bring you the best wallets.
Article Overview
- Do You Need An RFID Wallet?
- Is The Threat Real?
- Do RFID Wallets Work?
- Best RFID Wallets
- How Do Electronic Pickpockets Do It? (Video)
- Protect Your Wallet And Your Identity
Do You Need An RFID Wallet?
Radio-frequency identification, or RIFD, uses radio waves to read information embedded in a tag. The tag houses a circuit and an antenna. You will find RFID tags in all sorts of things, like credit cards, debit cards, ID cards, and even passports. RFID scanners read the RFID tag. They receive the radio waves produced by the tag and interpret the information.
The problem with this is that thieves can use an RFID scanner to collect your information by placing it near your wallet without even touching your card. However, some RFID wallets can block scanners and protect your personal information.
Is The Threat Real?
Though RFID skimming is possible, experts say it isn’t a huge threat. RFID technology is very secure, more secure than swiping your card. That means it’s much easier for a thief to access card information when people are swiping their cards. RFID skimming requires more work and puts the thief at a greater risk of being caught since they have to be physically present to use the technology.
Check out our experts’ comprehensive guide to RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to learn more about how exactly the technology works, along with its benefits and risks.
Do RFID Wallets Work?
Not all RFID wallets are equal; some are better than others. According to a Consumer Reports study, out of the 10 RFID wallets and shields they tested, none completely blocked the RFID transmitted information. They also noted a large difference between products, emphasizing the need to choose a product recommended by security experts.
Personal Experience
Our team member Alex has had his RFID wallet for a few years:
I received an RFID wallet as a gift a couple years ago. Since then, I’ve had no credit card fraud incidences, whereas prior I had to deal with about one issue a year. Whether or not this is due to the RFID blocking working, or for another reason, I do not know.
Best RIFD Wallets
As we mentioned before, some RFID wallets work better than others. We review the best RFID wallets to help you protect your information from electronic pickpockets. Here are our top choices in five categories:
Wallet For Men | Wallet For Women | Metal Wallet | Passport Wallet | Blocking Sleeves
Best RFID Wallet For Men: SERMAN BRANDS RFID Blocking Slim Bifold Review
This high-quality, genuine leather men’s RFID wallet is a natural choice for our top pick. Not only does it protect your card information, but its sleek design and 8 color choices also makes it very fashionable. This wallet only holds 6 to 8 cards but has a money clip and an ID access window. One unique feature that we love is the front pocket feature designed so you can quickly access the card you use the most.
This SERMAN BRANDS wallet has secure RFID technology using composite metal to protect cards with a radio frequency of 13.56 MHz or higher. It works well for credit cards but will not protect lower frequency tags like those found in some ID cards, hotel key cards and transit passes. The slim design of this wallet adds to its security since you can easily fit it in a front pocket.
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Best RFID Wallet For Women: Itslife Large Capacity RFID Wallet Review
The Itslife large capacity wallet is our choice for the best RFID wallet for women. This genuine leather wallet has a wax finish, making it durable and fashionable. They offer nearly 30 different color options. You will love the organizational capabilities, including 20 card slots, access ID window, full-length bill slots and a phone case. You can carry it as a clutch purse or place it in a larger bag for convenient carrying. However, it will not fit in a pants pocket.
Itslife wallets provide RFID protection for tags over 13.65 MHz, so like the SERMAN BRANDS, it won’t protect lower frequency cards. The proprietary material they use to protect your cards is military-grade shielding technology. If you’re looking for something smaller, check out their women’s RFID bifold option.
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Itslife Women's RFID Blocking Large Capacity Luxury Wax Genuine Leather Cluth Wallet Ladies Card holder (Coffee RFID Blocking)$29.99
Best RIFD Metal Wallet: The Ridge Slim RFID Metal Wallet Review
The Ridge slim RFID metal wallet stands out as our pick for the best RFID metal wallet. The metal design is very fashionable, and it holds up to 10 cards. You can choose between a money clip or a money strap to hold your cash. Our favorite feature is the expanding card compartment that holds more cards than other slim choices while still fitting in your front pocket.
This metal wallet uses durable anodized gunmetal lined with aluminum plates to protect your cards from RFID scanners. This company doesn’t claim to have issues protecting low-frequency cards but does have limited color choices, and some users complain that it’s hard to get cards out of the middle of the wallet.
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Best RFID Passport Wallet: Zero Grid Passport Wallet Review
When you’re traveling abroad, you’ll want to consider an RFID passport wallet to protect your cards and identification too. This unisex option from Zero Grid is the perfect compact passport-sized wallet. it’s made with a durable, water-resistant ripstop nylon material and has a zipper to ensure closure. You can store your passport, 4 to 10 cards, boarding passes and more. It even comes with a small pen.
Zero Grid is so confident in their product they offer a $300 reimbursement if someone steals items out of your wallet. They also give you 2 ReturnMe tags that you can use on any personal items. The tags will help track and recover your items if they are lost or stolen.
Though the company says the card pockets can hold up to 10 cards, some customers say they won’t all fit. It also only comes in 2 color choices, grey and black, and the design is clearly function over fashion.
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Best RIFD Blocking Sleeves: Alpine Rivers Card and Passport Blocking Sleeves Review
If you want to protect the cards in your wallet but want to keep your wallet as is, another option is to place the vulnerable contents of your wallet in blocking sleeves. Alpine Rivers sleeves are our first choice in this category.
The electronically opaque blocking material will protect your information by blocking unauthorized scanning devices, and the sleeves are water and tear-resistant. This product is easy to use and doesn’t take up extra space in your wallet. Your purchase includes 14 card sleeves and 4 sleeves for passports. The sleeves don’t protect low-frequency cards like some ID badges and hotel keys, and they create an extra step to access your cards.
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How Do Electronic Pickpockets Do It?
This short video from CNN’s Anderson Live shows you how easy it is for an electronic pickpocket to get your information.
Protect Your Wallet And Your Identity
Securing the information on your credit and debit cards with an RFID wallet is a great way to protect your credit and reduce the risk of identity theft. However, credit card theft isn’t the only issue to consider. Read our article about the best ID protection services to learn more.
