Best RFID

By Carolin Lehmann

May 26, 2023 / 12:58 PM / Essentials

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Tap-and-pay (RFID-capable) credit cards can lead to a potential security hazard: criminals swiping your credit card information while your cards are in your bag or wallet, simply by walking close to you. Find out how likely this scenario is and what you can do about it ahead.

Top products in this article

Travando slim money clip wallet, $30 (reduced from $35)

Bellroy Hide & Seek, $89

Samsonite SXK slim backpack, $225 (reduced from $300)

Related: How we choose our products

RFID stands for radio frequency identification. This technology uses radio waves to identify objects. If you can tap and pay with your credit card, it is RFID-capable.

There are wallets and bags on the market that can block RFID scanning. While it's technically possible for a thief to steal your credit card information via RFID, this kind of hacking is not a widespread crime, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. Still, an RFID-protected wallet or bag might help protect you against accidental tap-and-pay transactions while at the register.

If you need a new bag or wallet, there are plenty of RFID-blocking options available. Check them out ahead, from Herschel, Samsonite and more brands. There are wallets, backpacks and handbags here for a variety of budgets. They're all rated four stars or more.

The Travando slim money clip wallet is a No. 1 Amazon bestseller. The 4.5" x 3.1" x 0.6" wallet features 11 card pockets, an integrated money clip and -- of course -- it's RFID-protected. Available in 14 colors.

Amazon reviewers call it an "awesome find" that is "unbelievably smart and thin." It's got a 4.4-star-rating backed by more than 110,000 reviews. (Yeah, that's a lot.)

Travando slim money clip wallet, $30 (reduced from $35)

This compact card case has a zippered main compartment and external slots for cards. This wallet that comes in six colors has an RFID blocking layer.

Herschel Supply Co. Oscar RFID wallet, $40

This slim backpack has a laptop and tablet compartment. Its back lumbar pocket is RFID blocking. This backpack even has a built-in USB port and a sleeve to fit onto most suitcase handles.

Samsonite SXK slim backpack, $225 (reduced from $300)

This classic leather wallet can hold 12 or more cards. It even has a hidden pocket for cash and cards. Naturally, it offer RFID protection. Find it in eight colors.

Bellroy Hide & Seek, $89

This travel-friendly backpack has slash-guard straps that help prevent thieves from running off with your stuff. It also has security hooks that you can use to secure it to a table and the like. This backpack features an RFID-blocking pocket.

Pacsafe Cruise Essentials backpack, $120

This backpack has RFID-blocking slots and is made of an abrasion-resistant canvas with a droplet barrier. It comes in two colors and has a side water bottle pocket.

Travelon Coastal RFID blocking large backpack, $45

Get this Herschel wallet for a steal. It has an ID window, three card slots and a cash pocket. Plus, it's RFID blocking. Find it in two colors.

Herschel Supply Co. Hank RFID bifold wallet, $25 (reduced from $38)

This petite crossbody bag is big enough to fit your smartphone and doubles as a wallet. It has a coin zipper pocket and a snap compartment with six card slots. Its lining is RFID-blocking. It comes with a short and long strap.

Pomelo Best crossbody cellphone bag, $30

Carolin Lehmann is an expert in health, fitness, furniture, apparel, gift guides and books for CBS Essentials. She's always testing new products to recommend. Some of her current favorites include Stanley cups, Alo Yoga workout sets and the Cuzen matcha maker.

First published on May 26, 2023 / 12:58 PM