We get it. Leather wallets are still a thing, they’re iconic, classy and they show merit. They’re also dated and bulky. So, you want to get one that oozes class, looks sleek, has minimalistic design principles, and can protect your money from skimmers with an RFID shield. There’s good news and bad news. The good news is, leather wallets have evolved and more manufacturers are incorporating a sleek design to fit the modern minimalism in wallets. You can choose from a wide gamut of flat leather wallets with an ergonomic design that can fit in all your cards and carry enough cash. However, there’s a trade-off. Most of these leather wallets still get bulky once you place the cards and cash inside. And worse, the majority of these leather wallets do not offer reliable RFID protection.
RFID And Card Skimming
Radio Frequency Identification is what powers the world today. It’s used for ID check, inventory tracking, controlling access, patient tracking, and making payments. The radio transmitter in your cards and everyday objects transmit a vast amount of personal information in the blink of an eye. As you know, anyone can wave your Mastercard Contactless or Visa PayWave without you having to authorize it. Stealing your card info from a distance has become surprisingly easy. This is the downside of convenience. Scammers can use cheap RFID skimming gadgets to collect your details without even you knowing.
There is a solution. Wallets with RFID blocking like GRID can completely block all radio signals. These minimalist metal wallets went to the top of the charts as a radical new approach to organizing money. The quick fame was firmly cemented by their impenetrable RFID shield. Even when placed right on top of a card reader at supermarkets, they kept the card details safely housed inside.
Best Leather Wallets With Reliable RFID Protection
We tested hundreds of leather wallets selling with RFID blocking and most results were dismal. They offered some protection until they were brought close to a reader. Luckily, we found a few that came with a robust RFID shield. They are few in number but worth the money if you’re specifically looking for a leather wallet with RFID blocking tech.
- Apple Wallet
When it comes to perfection, Apple sets the bar for the rest. So, when they launched their MagSafe Leather Apple wallet with RFID, it went straight to the top unchallenged. This is a quality leather construction, sleeker than an Apple Watch, and has RFID protection as robust as the security on their Apple Wallet app. At $59, It’s pricey (like all Apple products) for a leather wallet that can hold up to 3 cards, but we still feel it’s worth the money.
- Buffway’s Wallet With RFID
For those looking to get a quality leather cardholder on a budget, Buffway's cardholder makes a solid pick. This is the best choice for an ultra-thin cardholder on the move. Its bare essential design speaks volumes for minimalism - can hold up to 8 cards and cash - without adding to the bulk. The RFID shield is solid. And it will only set you back a tenner on Amazon.
- HL (Harber London) Bifold Leather Wallet With RFID Shield
It's impossible to talk about leather wallets with RFID blocking and not mention Harber London. Class and British craftsmanship often go hand in hand. This bifold wallet from HL is no exception. This full-grain leather wallet comes in rich tones of brown and black. The RFID shield is as good as any out there and maybe even comparable to GRID wallets.